Pregnancy and Hepatitis B Immunization: A Commentary on Maternal Knowledge and Vertical Transmission Risks

Abstract

This commentary further expands on the topics touched on in the study “Maternal knowledge of the risk of vertical transmission and offspring acquisition of hepatitis B”. We discuss in detail hepatitis B in pregnancy, with a focus on screening, treatment and vaccination of new-borns. We also examine why the global coverage of hepatitis B vaccination at birth is astoundingly low, despite our knowledge of its efficacy. Then, we provide insight into the barriers to providing appropriate screening in the USA, as well as the importance of maternal education in the fight against hepatitis B, particularly with regards to mother to child transmission.