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Apr
20

Information for prenatal providers

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Information for prenatal providers

Early identification of pregnancy and hepatitis B infection through universal prenatal testing along with notification to Public Health, is key to preventing the spread of disease.

CDC Interim Guidance to Prevent Perinatal Transmission of Hep B
During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Select a topic below to display information:

Unless they get proper post-exposure prevention, up to 90% of babies born to mothers with hepatitis B get infected, and 85% to 95% of those will be chronically infected. Up to one in four chronically infected babies will die from primary hepatocellular carcinoma or cirrhosis of the liver later in life. Learn more from the links below.

When to report a pregnant person who has hepatitis B (HBsAG-positive)

  • In Washington, healthcare providers are legally required to report hepatitis B infections to Public Health.

  • Each pregnancy to a person with hepatitis B infection is also required and needs to be reported to Public Health within 3 days.

  • Reporting of a HBsAg-positive pregnant person to Public Health — Seattle & King County can be done in the following ways:
    • Call Communicable Disease Control, Epidemiology, & Immunization at 206-296-4774
    • Call the 24-hour report line at 206-296-4782, push "3" to report PHBPP information, or
    • Download, complete, and fax the confidential case report form to 206-296-4803.

The Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention Program is a case management service provided by Public Health for pregnant people with hepatitis B and their infants. Pregnant people who are infected with hepatitis B and their infants are automatically enrolled in the program after Public Health is notified by their provider, clinic, hospital, or lab.

The program helps mothers, parents, and guardians take the steps necessary to protect their babies from hepatitis B

Services include:

  • hepatitis B vaccine and testing reminder calls or letters to moms, parents, and guardians
  • coordinating clinic appointments for enrolled infants
  • hepatitis B education other resources for clients

For questions and client services call 206-296-4774 and ask for the perinatal hepatitis B team.

For prenatal providers
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