A program to provide hepatitis B immunoprophylaxis to infants born to HBsAg-positive Asian and Pacific Island women

Abstract

Between January 1, 1984, and December 31, 1985, there were 545 women from Asia and the Pacific Islands who gave birth to a total of 572 infants at Highland General Hospital in Oakland, California (accounting for 20% of all deliveries at that hospital). For countries having more than ten women giving birth during the study period, the percentage of women screened prenatally for HBs antigen (Ag) ranged from a high of 100% (Laos) to a low of 54% (Philippines). HBsAg-positivity rates ranged from a high of 21% (Tonga) to a low of 0% (India). A total of 52 infants was born to 49 HBsAg-positive mothers, and 40 (77%) of the infants received hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) within 12 hours of birth. While 80% of the infants received HBIG and at least one dose of hepatitis B vaccine, only 35% received the recommended schedule of HBIG and three doses of vaccine.