A guide for introducing and strengthening Hepatitis B birth dose vaccination

WHO has published global guidance for immunization managers and maternal child health

professionals seeking to introduce hepatitis B birth dose into national immunization programmes

or to strengthen existing birth dose programmes. The guide places particular emphasis

on the unique programmatic features administering hepatitis B vaccine as a birth dose

and the necessary integration with maternal, obstetric and post-natal care.

Specifically, this guide aims to:

 Provide an overview of WHO recommendations, best practices, technical justification and

strategic approaches relating to hepatitis B birth dose to newborns

 Highlight the unique operational requirements for introducing a vaccination that should be delivered as soon after birth as possible, preferably within 24 hours.

 Inform the policy discussions and operational strategies for the introduction of hepatitis B birth dose vaccination into a national immunization programme.