About The Study: This study estimated the impact of replacing universal hepatitis B virus (HBV) birth-dose vaccination with a targeted recommendation on neonatal and subsequent chronic HBV infections in the U.S. The findings indicate that the targeted birth-dose vaccine recommendation will likely increase neonatal infections unless maternal screening rises substantially or vaccination coverage among infants of unscreened mothers exceeds current levels. As historic data show such improvements are unlikely, these findings underscore the continued importance of universal screening and vaccination as complementary safeguards. 

About The Study: The results of this economic evaluation quantified the potential impact of changing Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations. Even brief delays in hepatitis B vaccine initiation were associated with a substantial increase in hepatitis B virus infections, adverse health outcomes, and health care costs. 

Delaying hepatitis B vaccination after birth increases infections among newborns and decreases their survival rates and quality of life, according to a new Cornell University study.

Researchers at Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Public Health used simulation modeling to examine how different levels of newborn vaccination coverage and maternal screening influence HBV infection rates in infants across the US. The findings, published in JAMA Pediatrics, compared outcomes under varying real-world conditions to better understand how screening and vaccination work together to prevent transmission. 

UT Health San Antonio, the academic health center of The University of Texas at San Antonio (UT San Antonio), was recently awarded a highly competitive Alzheimer’s Association research grant to investigate how environmental stressors like jet lag and high-fat foods may contribute to an increased risk for the disease.