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All infants should be vaccinated against Hep B, immunization advisory committee says
The committee says early vaccination will protect children during the period of greatest vulnerability to chronic infection, which can lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer.
- On Nov 5, 2026, The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommended that all infants receive Hepatitis immunization. Infants may receive the shot within 24 hours of birth or at their first routine childhood immunization appointment at two months of age.
- Hepatitis is a virus that infects the liver and has a high likelihood of becoming chronic in young children, especially in infants under one year old. Untreated chronic Hepatitis can lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer, according to the Public Health Agency.
- Several provinces, including Alberta, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, already provide infant vaccinations. Conversely, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland-Labrador currently delay immunization until grades 6 or 7.
- NACI says a strategy providing early-life protection "is expected to promote health equity by ensuring that all children are protected during the period of greatest vulnerability to chronic infection." Officials noted it will take time for jurisdictions to transition toward optimal programs.
- According to the HIV and Hepatitis information platform CATIE, the virus can be acquired during or after childbirth. Canadian programs have been shown to reduce disease since their introduction, ensuring continued protection for older children during the upcoming transition.
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29 Articles
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Total News Sources29
Leaning Left19Leaning Right0Center9Last UpdatedBias Distribution68% Left
Bias Distribution
- 68% of the sources lean Left
68% Left
L 68%
C 32%
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