Does my child need the Hepatitis B vaccine?
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The Hepatitis B vaccine is routinely given to newborn infants in the hospital. It is a three dose series so the other two doses are given over time. Schools require the Hepatitis B vaccine for entry into school so most children have received the vaccine by the time they are five. Yet, does your child actually need the hepatitis B vaccine? In most cases, not at all.
Hepatitis B is spread through risky sexual behavior, those who are in contact with blood, homosexuals, drug users, family members of someone infected with hepatitis B, and international travelers to areas with a high level of Hepatitis B. Does your child fit any of these? More than likely not and you are probably wondering why they give this shot to your infant in the hospital. It makes no sense whatsoever and your infant certainly does not need this immunization within days of being born. Of course, if the mother has Hepatitis B then a vaccination is recommended. But for all other children there is no reason whatsoever to give this vaccination.
When a child is older and may be involved in some risky behavior or exposed to people with the infection then you may consider allowing the vaccination for Hepatitis B. However, there is no scientific reason to vaccinate a child for this particular illness at such an early age. The nurses will ask you in the hospital if you want to vaccinate your child for hepatitis B. Simply decline and make sure they do not vaccinate your child. The risk of side effects are significantly higher than the risk of your child contracting Hepatitis B at such a young age.
It is highly recommended to postpone the Hepatitis B vaccine until your child is older or avoid it altogether. Most people are never at risk for this illness anyway and only those who are should consider the vaccine. Take care of your child’s health and stand strong. Don’t allow any nurses or doctors to change your mind or fill your head with misinformation. You know avoiding the vaccine is safer for your child than administering it.
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