The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) has made a significant recommendation for public health in Canada, advising that all infants receive vaccinations against hepatitis B. This decision marks an important step in the ongoing efforts to protect the youngest members of society from this potentially severe virus.
NACI states that infants can receive the hepatitis B vaccine either within the first 24 hours after birth or during their first routine childhood immunization appointment at the age of two months. This visit typically includes other essential vaccinations, such as those for tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and polio.
Hepatitis B is a virus that affects the liver and has a high likelihood of developing into a chronic condition, particularly in young children and infants under one year old. While the overall prevalence of hepatitis B in Canada is low—estimated at below two percent—it presents higher risks among certain vulnerable populations, especially those born outside Canada or in areas where hepatitis B is endemic.
Currently, several provinces—including British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and all three territories—already provide hepatitis B vaccinations to infants. However, provinces such as Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador do not vaccinate against hepatitis B until grades 6 or 7. NACI's recent recommendation aims to unify the approach across all provinces and territories to offer consistent protection from infancy.
Pregnant women undergo screening for hepatitis B, but health providers acknowledge that there are gaps in care that need to be addressed in order to enhance prevention measures. The hepatitis B virus is transmitted through blood and bodily fluids. It can be contracted during childbirth or through contact with items that may have traces of blood, such as nail clippers. Notably, hepatitis B is not transmitted through casual contact, such as hugging, kissing, or sharing utensils with an infected individual.
NACI emphasizes that implementing a vaccination strategy to protect infants during their most vulnerable period is expected to promote health equity. By ensuring that all children receive protection against hepatitis B early in life, the risk of chronic infection is significantly reduced. The committee’s guidance acknowledges that transitioning toward an optimal immunization program for all infants will take time and notes that consultations with provincial authorities have been carried out to assess the feasibility of this new uniform schedule.
During this transitional period, NACI encourages continued vaccination of older children to maintain protection levels, as all existing hepatitis B vaccine programs in Canada have demonstrated a reduction in disease since their introduction. Untreated chronic hepatitis B can lead to severe health complications, including cirrhosis or liver cancer, as outlined by the Public Health Agency of Canada.
With these recommendations, NACI aims to fortify Canada’s public health framework and safeguard the well-being of its future generations against hepatitis B, thereby fostering a healthier society.
