Oregon sees drop in newborn hepatitis B vaccination

Oregon Health Authority reports a modest decline in newborn hepatitis B birth-dose vaccination and in prenatal hepatitis B screening since 2020; the state is tracking both trends on a new dashboard.

Oregon health officials report a small but measurable decline in newborn hepatitis B vaccination over the past four years, and they say prenatal hepatitis B screening has fallen as well. The state is tracking both measures on a dashboard that includes data back to 2020. State epidemiologist Dean Sidelinger described the trend as concerning in a public statement. The state is monitoring the situation without a stated change to routine practice. Key points: - OHA reports the statewide birth-dose hepatitis B vaccination rate was 82% in 2024, down from 86% in 2022. - Hepatitis B screening among people giving birth fell from 96% to 94% over the same period, according to OHA. - In December, the CDC updated guidance to recommend a birth dose only for infants born to mothers with hepatitis B and to allow later vaccination after provider consultation; the American Academy of Pediatrics continues to recommend routine newborn vaccination. Summary: OHA officials say they are tracking declines in both newborn vaccination and prenatal screening and are using a new public dashboard to monitor trends. Undetermined at this time.