Perinatal Hepatitis B

Schenectady County Public Health Services provides patient education and case management for mothers who test positive for Hepatitis B (Hep B or HBV) and for their newborn babies.

What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B infection is caused by the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and is associated with acute and chronic liver disease.
It is spread by sexual contact with infected persons, sharing needles during injection drug use, occupational needle sticks or sharp exposures, or from an infected mother to her baby during birth.

What is the Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention Program?

The goal of this program is to identify all pregnant women who are infected with Hepatitis B and prevent perinatal transmission of the virus.
The Advisory Committee of Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends testing all pregnant women within 12 hours of giving birth for Hepatitis B surface antigen.

Information for Patients

Are you pregnant? Did you recently test positive for Hepatitis B? Schenectady County Public Health Services is here to help.

Speak to our Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention Program nurse.

Call 518-386-2824, option 4

Additional Information and Resources

Hepatitis B & Moms To Be

Know HBV

For Providers

Do you currently have a pregnant patient who has tested positive for Hepatitis B or a newborn born to a mother with a positive Hepatitis B status? Schenectady County Public Health Services can provide you with information regarding recommended testing and vaccination schedules.

Speak to our Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention Program nurse.

Call 518-386-2824, option 4

Perinatal Hepatitis B in-service training is available to medical offices or providers in Schenectady County. Call to make an appointment.