Final answer:
The claim that only infants with mothers who have negative HBsAg may be vaccinated for Hepatitis B by age is false. All infants are recommended to receive the Hepatitis B vaccine at birth to protect them from potential chronic infection and serious liver diseases.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that only infants whose mothers have negative Hepatitis B surface antigens (HBsAg) may be given the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine by age instead of soon after birth is False. The Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended to be given to all newborns, regardless of the mother's HBsAg status. This vaccine, which is a non-infectious subunit viral vaccine derived from hepatitis B surface antigen produced in yeast cells, plays a crucial role in protecting infants from a serious liver disease. The first dose is usually administered at birth to all infants as part of the standard vaccination schedule. Subsequent doses are given according to a set schedule to ensure adequate immunity.
This approach to vaccination is critical because Hepatitis B can be transmitted from mother to child during childbirth, even if the mother does not have active symptoms. By vaccinating all infants at birth, we help protect against the risk of chronic infection, especially since about 90% of infants infected with Hepatitis B will become chronic carriers. Chronic infections can lead to serious health issues such as cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer in later life. Thus, providing the vaccine soon after birth, regardless of the mother's HBsAg status, is part of a public health strategy to reduce the burden of this disease.