Final answer:
Infants born to Hep B positive mothers should receive the Hepatitis B vaccine and HBIG within 12 hours of birth. The HBV vaccination series includes three shots, with the first dose at birth, the second at 1 to 2 months, and the third at 6 months of age. Additional doses may be required for infants weighing under 2,000 grams.
Step-by-step explanation:
Infants born to Hep B Positive Mothers: IVIG and Vaccination Schedule:
For infants born to a Hep B positive mother, a specific immunization and treatment schedule is recommended to protect the infant from Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, which is a serious liver disease. Installing preventive measures at birth is crucial because Hepatitis B can lead to chronic infection especially in infants with approximately 90% of those infected at birth becoming chronic carriers. Vaccination at birth with the Hepatitis B vaccine provides the initial layer of protection against HBV. In addition to vaccination, the administration of Immune Globulin (HBIG) provides further protection against HBV. The recommended course of action for infants born to mothers with Hepatitis B is to provide the Hepatitis B vaccine and HBIG within 12 hours of birth.
The HBV vaccination series typically includes three shots: the first dose is given at birth, the second dose at 1 to 2 months of age, and the third dose at 6 months of age (but not before 24 weeks old). If the mother's HBV status is confirmed the HBV vaccine alone may be administered without HBIG. For infants weighing less than 2,000 grams, the HBV vaccine is administered within 12 hours of birth, followed by three additional doses, the last of which should be given at 6 months of age or older to ensure long term immunity.