Day One Defense: Giving Every Newborn a Healthy Start Against Hepatitis B
Originally Presented February 18, 2026
This webinar is focused on why the universal Hepatitis B Birth Dose remains essential and how to discuss this in your practice. The universal hepatitis B birth dose starting on the first day of an infant's life has been a proven safety net to prevent chronic infection that can lead to severe liver disease, liver failure, liver cancer and death. Very recently, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended that Hepatitis B vaccination for infants born to mothers who test negative for the virus be administered at two months, although it may still be administered at birth after discussion with a health care provider (described as “individual-based decision-making.") Yet this recommendation removes the immediate protection for all infants whose exposure to hepatitis B is unknown, whose birthing parent received the wrong test, whose results are misinterpreted, or who are exposed in the neonatal period. In this webinar, participants will learn the answers to important questions such as: What is the ideal dose and timing of Hepatitis B vaccine administration in newborns? What is the primary purpose of administering the Hepatitis B vaccine at birth? If a mother’s hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAG) status is unknown at delivery, what should be done? And, which newborns should receive both Hepatitis B vaccine and Hepatitis B immune globulin?
Recording coming soon...
Webinar
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Speakers
Speakers
Ashanda Saint Jean, MD, FACOG
Former Chair, OB-GYN Health Alliance Hospital
Westchester Medical Center Health Network
Associate Professor, New York Medical College
Learning Outcome and Objectives
Learning Outcome and Objectives
As a result of participation in this activity, the learner will have increased and enhanced their knowledge and competence on the current evidence regarding the importance of the universal hepatitis B vaccine birth dose.
By the end of the activity, learners will be able to:
- Summarize the current evidence related to the universal hepatitis B birth dose.
- Explain the science supporting the recommendation to give the first Hepatitis B vaccine dose at birth.
- Identify communication techniques for talking with parents about the Hepatitis B birth dose immunization.
- Describe why maternal screening is not 100% effective in assessing the infant's risk.
Activity Materials
Activity Materials
Continuing Education Credits
Continuing Education Credits
To Obtain Continuing Education Credits
Each participant interested in CE credits must watch the activity, complete an evaluation and post-test, which is available above under "Evaluation, Post-test for CE Credits". A score of 80% and above on the post-test will generate a certificate indicating the requested credits.
Criteria for Successful Completion:
Learners must attend 100% of this activity to be awarded full continuing education credits /contact hours.
Disclosure Statements
None of the planners, moderator, and presenters have any financial arrangements or affiliations with any ineligible companies whose products, research or services may be discussed in this activity.
No commercial funding has been accepted for this activity.
Continuing Medical Education Credits
The College of Integrated Health Sciences, University at Albany is accredited by the Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The School of Public Health, University at Albany designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Continuing Medical Education Credits are offered until December 31, 2026.
Continuing Nurse Education Contact Hours
University at Albany College of Integrated Health Sciences is approved as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the Northeast Multistate Division Education Unit, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
This offering is approved for 1.0 nursing contact hour.
Nursing Contact Hours are offered until March 31, 2028.
Certified Health Education Specialist Contact Hours
Sponsored by the College of Integrated Health Sciences, University at Albany, SUNY, a designated provider of continuing education contact hours (CECH) in health education by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. This program is designated for Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES®) and/or Master Certified Health Education Specialists (MCHES®) to receive up to 1.0 total Category I contact education contact hours. Maximum advanced-level continuing education contact hours available are 0. Continuing Competency credits available are 1.0. Provider ID# 99086.
Continuing Education Contact Hours are offered until February 17, 2029.
Certified in Public Health
This event is sponsored by the College of Integrated Health Sciences, University at Albany, an approved provider of CPH Renewal Credits by the National Board of Public Health Examiners.
This offering is approved for 1.0 Certified in Public Health Renewal Credit.
CPH Renewal Credits are offered until February 17, 2029.
Evaluation, Post Test and Certificate
Evaluation, Post Test and Certificate