What vaccination procedure should all newborns receive?

Newborns should receive the hepatitis B vaccine before discharge from the hospital. This is critical for several reasons. The hepatitis B vaccine is an effective means of preventing hepatitis B virus infection, which can lead to serious liver disease, including cirrhosis and liver cancer later in life. The vaccination within 24 hours of birth is particularly important for infants born to mothers who are positive for hepatitis B, as these infants are at a significantly higher risk of becoming infected.

Administering the hepatitis B vaccine before discharge ensures that all newborns have the opportunity to start their vaccination schedule, promoting early immunization. Delaying this vaccination could leave newborns vulnerable to contracting hepatitis B, especially if they encounter the virus in their early interactions.

While testing for HBsAg and antibody to HBsAg in the infant is important for determining if an infant is at risk or has been exposed to the virus, this procedure does not provide immediate immunity like vaccination does. Similarly, administering the hepatitis B vaccine along with hepatitis B immune globulin is usually indicated for high-risk infants born to mothers who are hepatitis B positive, but it is not the general recommendation for all infants. Arranging for vaccination later is not ideal since early immunization reduces the risk of infection effectively.