The West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA), in partnership with the Washington State Department of Health (WA DOH) and several leading national medical organizations, has reaffirmed its strong support for routine hepatitis B vaccination for all newborns.
According to the updated guidance, newborns weighing at least 2,000 grams (4 pounds, 7 ounces) should receive their first dose of the vaccine within 24 hours of birth. Health experts emphasize that timely vaccination is vital for preventing hepatitis B infections, which can lead to lifelong complications such as liver disease or cancer. The remaining doses should be administered according to the recommended vaccine schedule to ensure full protection.
This recommendation is fully aligned with major national medical bodies, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Infectious Diseases Society of America.
Officials say the reaffirmed guidance aims to strengthen public health protections and ensure that families receive consistent, evidence-based information on newborn vaccination.
The West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) strongly supports that hepatitis B vaccination continue to be routinely offered to all newborns, with the first dose of the vaccine given within 24 hours of birth for newborns weighing at least 2,000 grams (4 pounds, 7 ounces), followed by… pic.twitter.com/Re9qhqlmjP
— Washington State Department of Health (@WADeptHealth) December 6, 2025