The department of health is reviewing a National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommendation on Hepatitis B vaccines for infants.
The Hepatitis B virus can cause acute and chronic infection of the liver. Infants, young children and those with compromised immune systems are at greatest risk of developing chronic infection.
While routine immunization programs have been established in Canada for decades, most provinces and territories offer the vaccine to school-aged children.
The National Advisory Committee is recommending routine HB vaccines in infants to provide earlier and more equitable protection.
The province says it is reviewing the recommendation and says it remains committed to “exploring all options” to ensure improved health for all residents.
