Taiwan Maintains Universal Hepatitis B Vaccination for Newborns

Taiwan will continue its universal hepatitis B vaccination policy for newborns, despite a recent decision by US health officials to revise their vaccination guidelines. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan announced this commitment on March 15, 2024, citing the disease’s varying prevalence across countries.

The US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted 8-3 to recommend the hepatitis B vaccine only for infants born to mothers who test positive for the virus or whose status is unknown. This decision marks a significant shift from the longstanding practice of administering the vaccine at birth. The ACIP now suggests that parents decide on the vaccination based on individual circumstances for infants born to mothers who test negative for hepatitis B.

Lin Min-cheng, a spokesperson for the CDC, expressed Taiwan’s intention to maintain its current vaccination strategy. He noted that this decision was reached after consultations with members of Taiwan’s own Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. “Given the continued high prevalence of hepatitis B in our population, we believe it is crucial to uphold our universal vaccination policy,” Lin stated.

In Taiwan, hepatitis B was historically prevalent, primarily transmitted from mother to child. To combat this, a universal vaccination program was initiated in July 1986. Following this, the vaccination schedule for newborns was established in November 1992, recommending three doses at “zero, one, and six months” after birth. Since May 2011, the first dose has been advised to be administered within 24 hours of birth.

According to CDC data, the coverage rate for the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine among infants born in 2023 stood at an impressive 93.1 percent. The second and third doses have even higher coverage rates at 98.9 percent and 97.7 percent, respectively. Lin explained that the slightly lower first-dose coverage can be attributed to newborns requiring emergency medical treatment or being born with low birth weights (below 2 kg), which can delay vaccination until their conditions stabilize.

The impact of this vaccination policy has been significant. The carrier rate of hepatitis B among children in Taiwan has dropped to less than 0.8 percent, a marked decrease from 10.5 percent prior to the policy’s implementation. This decline is crucial in reducing the long-term health risks associated with hepatitis B, including liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Lin emphasized that while hepatitis B prevalence remains high among individuals born before the universal vaccination program, the burden of the disease necessitates the continuation of this public health initiative. “Our circumstances differ substantially from those in the United States, and we must tailor our vaccination policies to best protect our population,” he added.

As global health guidelines evolve, Taiwan’s steadfast approach highlights the importance of adapting public health strategies to local needs. The CDC’s commitment to universal hepatitis B vaccination underscores its dedication to safeguarding the health of future generations.