Eiii folks! Big news dey come from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about the hepatitis B vaccine. Dem vaccine advisers just change the recommendation wey dey say make all newborns get their first dose of the vaccine within 24 hours of birth.
What happened?
After plenty debate and confusion, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), wey Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. reshuffle earlier this year, vote to roll back the decades-long recommendation. Now, if a woman test negative for hepatitis B, she fit decide with her doctor whether her baby go get the birth dose or not. Dem even suggest say make dem wait till at least 2 months for the first dose if dem no give am at birth.
Why the change?
Some panel members dey worry about vaccinating babies during the neonatal period, wey be important time for brain and immune system development. Even though the hepatitis B vaccine don dey safe for newborns for years, some people say dem no see enough data to support delaying the dose.
How e dey affect you?
If you dey expect pikin or you get small pikin, make you talk to your doctor about the hepatitis B vaccine. Make sure you understand the risks and benefits so you fit make informed decision wey go benefit your family.
Remember:
- Hepatitis B vaccine dey protect against incurable infection.
- The vaccine dey given in three doses.
- Talk to your doctor to get the best advice for your situation.
Stay informed and stay healthy, Ghana!