The newborn nursery at OCH Regional Medical Center has been recognized by the Immunization Action Coalition (IAC) and the state health department for achieving one of the highest reported rates in the state for its work to protect newborns from hepatitis B virus infection. “OCH is among only five hospitals in the state that have achieved placement on this honor roll. Our most recent audit from the State Department of Health in June 2014 resulted in 100% compliance with recommended immunizations,” said Karen Tiffin, OCH perinatal nurse manager. “The birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine is the first step in creating a safety net that will protect infants from hepatitis B infection and from the development of chronic hepatitis B infection if acquired through contact with an infected mother, household member or caregiver,” continued Tiffin.
OCH is the newest entry into IAC’s birth dose honor roll (www.immunize.org/honor-roll/birthdose), which recognizes hospitals and birthing centers that have attained high coverage levels for administering the hepatitis B vaccine at birth. The nursery at OCH immunized over 98% of babies in 2014 and took additional steps to prevent perinatal transmission of hepatitis B. The national standard of care to prevent hepatitis B virus infection in babies is to administer hepatitis B vaccine to all newborns before they leave the hospital or birthing center. “OCH’s commitment to the best practice of hepatitis B vaccination at birth has shown them to be a leader in preventing the transmission of the hepatitis B virus” said Deborah Wexler, MD, executive director and founder of IAC.
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