Hep B vaccination while breastfeeding
Question from Mrs Kang
I'm breastfeeding my one-and-a-half-year-old child. I'd like to protect myself against Hepatitis B. Is it safe to be vaccinated while I'm breastfeeding? Will the vaccine affect my child in any way? If it's not safe, what can I do to protect myself from Hepatitis B?
Reply from Dr Lim Hui Ling,
Senior Family Physician, International Medical Clinic
Hepatitis B is endemic in Singapore, so people here are strongly encouraged to be immunised against it. The vaccine is routinely given to babies born in local hospitals or in their infancy.
There are no known adverse effects from having the vaccination while breastfeeding, for a mother or her child. Even if any of the vaccine crosses into breastmilk, it will be minuscule compared to the dose that the child would have got when he was immunised.
I would encourage you to have the vaccination as soon as you can. If you have not been tested, you should first see your doctor for a blood test to check for Hepatitis B surface antigens and antibodies to determine if you are already immune or are already infected.
Hepatitis B is transmitted by blood and body fluids, for example by sexual contact with an infected person, blood transfusions, contaminated needles from piercings, tattoos or illicit drugs, through saliva (through bites) and in breastmilk (from an infected mother to her baby).
Other than avoiding such exposures, which may not always be possible or obvious, the best way to prevent Hep B is by immunisation.
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The information provided above is for general knowledge only. You should seek medical advice or treatment for your condition. Email questions to health@newstoday.com.sg.
From TODAY, Health – Tuesday, 26-May-2009
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