Hep B Birth Dose Media Toolkit
The Lifesaving Impact of the Hepatitis B Vaccine
The hepatitis B vaccine has been a global game-changer, saving millions of lives over the past four decades. Safe, effective and groundbreaking as the world’s first anti-cancer vaccine, it protects against hepatitis B, the leading cause of liver cancer.
Vaccines, including the hepatitis B vaccine, are held to the highest safety standards and remain one of the most effective tools in protecting public health. As we move forward, the Hepatitis B Foundation is committed to providing reliable, evidence-based information and advocating for universal access to this lifesaving vaccine.
To support these efforts, please use this media toolkit as a reference to help spread awareness and educate your community about the importance of hepatitis B prevention. Together, we can protect future generations from this preventable virus.
The hepatitis B vaccine’s value and necessity:
A statement from Hepatitis B Foundation President Chari A. Cohen, DrPH, MPH
Feb. 13, 2025
The hepatitis B vaccine has saved millions of lives in the past 40 years. It is safe, effective and the world’s first anti-cancer vaccine.
Hepatitis B is the world’s leading cause of liver cancer and is a preventable virus that kills more than 1 million people each year. For most people, the virus has no symptoms, which makes it very easy to spread. As the first anti-cancer vaccine, the hepatitis B vaccine plays an invaluable role in helping children and adults lead long, healthy lives.
There is no doubt as to the effectiveness of this vaccine. Since 1980, more than 1 billion doses of the vaccine have been administered. Prior to the universal infant hepatitis B vaccination recommendation in 1991, nearly 18,000 children in the U.S. were infected each year before they reached the age of 10 – and half of these children were infected during childbirth. With universal birth dose and infant vaccination, childhood and adolescent hepatitis B infections have dramatically decreased by 95%.
Infants and children who are exposed to hepatitis B have a 90% chance of developing a life-long chronic hepatitis B infection, carrying with them the burden of potential liver complications and/or liver failure, and a greatly increased lifetime risk of liver cancer. In fact, without treatment, the risk of developing liver cancer for someone infected with hepatitis B at birth is as high as the risk of developing lung cancer for someone who smokes a pack of cigarettes a day. Dr. Baruch S. Blumberg, Nobel Laureate and co-founder of the Hepatitis B Foundation, developed the first-ever hepatitis B vaccine in 1969 alongside his colleague Dr. Irving Millman. Their invention will have saved over 40 million lives by 2030.
Vaccines are held to the highest standards of safety, are rigorously studied, and are among the safest things we put into our bodies. We must remain committed to preventing future generations from this deadly virus. Every person should know the facts - and the facts are that the hepatitis B vaccine is safe and saves lives.
The Hepatitis B Foundation will continue to provide evidence-based information, and highlight the importance of preventing hepatitis B, protecting critical public health and immunization infrastructure, and ensuring that all babies, children and adults have access to this lifesaving vaccine.
Talking Points and Fact Sheets
We've created talking points to highlight the critical importance of the hepatitis B vaccine, now more vital than ever. These facts can help educate decision-makers, legislators, and parents about its role in protecting infants' health. Additionally, to support efforts in spreading awareness about the necessity of the hepatitis B birth dose vaccination, we’ve included fact sheets in this media toolkit. These resources are designed to educate and empower communities, healthcare providers and advocates with clear, evidence-based information about the importance of early vaccination. By sharing these fact sheets, you can help raise awareness of this lifesaving vaccine, encourage timely vaccination, and contribute to a healthier, hepatitis B-free future.
PDF: Cost of Living with HBV Fact Sheet |
PDF: HBV Birth Dose Fact Sheet |
PDF: Let's talk about the facts. |
PDF: HBV Vaccine Talking Points |
PDF: HBV Vaccine Legislator Education |
PDF: HBV Vaccine Legislative Birth Dose |
Social Media
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Myth: We don’t need to worry about babies or children getting hepatitis B in the U.S. ✅ Fact: Before universal birth dose vaccination, 18,000 babies and young children were infected with hepatitis B each year. Since 1991, vaccinating at birth has prevented over 500,000 childhood infections. The hepatitis B birth dose saves lives. #HepatitisB #VaccinesWork |
Myth: Hepatitis B is rare in the U.S. We don’t need to worry about babies or children getting infected. ✅ Fact: Up to 2.4 million people in the U.S. live with hepatitis B—and 70% don’t know they’re infected. This leaves babies and children at risk of accidental exposure to this cancer-causing virus. The hepatitis B birth dose is critical protection. #HepatitisB #VaccinesWork |
Myth: Only babies born to mothers with hepatitis B need the birth dose. ✅ Fact: Babies can also be infected during infancy and early childhood. Before the U.S. adopted universal birth dose vaccination, 9,000 babies were infected at birth each year—and another 9,000 children were infected before age 10. The hepatitis B birth dose is essential for protecting all children. #HepatitisB #VaccinesWork |
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Protect Your Baby for Life! Hepatitis B can infect anyone, including infants and children. Did you know 90% of children exposed to hep B will develop a chronic infection? Give your baby the best start with the birth dose vaccine—a safe and effective way to protect them for life. #HepatitisB #BirthDose #HealthyBabies |
Liver Cancer Can Be Prevented at Birth! The hepatitis B vaccine is more than a shot—it's the first step in preventing liver cancer. Protect your little one with this lifesaving vaccine from day one. #HepatitisB #LiverCancerPrevention #VaccinesWork #HealthyStart |
Protect Your Baby from Hepatitis B Did you know most people with hepatitis B are unknowingly infected during childbirth? The hepatitis B birth dose vaccine is a simple, effective way to prevent this and protect your baby for life. #HepatitisB #BirthDose #VaccinesSaveLives #HealthyBabies |
The hepatitis B vaccine is groundbreaking—it protects against hepatitis B, the leading cause of liver cancer. Take a powerful step toward cancer prevention. #HepatitisB #LiverCancerPrevention #VaccinesWork #AntiCancer |
The First Anti-Cancer Vaccine