Posts circulate myths about hepatitis B vaccines for infants

Several large social media accounts are circulating false claims about hepatitis B vaccines, including myths that the vaccine is unsafe and unnecessary for infants. One post falsely claims that the disease doesn’t pose a risk to babies and that the vaccine contains a toxic amount of aluminum. 

Recommendation: Trending conversations promoting false claims about hepatitis B and hepatitis B vaccines may prompt patient questions about the disease and about hepatitis B vaccine safety. Talking points may emphasize that the hepatitis B vaccine is given at birth to prevent transmission of the virus from mother to child. Most people who have hepatitis are not aware of it, and infants can be exposed to the virus by other loved ones who come in contact with the baby. The hepatitis B vaccine is one of the safest vaccines available, with an extremely low risk of serious side effects. Aluminum has been safely used in vaccines for more than 70 years. The CDC recommends that children receive three doses of the hepatitis B vaccine by 18 months.