PUTRAJAYA: The hepatitis B birth dose vaccine will continue to be administered in Malaysia, despite the Advisory Committee on Immunisation Practices in the United States voting to stop universal birth dose implementation.
The Health Ministry said in a statement that the hepatitis B birth dose would remain part of the National Immunisation Programme, in line with recommendations by the World Health Organization.
"The administration of the Hepatitis B birth dose within 24 hours after birth is crucial to prevent transmission of the virus from mother to child," the ministry said on Wednesday (Dec 24).
It said Hepatitis B infection acquired early in life carries a high risk of becoming chronic, which could later lead to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer in adulthood.
The ministry stated that Malaysia's implementation of the Hepatitis B birth dose since 1989 has proven effective in reducing infection rates among children and contributed to long-term public health protection.
"This measure is also aligned with the global commitment to achieve the elimination of Hepatitis B as a public health threat by 2030.
"Any changes to this policy will only be considered if there is strong evidence and international consensus to support it," it said, adding that national immunisation policies were formulated based on scientific evidence, local and global epidemiological data, as well as expert views.
The ministry also urged parents and caregivers to ensure newborns receive the Hepatitis B birth dose according to the prescribed schedule, adding that it would continue to monitor the situation and ensure the National Immunisation Programme remains safe, effective and evidence-based.
