Henderson Hospital Honored by Immunization Action Coalition for Hepatitis B Vaccine Birth Dose Rate
Henderson Hospital has been recognized by the Immunization Action Coalition (IAC) and the Nevada 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.
“Immunizations are one of the most valuable tools parents can give their children, and we are committed to begin vaccinations within our Birthplace,” said Sam Kaufman, CEO/Managing Director of Henderson Hospital. “We are proud of the work our team has done to earn its spot on the honor roll, and hope that parents continue to immunize their infants and children to protect them against many diseases.”
Learn more about the Birthplace at Henderson Hospital >
Henderson Hospital is the newest entry into IAC’s Birth Dose Honor Roll, which recognizes hospitals and birthing centers that have attained high coverage levels for administering the hepatitis B vaccine at birth. The Birthplace at Henderson Hospital team immunized 91 percent of babies over a 12-month period, 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. This standard is being adopted by centers of healthcare excellence nationwide as a safety net to protect newborns from a wide range of medical errors that lead to babies being unprotected from perinatal hepatitis B infection.
“Hospitals and birthing centers have a responsibility to protect babies from life-threatening hepatitis B infection,” said Deborah Wexler, MD, executive director and founder of IAC. “Henderson Hospital’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.”