Guidelines
Hepatitis B Vaccine

Hepatitis B Vaccine

Physician / RM

Order the Hepatitis B Vaccine for the newborn, blank order form

Medication

Hepatitis B Vaccine

  • Dose: 0.5 mLs
  • Route: Intramuscularly left thigh
  • Frequency: Once, within 1st hours of life
  • Indication: For newborn of mother at risk of Hepatitis B
  • Hepatitis B Vaccine products vary according to availability from BCCDC
  • The two options are:

    • Recombivax HB 5 mcg/0.5mLs
    • Engerix 10 mcg/0.5 mLs
  • The volume is the same for both products

  • Both products (Recombivax HB and Engerix) are interchangable

Steps by Role

Fax the completed Prescriber’s Orders to Pharmacy

  • Obtain the Hepatitis B vaccine
  • Place original order form on the Health Record
  • Two health care professionals verify the Hepatitis B vaccine vial with the Prescriber’s Orders and sign the order sheet

Hepatitis Vaccine Administration (RN)

  • Identify the newborn
  • Wash the newborn’s thigh with soap and water at the injection site
    • Cleanse the newborn’s site with soap and water, then wipe with an chlorhexidine/ alcohol swab for 2 - 3 seconds and allow to air dry for 30 seconds
  • To reduce newborn stress associated with painful procedures, assist the mother to cuddle skin-to-skin, breast feed or use other soothing behaviours
  • Administer vaccine to the newborn's left thigh by intramuscular injection immediately (within the first hours) after birth
  • The dose is 0.5 mLs - single dose vial
  • See package insert for directions on syringe usage
  • Record administration on the documents listed in Documentation