Hepatitis B Infant Vaccinations, Birth Parent Screenings Decline

Oregon sees drop in newborns receiving hepatitis B vaccine at birth and fewer birth parents screened for the virus during pregnancy

Feb. 22, 2026 at 11:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The number of newborns vaccinated at birth against hepatitis B has fallen slightly over the past four years in Oregon, according to a new dashboard from the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). Additionally, the number of birth parents screened for hepatitis B during pregnancy has also decreased. Health officials warn this 'dangerous combination' puts more babies at risk for the 'devastating effects of hepatitis B'.

Why it matters

Hepatitis B is a highly infectious virus that can lead to chronic liver disease, liver cancer, and even death if left untreated. Infants and young children are especially vulnerable, with up to 90% of those infected at birth developing chronic infection. The hepatitis B vaccine has been extremely successful at almost eliminating these illnesses, so declining vaccination rates could result in more children getting sick.

The details

In 2024, 82% of infants born statewide received the hepatitis B vaccine (HepB) birth dose, down from 86% in 2022. Statewide, the rate of birth parent hepatitis B screening was 94%, down from 96% two years earlier. Most Oregon hospitals reported screening rates exceeding 90% or higher in 2024, but some facilities reported rates below 80%. If a pregnant person is infected with hepatitis B, they can spread it to their newborn during childbirth, so screening during pregnancy is critical.

  • In 2024, 82% of infants born statewide received the HepB birth dose, down from 86% in 2022.
  • Statewide, the rate of birth parent hepatitis B screening was 94% in 2024, down from 96% two years earlier.

The players

Oregon Health Authority (OHA)

The state's public health agency that launched the new Infant Hepatitis B Immunization Data dashboard.

Dean Sidelinger, M.D., M.S.Ed.

State health officer and state epidemiologist at OHA's Public Health Division.

West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA)

A regional health organization that strongly recommended the hepatitis B vaccination continue to be routinely offered to all newborns.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's very concerning to see the number of babies getting a dose of hepatitis B vaccine after birth going down while the number of birth parents screened for hepatitis B is also decreasing.”

— Dean Sidelinger, M.D., M.S.Ed., State health officer and state epidemiologist at OHA's Public Health Division

“This dangerous combination puts more babies at risk for the devastating effects of hepatitis B, which can impact them throughout their lifetimes. The hepatitis B vaccine has been extremely successful at almost eliminating these illnesses, and with decreasing vaccination rates, we will see more children get sick.”

— Dean Sidelinger, M.D., M.S.Ed., State health officer and state epidemiologist at OHA's Public Health Division

What’s next

OHA's new Infant Hepatitis B Immunization dashboard will be updated annually every April. Data for 2025 will be available in the coming months.

The takeaway

The decline in hepatitis B vaccinations and birth parent screenings in Oregon is a concerning trend that could lead to more children becoming infected with this highly infectious and potentially deadly virus. Health officials are urging parents to ensure their newborns receive the hepatitis B vaccine at birth and for all pregnant individuals to be screened for the virus during pregnancy.