ALT Text reads: World Hepatitis Day. This World Hepatitis Day, I want to remind New Yorkers about the importance of the hepatitis B birth dose for all newborns. The NYC Health Department is firmly committed to ensuring that the hepatitis B vaccine is available to protect infants and children. Delaying this effective vaccine puts infants at risk. N Y C health logo Vaccination within 24 hours of birth, followed by additional doses, is highly effective at preventing infection in infancy and protecting children for life — whether from perinatal transmission or transmission from caregivers and others. When infants are infected in the first year of life, 90% will go on to develop chronic hepatitis B. One in four people infected with hepatitis B virus during childhood die from liver cirrhosis or liver cancer later in life.

ALT Text reads: Today is also a reminder of the importance of the hepatitis A vaccine, and the need for testing and treating viral hepatitis for adults. Without diagnosis and treatment, hepatitis B and C can lead to severe liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. The best way to avoid a serious health problem related to viral hepatitis is to get tested regularly and seek care. In addition, hepatitis B can be treated, and hepatitis C can be cured. I want to thank providers, advocates, and community partners who have dedicated their work to expanding access to hepatitis testing, treatment, and prevention. Together, we can eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat. Dr. Alister F. Martin, NYC Health Commissioner. N Y C health logo