Crozer-Chester Medical Center Team Recognized for Birth Dose Immunization

Crozer Health’s Department of Pediatrics at Crozer-Chester Medical Center has made the 2020 Hepatitis B Vaccine Birth Dose Honor Roll from the Immunization Action Coalition. The Honor Roll requires a hospital to exceed 90% of newborns receiving the “birth dose” of the Hepatitis B vaccine series while still in the hospital. Hepatitis B can cause liver disease and, in severe cases, irreversible liver failure, liver cancer, or death.

To be included in the Immunization Action Coalition’s Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll, a birthing institution should have:

• Achieved, over a 12-month period, a coverage rate of 90 percent or greater for administering hepatitis B vaccine before hospital discharge to all newborns (regardless of weight), including those whose parents refuse vaccination.
• Implemented written policies, procedures, and protocols to protect all newborns from hepatitis B virus infection prior to hospital discharge.

“Studies show that receiving the birth dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine prevents 70-95 percent of maternal to newborn transmission, so it’s very important that we protect newborns against this disease,” said Robert Noll, M.D., Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at Crozer-Chester Medical Center. “This achievement is even more remarkable since it was achieved during a period of vaccine hesitancy stoked by some unscientific beliefs. I’m honored to work with such a dedicated team who are committed to providing our patients with the highest quality care possible.”

Crozer-Chester Medical Center and Crozer Health’s Delaware County Memorial Hospitals both made the Honor Roll in 2017, 2018, and 2019.

For more information on the Honor Roll, visit immunize.org.