Universal vaccination nearly eliminated childhood hepatitis B
Before the U.S. began vaccinating all newborns in 1991, hepatitis B infected an estimated 16,000 children under 10 each year. In 2023, seven cases were reported nationally. Michigan has recorded zero perinatal cases for five consecutive years.
Bar chart comparing childhood hepatitis B infections in the United States before and after universal vaccination. Before 1991: approximately 16,000 children under 10 infected annually. In 2023: 7 perinatal cases reported nationally — a 99.96 percent reduction.
