Implementing universal vaccination programmes: USA.

In the USA, the policy is that all infants receive vaccine against hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is considered that HBV vaccine can be readily integrated into the routine childhood immunization schedule without additional visits. Booster doses of vaccine are not currently recommended because protection lasts for at least 10 years after vaccination. As with the other universal vaccination programmes, pre- or post-vaccination screening is not undertaken. Screening of all pregnant women for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and immunization of all infants of HBsAg-positive mothers has been continued.