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Il est inhabituel pour les présidents de donner des conseils médicaux. Mais dans un Information de presse de la Maison Blanche Plus tôt cette semaine, le président Trump a remis en question la sagesse de vaccination de tous les nouveau-nés contre l’hépatite B.
«Il n’y a aucune raison de donner un bébé qui est presque né l’hépatite B[vaccine”Trumpsaid”SoIwouldsaywaituntilthebabyis12yearsold”[vaccine”Trumpsaid”SoIwouldsaywaituntilthebabyis12yearsold”
But pediatricians say this message is wrong.
“It would be extremely risky and it’s a totally irresponsible suggestion,” says Dr. Andrew Pavia, a professor of pediatrics and medicine wiht the university of Utah and a pediatric and adult infectious disease specialist.
Hepatitis B is a virus that attacks the liver. The disease has no cure and chronic infection can lead to serious outcomes such as liver cancer, cirrhosis and death. And the risks of these outcomes are much higher for people who get infected as infants.
“About 25% of children who develop chronic hepatitis B will die of their infection,” says Pavia, who is also a spokesperson for the Infectious Diseases Society of America. “If you get infected as an adult, your chances of becoming chronically infected are much lower – about 5%.”
Why Early Vaccination Matters
The hepatitis B vaccine is given shortly after birth because infants are most vulnerable to chronic infection. A mother can transmit the virus to her baby during birth. Early vaccination provides protection before exposure.
“The reason we give it so early is because we want to prevent the baby from getting infected in the first place,” Pavia explains. “Once a baby is infected, there’s a meaningful chance they’ll develop a chronic infection that can lead to serious liver disease later in life.”
Key Takeaways
- President Trump suggested delaying the hepatitis B vaccine until age 12.
- Medical experts strongly disagree, stating this advice is dangerous and irresponsible.
- Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection with potentially fatal complications.
- Infants are at higher risk of developing chronic hepatitis B infection.
- Early vaccination is crucial to prevent infection and long-term health problems.