AAP News Vol. 15 No. 7 July 1999, p. 4
© 1999 American Academy of Pediatrics
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Safety of hepatitis B vaccine reviewed

Sherry Trust Llewellyn

Before the hepatitis B vaccine was widely used in the United States, the disease caused more than 300,000 infections and close to 5,000 deaths each year. Now in regular use, the hepatitis B vaccine is helping to prevent thousands of infections. However, some parents are concerned that the vaccine itself may cause adverse effects when administered to a child.

In response to those parental concerns, a congressional subcommittee held an oversight hearing on May 18 to find out more about the vaccine. The Academy was represented at the hearing by Samuel Katz, M.D., FAAP, who testified about the importance of continued universal vaccination against hepatitis B.