Q: All my tests other than anti-HBsAg are negative. My DNA is not detectable and my health is normal. I got married six months back. Only after taking the third dose of hepatitis vaccine did I have intercourse. We have been given fourth booster dose of Hep-B vaccine. Now my wife is pregnant. Do I need any more vaccine? What steps do I have to take to safeguard my wife and child?

A:You need to check her for hepatitis B Inform the infant’s paediatrician, obstetrician/gynaecologist, and labour staff that they are a hepatitis B carrier.

• Make sure the baby receives hepatitis B vaccine at birth, one month and six months of age as well as H-BIG at birth.
• Be seen at least annually by their regular medical doctor.
• Discuss the risk for transmission with their partner and discuss the need for counselling and testing
• Liver function testing is recommended for women who test positive for HBsAg.