Dakota County Public Health works with pregnant people who have tested positive for HBV.
Staff follow up with the person and their close contacts to perform health checks. Once the baby is born, Dakota County works with the family to make sure the baby receives HBV-related vaccines and follow up health care. For more information, call 952-891-7585.
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infects the liver. HBV is spread through infected blood and body fluids. Risk factors include being born to an HBV-infected woman, having unprotected sex, sharing injection drug equipment, sharing personal hygiene items (e.g., razors, nail clippers, toothbrushes), and living in a household with infected persons.
The CDC recommends that all adults be tested for HBV at least once in their lifetime. More frequently if they are high risk or pregnant. Some employers could​ also recommend testing for HBV immunity.
Hepatitis B can be prevented through vaccination.
Who should be vaccinated:
- All newborns should receive the first dose within 24 hours of birth and complete the series.
- All previously unvaccinated children and adults through age 59 years should be vaccinated.
- All previously unvaccinated adults aged 60 or older may be vaccinated.
Dakota County Public Health offers Hepatitis B vaccination to those who meet the eligibility criteria. HBV testing is not available at this time. Please refer to our testing partners for low-cost testing centers near you or talk to your health care provider.
If your employer has contracted with Dakota County Public Health for Hepatitis B vaccination, please call 952-891-7585 to schedule your appointment.