Immunization Action Coalition (IAC) has named Phoenixville Hospital to its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll. The Honor Roll recognizes hospitals and birthing centers that have attained high coverage rates for administering hepatitis B vaccine at birth. The Honor Roll now includes 417 birthing institutions from 40 states, Puerto Rico, Guam, and an overseas U.S. military base. There are only 21 birthing institutions in the state of Pennsylvania on the Honor Roll.
The Honor Roll is a key part of IAC’s major initiative urging the nation’s hospitals to give birth to the end of Hep B. Hospitals and birthing centers are recognized for attaining high coverage rates for administering hepatitis B vaccine at birth and meeting specific additional criteria. The primary goal of administering hepatitis B vaccine at birth is to protect babies from chronic HBV infection, which can lead to liver failure and liver cancer.
To be included in the Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll, a birthing institution must have: (1) reported a coverage rate of 90 percent or greater, over a 12-month period, for administering hepatitis B vaccine before hospital discharge to all newborns, including those whose parents refuse vaccination, and (2) implemented specific written policies, procedures, and protocols to protect all newborns from hepatitis B virus infection prior to hospital discharge. Currently, Only 71.1% of U.S. infants receive hepatitis B vaccine within three days of birth.
“We are proud of the united effort our team members have demonstrated at Phoenixville Hospital to support the immunization of newborns against this serious disease,” said Jennifer Brosnan, RN, BSN, Manager of Women’s Services at Phoenixville Hospital.
Phoenixville Hospital provides complete maternity services and delivers more than 800 babies each year. Services include pre-natal classes, vaginal and caesarian deliveries by one medical practice, a Level II NICU, lactation services and post-partum support. For more information or to take a tour of our unit, please call 610-983-1250.
About Phoenixville Hospital
Located in Phoenixville, Pa., and a member of Tower Health, Phoenixville Hospital is a 144-bed facility that provides comprehensive medical services through emergency room visits, inpatient admissions, outpatient procedures and community outreach programs. Phoenixville Hospital’s services include an award-winning cardiovascular program, a fully accredited cancer center, NAPBC-accredited breast health center, an acute inpatient rehabilitation center, and a large robotic surgery center. Phoenixville Hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission and has been recognized for its quality outcomes and clinical expertise across services lines that include joint replacement surgery, advanced heart failure care, and the designation as a Primary Stroke Center. For more information, visit www.towerhealth.org.