The share of Oregon newborns receiving the recommended Hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth fell to 82% in 2024, continuing a downward trend from 86% in 2022.
State health officials say the vaccine remains recommended for all infants, even after a December 2025 recommendation change by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Rex Larsen, immunization surveillance and quality manager for the Oregon Health Authority, said the birth dose is important because Hepatitis B can be transmitted in ways that are not always obvious.
“The birth dose really is to prevent parental exposure, but it’s important to note that a lot of kids used to get Hepatitis B and we weren’t able to figure out where it came from,” Larsen said. “Perhaps there’s blood contact at school or some other transmission mechanism, and so I think that the birth dose and early Hepatitis B vaccination is really important.”
Larsen attributed the declining rates to reduced access to medical care — particularly in rural areas — and the spread of misinformation online. He urged parents to consult trusted medical providers rather than relying on social media or shifting federal guidance.
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices now recommends the vaccine for people with risk factors or those seeking protection, a change that has drawn criticism from groups including the Hepatitis B Foundation.
County-by-County Trends
Across western and central Oregon, most counties saw decreases or relatively flat vaccination rates.
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Deschutes County experienced the largest regional drop, falling to 76% in 2024 from 82% in 2021.
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Lane County held steady at 82% from 2023 to 2024, down from 85% in 2022.
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Linn County recorded an 82% rate, declining from 87% in 2022.
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Douglas County dropped to 83%, down from 87% two years earlier.
Some counties outperformed the state average:
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Lincoln County had the highest rate in Oregon at 90% in 2024, slightly down from 91% in 2023 but above its 2020 rate of 85%.
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Benton County posted the third-highest rate statewide at 87%, an improvement from 84% in 2020.
Health officials continue to stress that early vaccination is a key tool in preventing the spread of Hepatitis B and protecting children from future health complications.
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