What should a neonate born to a mother with an unknown HBsAg status receive?

A neonate born to a mother with an unknown HBsAg status should receive the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine within the first 12 hours after birth. This is crucial because early vaccination is an effective means of preventing hepatitis B infection in infants, especially when the mother's status is not known. Immediate vaccination helps to ensure that the neonate has protective antibodies in case the mother is indeed infected with the hepatitis B virus.

The recommendation to administer the vaccine within the first 12 hours stems from the need to provide timely protection. If the mother is positive for HBsAg, the risk of transmission to the infant is significant. Therefore, the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine, along with hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) (if the mother's status is later determined to be positive), is a measure taken to safeguard the infant's health.

Timely vaccination is essential since delaying the first dose could leave the neonate vulnerable to infection during a critical period immediately after birth. Understanding this protocol underscores the importance of adhering to vaccination timelines in maternal-newborn care.