CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. –Thompson Health’s Birthing Center has received two state Department of Health Service Awards for its success in protecting infants from the hepatitis B virus. A DOH representative presented an Immunization Program Certificate of Excellence to the Birthing Center in February. Since 1990, New York law has required hepatitis B testing for all pregnant women, the reporting of positive results and treatment of infants born to women with the disease. In 2001, it also recommended that hospitals give a birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine to all newborns. The Birthing Center received DOH recognition for two achievements: supporting the “universal dose” policy, and demonstrating perfect accuracy in documenting hepatitis B information in patient records. Offering the vaccine to all new babies helps prevent serious, lifelong health issues associated with hepatitis B. According to the DOH, approximately 19,000 women with chronic hepatitis B give birth in the United States every year.