Prevention of perinatal hepatitis B virus transmission in the Netherlands, 2003-2007: Children of Chinese mothers are at increased risk of breakthrough infection

► We studied hepatitis B virus infection and vaccine response in infants born to HBsAg+ mothers. ► The national coverage for hepatitis B immunoglobulin and at least 3 doses of HBV vaccine was 91%. ► Of all infants tested (2121), 0.6% was HBsAg positive. ► A mother of Chinese descent was the only risk factor for perinatal HBV infection (RR 9.1, p < 0.001). ► HBsAg+ pregnant Chinese women should be assessed for anti-viral treatment.