Universal screening for hepatitis B among pregnant women led to 96% vaccination coverage among newborns of HBsAg positive mothers in Denmark

► We evaluated the effectiveness of universal screening of Hepatitis B among pregnant women in Denmark. ► We found a low prevalence of HBsAg (0.26%) among pregnant women in Denmark. ► Vaccination coverage of newborns increased from 50% to 96% after universal screening. ► Women of Southeast Asian origin had the highest prevalence of HBsAg and HBeAg. ► 13% of HBsAg positive mothers had HBV DNA ≥108 IU/ml, increasing the risk of intrauterine transmission.