The BareStory
On Friday, a federal vaccine advisory committee voted 8-3 to alter its guidance on the hepatitis B vaccine for infants. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) moved to end its universal recommendation, in place since 1991, that all babies receive a vaccine dose within 24 hours of birth. The vote occurred during a two-day meeting in Atlanta after being postponed from the previous day.
Under the new recommendation, for infants whose mothers test negative for the hepatitis B virus, parents are advised to engage in "individual-based decision-making" with a healthcare provider. For these infants, the first dose could be delayed until two months of age. The guidance remains unchanged for babies born to mothers who test positive for the virus or whose status is unknown; they should still be vaccinated at birth. The committee also voted 6-4 to recommend parents of older children discuss antibody testing with their doctor.
The universal birth dose policy is credited with a 99% reduction in hepatitis B infections among children. Hepatitis B is an incurable virus that can cause chronic liver disease and cancer. According to a 2024 CDC study, the universal schedule prevented more than 6 million infections. Medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association, opposed the change, citing the vaccine's established safety and effectiveness.
The ACIP panel members were appointed by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. During the meeting, one panelist, Restef Levi, claimed the vaccines were not properly tested. In opposition, committee member Dr. Cody Meissner, a pediatrics professor, stated the change would cause harm. The recommendation now goes to the acting director of the CDC for final approval. A statement from vaccine manufacturer Merck expressed deep concern, while an analyst from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid stated the vote is not expected to affect insurance coverage for the vaccine.
How it may affect me
As a U.S. reader:
• Parents of infants whose mothers test negative for hepatitis B will now decide with a doctor whether to delay the first vaccine dose.
• Some medical experts warn this change could lead to a future increase in childhood hepatitis B infections, which can cause chronic liver disease and cancer.
• The cost of the vaccine is unlikely to change for parents, as an analyst stated the vote is not expected to affect insurance coverage.
• Parents of older children may be advised to discuss antibody testing with a doctor, which could result in additional appointments or lab work.
