Politics

CDC Panel Votes Against Universal Hepatitis B Vaccine Recommendation for Newborns

Illustration for: CDC Panel Votes Against Universal Hepatitis B Vaccine Recommendation for Newborns
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Dec 9, 2025

THE BARE STORY

A U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advisory panel voted not to issue a universal recommendation for all infants to receive the hepatitis B vaccine at birth. The 8-3 vote has generated alarm within parts of the medical community, with the American Academy of Pediatrics expressing deep concern over the decision.

Former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb stated that the panel’s members are “anti-vax activists” and said that approximately 17 states have already begun to disregard the panel's new guidance. Gottlieb also warned that separate policy changes outlined in an FDA memo could slow the development of future vaccines.

In discussions on other national issues, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent claimed the economy is strong with 3% real GDP growth and announced a new program called “Trump Accounts.” According to Bessent, the program would create a government-seeded $1,000 investment account for children born between 2025 and 2028.

Officials also addressed an ongoing federal investigation into welfare fraud in Minnesota. Bessent confirmed the investigation is tracking funds sent overseas to determine any links to terrorism but said no such evidence has been found. Representative Ilhan Omar stated her campaign had returned donations from individuals involved and that she was among the first to call for an investigation. Separately, Representative Jim Himes called for the public release of a classified video of recent U.S. military strikes in the Caribbean, which he described as “profoundly shaking.” Himes alleged the targets were not legitimate and said the Defense Secretary has “zero credibility” on the matter.

Same Facts. Different Perspectives.

Two AI models. Two viewpoints. One factual foundation.

Perspective by Grok

• The panel voted against a universal vaccine recommendation for newborns. In an 8-3 vote, the advisory panel formally decided not to issue a universal recommendation for all infants to receive the hepatitis B vaccine at birth. This outcome shows the panel does not support a one-size-fits-all policy for this specific vaccine.

• The decision is the official result of the advisory body's process. The vote represents the formal conclusion reached by the designated U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advisory panel. While controversial, the recommendation is the official output of the body tasked with deliberating on the issue.

• The panel's recommendation serves as non-binding guidance. The article notes that a number of states have already begun to disregard the panel's conclusion. This highlights the advisory nature of the panel's role, leaving states with the authority to implement their own public health policies.

How it may affect me

As a U.S. reader:

• Parents of newborns may face different hepatitis B vaccination requirements, as about 17 states are already disregarding the CDC panel’s non-universal recommendation.

• The development of future vaccines could be slowed by separate FDA policy changes, potentially affecting the availability of new medical treatments.

• Children born between 2025 and 2028 could receive a government-seeded $1,000 investment account under a newly announced program.

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