CDC advisory panel rejects universal birth dose for hepatitis B vaccine, recommending a wait until age 2 months for newborns born to negative mothers.
The decision marks a significant shift in the long-held guideline that recommended giving newborns their first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth.
Experts opposed the change, citing decades of research confirming the vaccine's safety and effectiveness. The American Academy of Pediatrics stated that delaying the vaccine would leave young children at risk for an infection with lifelong consequences.
In contrast, critics including a panel member argue that no data shows one dose is as effective as three doses, and language around the recommendation may be confusing.
The decision was met with strong reactions from various figures. Sen. Bill Cassidy called the change "a mistake," urging Acting CDC Director Jim O'Neill to reject ACIP's vote.
President Trump praised the panel on Truth Social for their "very good decision." He released a Presidential Memorandum directing HHS to 'FAST TRACK' a comprehensive evaluation of Vaccine Schedules from other Countries around the World, comparing them to the U.S. schedule.
The American Association of Immunologists stated that the medical organization is "extremely disappointed" in the decision, warning it would result in a substantial increase in preventable chronic infections, liver cancers, and deaths if implemented.
In contrast, experts who support changing vaccine recommendations, including Dr. Robert Malone and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., claim there's little safety data for the birth dose.
Newborns vaccinated at birth have a 90% chance of developing chronic hepatitis B, an illness that can cause life-threatening complications including cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer.
Experts emphasize that the birth dose has served as a critical safety net in the U.S. healthcare system to protect against gaps in prenatal screening, missed diagnoses, communication errors, and inconsistent follow-up.
The decision comes after confusion on Thursday led to the vote being delayed.
The decision marks a significant shift in the long-held guideline that recommended giving newborns their first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth.
Experts opposed the change, citing decades of research confirming the vaccine's safety and effectiveness. The American Academy of Pediatrics stated that delaying the vaccine would leave young children at risk for an infection with lifelong consequences.
In contrast, critics including a panel member argue that no data shows one dose is as effective as three doses, and language around the recommendation may be confusing.
The decision was met with strong reactions from various figures. Sen. Bill Cassidy called the change "a mistake," urging Acting CDC Director Jim O'Neill to reject ACIP's vote.
President Trump praised the panel on Truth Social for their "very good decision." He released a Presidential Memorandum directing HHS to 'FAST TRACK' a comprehensive evaluation of Vaccine Schedules from other Countries around the World, comparing them to the U.S. schedule.
The American Association of Immunologists stated that the medical organization is "extremely disappointed" in the decision, warning it would result in a substantial increase in preventable chronic infections, liver cancers, and deaths if implemented.
In contrast, experts who support changing vaccine recommendations, including Dr. Robert Malone and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., claim there's little safety data for the birth dose.
Newborns vaccinated at birth have a 90% chance of developing chronic hepatitis B, an illness that can cause life-threatening complications including cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer.
Experts emphasize that the birth dose has served as a critical safety net in the U.S. healthcare system to protect against gaps in prenatal screening, missed diagnoses, communication errors, and inconsistent follow-up.
The decision comes after confusion on Thursday led to the vote being delayed.