The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced a significant change in its vaccine advisory policy, recommending that babies wait until they are two months old before receiving their first dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine. This decision has sent shockwaves through the medical community, with many experts expressing concerns about the potential impact on newborns.
The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted 8-3 in favor of delaying the first dose of Hepatitis B to 24 days after birth, down from its current practice of administering it within 24 hours of birth. This change has been met with skepticism by some experts, who argue that it could lead to a significant increase in the number of newborns contracting Hepatitis B and developing chronic infections.
Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), warned that this decision is "a big unforced error" and will have serious consequences for public health. He pointed out that the CDC's policy change ignores the scientific consensus on the importance of administering Hepatitis B to newborns within 24 hours of birth.
Gottlieb also expressed concern about the potential impact of this policy change on other vaccine development, citing the example of the flu vaccine. The FDA has announced plans to eliminate immuno-bridging studies, which are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of new vaccines. This move is seen as a major setback for vaccine research and development.
Critics argue that the CDC's decision was influenced by external factors, including pressure from anti-vaccine groups. RFK Jr., a well-known skeptic of vaccines, has been accused of orchestrating the ACIP's decision to delay the Hepatitis B dose.
The consequences of this policy change are already being felt. Biotech stocks have plummeted following news of the CDC's decision, and many experts fear that it could lead to a decline in vaccine uptake among new mothers.
As the medical community continues to grapple with the implications of this policy change, one thing is clear: the decision will have far-reaching consequences for public health.
The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted 8-3 in favor of delaying the first dose of Hepatitis B to 24 days after birth, down from its current practice of administering it within 24 hours of birth. This change has been met with skepticism by some experts, who argue that it could lead to a significant increase in the number of newborns contracting Hepatitis B and developing chronic infections.
Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), warned that this decision is "a big unforced error" and will have serious consequences for public health. He pointed out that the CDC's policy change ignores the scientific consensus on the importance of administering Hepatitis B to newborns within 24 hours of birth.
Gottlieb also expressed concern about the potential impact of this policy change on other vaccine development, citing the example of the flu vaccine. The FDA has announced plans to eliminate immuno-bridging studies, which are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of new vaccines. This move is seen as a major setback for vaccine research and development.
Critics argue that the CDC's decision was influenced by external factors, including pressure from anti-vaccine groups. RFK Jr., a well-known skeptic of vaccines, has been accused of orchestrating the ACIP's decision to delay the Hepatitis B dose.
The consequences of this policy change are already being felt. Biotech stocks have plummeted following news of the CDC's decision, and many experts fear that it could lead to a decline in vaccine uptake among new mothers.
As the medical community continues to grapple with the implications of this policy change, one thing is clear: the decision will have far-reaching consequences for public health.
I'm literally freaking out over this CDC decision! I mean, what's next? Are we gonna wait till our kids are 5 before getting them vaccinated against measles?! 
This is a HUGE deal and it's being taken lightly by some experts who just don't get it. I've seen my own cousin's kid almost die from Hepatitis B when they were born and now this change is being made? No thank you! We need to protect those little ones NOW, not wait around for 2 whole months. And what about the flu vaccine?! 
This decision is just gonna open up a whole can of worms when it comes to vaccine research and development. I'm literally so worried about this and I don't know how people are already saying it's an "unforced error"... what do you guys think? Are we gonna see a decline in vaccine uptake among new moms?! 
I'm kinda confused about this new rule on Hepatitis B vaccines... Like, why wait till 2 months old? Newborns are already super vulnerable to infections and it just seems like more time for them to get sick 
. And what's up with the stock prices dropping because of this change? 
I hope the CDC is thinking about the bigger picture here and not just listening to some people who don't understand how vaccines work 
. What's next? Delayin the flu vaccine 2? 
. I get why some people are worried about giving those tiny babies the Hepatitis B vaccine so soon after birth - I mean, who wants to mess with their immune system, right? 
But 24 days is still super early! Like, what's the worst that could happen if we delay it a bit? 
I'm starting to think that some folks are just trying to stir up trouble 
. Can't we just agree on vaccines and move forward? 
It's time for us to calm down and have a rational conversation about this 
...
. What if some babies don't get vaccinated and end up with chronic infections? 
. I hope the CDC reconsiders this decision ASAP 
I mean, what's next? Waiting until they're 5 or 10 years old before getting their first shot? 
This move makes no sense at all. The flu vaccine has been shown to be ineffective in the first few weeks of life, and now they're delaying this one too? 
I'm all for listening to science, but come on! Babies are already vulnerable to infections. Delays only increase that risk. What about all those poor babies who can't get vaccinated early enough? 
The CDC needs to rethink its priorities and get back on track with evidence-based medicine. 
and that the experts can figure out a way to make this new policy work 
This is so worrying for me... I just wanna make sure my little ones are safe and protected from Hepatitis B... Two months old seems like a long time to wait for the vaccine 
. What if it does lead to more cases of Hepatitis B and who knows what else? The flu vaccine thing is another red flag - if they're cutting out immuno-bridging studies, how are we gonna know if new vaccines even work in the first place? 
.