BREAKING: The US has just announced a significant shift in public health policy, scrapping the long-standing recommendation that all children receive the hepatitis B vaccine at birth. This controversial decision, made by a committee advising the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), raises alarms among health experts who warn it could reverse decades of progress against a serious disease.
The committee’s vote, confirmed earlier today, now only mandates the hepatitis B vaccine for infants born to mothers who test positive for the virus. For those born to negative mothers, it places the decision in the hands of parents, recommending they consult with healthcare providers on when or if to begin vaccination. Previously, the universal guideline established in 1991 aimed to protect all children from potentially fatal hepatitis B infections, which can lead to severe liver disease.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a controversial figure known for his anti-vaccine stance, has positioned this change as a victory for parental choice. However, experts are expressing deep concern over this shift toward shared clinical decision-making, fearing it will deter vaccine uptake.
Dr. William Schaffner, a leading specialist in preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, stated, “This move is not supported by US medical organizations. Expect the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists to continue advocating for the vaccine at birth.” The committee’s recommendations directly influence health insurance coverage and are critical for physicians selecting appropriate vaccines for their patients.
Critics argue that the decision could lead to increased hepatitis B infections among children. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends administering the hepatitis B vaccine as soon as possible after birth, followed by additional doses, to prevent chronic infections. The WHO emphasizes that 95 percent of infected newborns could develop chronic hepatitis without timely vaccination.
This significant policy realignment follows Kennedy’s controversial overhaul of the advisory committee in June 2023, which saw the dismissal of 17 independent experts in favor of those aligned with his views. This shake-up is part of a broader effort to reshape US vaccine policy, which has also included recommendations against the COVID vaccine and cautioning pregnant women against using Tylenol without scientific backing.
As backlash builds, public health advocates are mobilizing to address the implications of these new recommendations. Parents are urged to stay informed and consider vaccination seriously, as health experts fear this change may lead to more serious health consequences for children across the nation.
WHAT’S NEXT: As this developing story unfolds, health officials and organizations are likely to respond with recommendations and advocacy efforts aimed at reversing this decision. The public is encouraged to follow updates closely and engage in discussions regarding childhood vaccinations.
