Controversy Surrounds Hepatitis B Vaccine Recommendations for Newborns

Fri Dec 05 2025 04:02:13 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A federal committee is set to discuss changes to long-standing guidelines on the hepatitis B vaccination for newborns, raising concerns among health professionals about the implications of delaying this critical immunization.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, currently led by controversial figures appointed by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is reconsidering established guidelines that recommend hepatitis B vaccinations for newborns within the first day of life. This proposed change comes amidst a heated debate over vaccine safety and public health implications, with experts warning that delaying the vaccination could lead to significant health risks for infants.

NEW YORK (AP) – A federal vaccine advisory committee is expected to discuss whether to change the recommendation that all newborns receive the hepatitis B vaccine—the first shot recognized to prevent cancer. Current federal guidelines suggest that all infants be vaccinated against the liver infection within 24 hours of birth. However, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s appointed committee is poised to alter this longstanding advice.

The exact considerations of the committee remain unclear, but the American Academy of Pediatrics is continuing its strong advocacy for administering the vaccine at birth, citing its importance in saving lives. Dr. Sean O'Leary of the organization affirmed, “We are going to continue to recommend it because it saves lives.”

Liver disease can cause lifelong health issues

Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection that, while most commonly acute, can become chronic, particularly in infants and children. It can lead to severe conditions, including liver failure and cancer. Transmission can occur from mother to child during birth, affecting a significant proportion of infected infants.

Currently, over 2.4 million people in the U.S. are estimated to have hepatitis B, with many unaware of their status. The hepatitis B vaccine has been a part of public health strategies since its introduction in the 1980s, leading to a dramatic decline in pediatric cases from 18,000 annually to about 2,200.

Committee revisits the newborn recommendation

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), traditionally influential in shaping vaccination policy, is being led by members appointed by Kennedy, who has previously expressed skepticism about vaccines. As debate swirls, some committee members have started questioning the necessity of administering the vaccine so early in life.

A recent analysis from the Vaccine Integrity Project, however, emphasized the safety and effectiveness of the birth dose, underscoring its role in the significant reduction of hepatitis B infections among children.

What could happen if newborn vaccinations are delayed?

Experts warn that any delay in administering the hepatitis B vaccine could result in increased infections and potentially preventable deaths. Modeling studies suggest that even a slight postponement could have serious public health repercussions, resulting in thousands of additional hepatitis B cases.

Despite the committee's current deliberations, pediatric experts fear that any changes might unsettle public confidence and frighten parents. Several health organizations and state officials have publicly opposed altering the recommendation, emphasizing the importance of continued vaccination.

Senator Patty Murray has called for accountability, urging congressional action to ensure that the administration's approach doesn't jeopardize infant health.