CDC Panel Votes to Cut Universal Newborn Hepatitis B Vaccination

BREAKING NEWS: The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has just voted to limit universal hepatitis B vaccinations for newborns, a decision that could endanger countless infants. In a surprising move, the committee voted 8-3 to restrict vaccines to babies whose mothers test positive for the virus, with no new data to justify this significant change.

This urgent development, confirmed during a chaotic two-day meeting, will now delay the first hepatitis B vaccine dose for infants born to negative-testing mothers until they are two months old. Experts warn that this shift could expose newborns to serious health risks. Dr. Cody Meissner, a pediatric infectious disease specialist and one of the dissenting votes, stated, “With the altered recommendation, we are doing harm.” He emphasizes that the principle of “do no harm” is a moral imperative.

The vote comes amid controversial discussions where some ACIP members, allegedly influenced by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., raised doubts about the vaccine’s safety and the severity of hepatitis B infections. However, a recent review from the University of Minnesota’s Vaccine Integrity Project highlighted the critical risks of hepatitis B to newborns, reinforcing the vaccine’s safety and efficacy.

Dr. José Romero, former ACIP chair, asserted at a news briefing, “The science is unequivocal: Hepatitis B remains a real and serious risk to infants.” He warned that delaying the birth dose would leave newborns unprotected during a crucial window, potentially leading to preventable deaths.

The implications of this decision are staggering. Currently, around 2 million Americans are estimated to have hepatitis B, with about half unaware of their infection. The virus is highly contagious and can remain viable on surfaces for over a week. Newborns are at the highest risk, with approximately 90 percent of infected infants developing chronic hepatitis B, which can lead to long-term liver damage and increased cancer risk.

For context, universal hepatitis B vaccination for newborns was implemented in the U.S. in 1991, drastically reducing cases by 99 percent—from around 16,000 in the early 1990s to fewer than 20 perinatal infections annually. Experts like Dr. Su Wang, who lives with chronic hepatitis B, shared her personal story during the ACIP meeting, stressing the unpredictability of infection risks and the critical importance of vaccination.

Now, as this new recommendation takes effect, many healthcare professionals are raising alarms about the potential for increased hepatitis B cases among infants. The U.S. has universal screening for hepatitis B during pregnancy, but 18 percent of pregnant individuals do not get tested, leaving some infants vulnerable at birth.

As the health community grapples with this controversial decision, the focus shifts to what will happen next. The ACIP’s vote highlights ongoing tensions in vaccination policy amid evolving public health narratives. As newborns face heightened risks without immediate vaccination, public health advocates are urging immediate re-evaluation of this policy.

This breaking news is developing rapidly. Parents, healthcare providers, and advocates are urged to stay informed and vocal about the implications of this vote on infant health. The health and safety of countless newborns hang in the balance, and immediate action is essential.