CDC panel decides to no longer recommend birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine

The advisory committee for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) voted on Friday to modify the recommended timing of the first hepatitis B vaccine for infants. Instead of the longstanding guideline of administering the vaccine within 24 hours of birth, the panel suggested postponing it until 2 months of age for babies born to mothers who test negative for hepatitis B.

The vote ended with an 8-2 decision favoring individualized choices. Health care providers would consult with parents to decide if and when the newborn should receive the birth dose when the mother is virus-negative.

Many health organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, expressed strong opposition. They warned that delaying the vaccine could leave infants vulnerable to a virus that can cause lifelong liver disease, cancer, or early death. Decades of studies have shown the hepatitis B vaccine to be both safe and effective.

The vote took place on the second day of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) December meeting, following a delay on Thursday due to confusion over the voting language. Panel members discussed the proposal, including objections from some members without medical backgrounds who questioned the vaccines testing and safety, despite extensive research confirming its reliability.

Experts such as Dr. Cody Meissner and Dr. Joseph Hibbeln criticized the proposed change, noting multiple revisions of the recommendation in a short period and the lack of scientific evidence supporting the delay. They emphasized that keeping the current guidance still allows parental choice while ensuring protection for infants.

Hepatitis B is a chronic viral infection that can cause severe liver complications. Universal newborn vaccination in the U.S. has been in place since 1991 and has reduced infections in children by 99%. ACIP recommendations are forwarded to the CDC director for approval, with states ultimately deciding policies. Insurance coverage for vaccines is typically based on these recommendations.

The hepatitis B birth dose has faced criticism from some groups, though multiple studies confirm it is not linked to autism, infant death, or autoimmune disorders. Severe adverse reactions are extremely rare, and there is no evidence supporting benefits from delaying the vaccine.

Newborn vaccination provides critical protection, especially since infants infected at birth have a 90% chance of developing chronic hepatitis B. Gaps in prenatal screening mean some mothers infections are undetected, making the birth dose an important safety measure.

The American Academy of Pediatrics highlighted that the early dose is crucial for preventing chronic illness and liver cancer, with Dr. Sean OLeary calling it one of the safest and most effective vaccines available. Delaying the vaccine could leave infants exposed to serious health risks that are easily preventable with timely vaccination.

Author: Noah Whitman