Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s vaccine committee voted to change the long-standing universal recommendation for all babies to receive a hepatitis B shot at birth. The new guidance advises parents to consult with a healthcare provider to determine when or if the birth dose is necessary. The CDC director still needs to approve the recommendation.
The change in guidance could potentially increase infections in children, as the current recommendation has been credited with reducing infections by 99% in the past three decades. The vote only affects the timing of the first dose, with the second and third doses remaining unchanged. The committee’s decision has sparked concerns among some public health experts and committee members.
Despite some advisors questioning the necessity of the shot for babies of hepatitis B-negative mothers, false negatives and post-pregnancy infections can still pose risks. The committee’s meeting follows Kennedy’s appointment of new members and is closely monitored due to its impact on vaccination recommendations and insurance coverage. The vote was split, with some members expressing strong opposition to the new guidance.
Some committee members expressed concerns about the potential harm caused by delaying the birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine. Experts warn that delaying the vaccine could lead to increased infections and liver disease among infants. The American Medical Association criticized the decision, stating it undermines public confidence in the vaccine and could cause confusion among parents.
The committee’s decision to change the recommendation for the hepatitis B vaccine has sparked debate among members and experts. While some argue that delaying the birth dose could have negative consequences, others believe the current vaccination schedule has been effective in preventing infections and hospitalizations. Merck and GSK manufacture the vaccines and have expressed concerns about the vote’s impact on infants’ health.
The CDC study from 2024 showed that the current vaccination schedule has helped prevent millions of hepatitis B infections and related hospitalizations. While Merck and GSK are not heavily impacted financially by the new recommendations, they have expressed concerns about the potential risks to infants. The vote will not impact insurance coverage for the shots under Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.
Read more at CNBC: RFK Jr.’s panel weakens guidance