In brief
In a controversial move, a US advisory panel has voted to conclude the routine recommendation for hepatitis B vaccinations for newborns, emphasizing individual decision-making based on maternal health. This shift has raised concerns among public health experts about potential public hesitancy towards vaccines and the risk of increased hepatitis B infections among children.
A US panel of vaccine advisers has voted to end the longstanding recommendation for vaccinations against the hepatitis B virus (HBV) right after birth.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (Acip) voted 8-3 to back individual-based decision-making on whether to vaccinate babies born to mothers who have tested negative for the liver infection.
Since 1991, the US has recommended vaccinating newborns against hepatitis B, with data suggesting that the shots have prevented an estimated 90,000 deaths.
In a White House memo, President Donald Trump directed health officials to review all childhood vaccinations following the panel's vote, suggesting that outdated practices may exist compared to peer nations.
Public health experts fear this decision could lead to decreased vaccination uptake and increased cases of hepatitis B, particularly as the virus can be transmitted during birth from infected mothers.
Despite the change for newborns, vaccines will still be administered to babies born to mothers who test positive for hepatitis B. Maryland's state health department is urging continued vaccination at birth per traditional recommendations.
The decision has sparked debate within the medical community about the safety and effectiveness of vaccinations, reflecting the ongoing tension surrounding public health policy and individual freedoms.
