CDC advisory panel votes to limit hepatitis B vaccines for newborns

A CDC advisory panel voted to limit universal hepatitis B vaccinations for newborns in the US, recommending that parents of infants whose mothers test negative for the virus consult with healthcare professionals to decide on vaccination. This reverses the long-standing recommendation for all newborns to receive the vaccine. The advisers stated that hepatitis B vaccines are still recommended for children whose mothers test positive. Experts worry the change will create confusion, access issues, and potentially increase preventable infections, particularly among lower-income families. Some committee members expressed concerns that the change could be interpreted as the vaccine being controversial, creating barriers to care. The new recommendation suggests waiting at least two months if the vaccine is not administered at birth.

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