
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's vaccine advisory committee voted 8-3 on Friday to remove the universal recommendation for the hepatitis B vaccine at birth.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to make vaccine recommendations based on the mother's testing status.
The recommendations state that if a mother tests negative for hepatitis B, parents should decide, with the guidance of their health care provider, whether the shot is right for their newborn -- referred to as "individual-based decision-making," according to a document with the ACIP voting language.
CDC vaccine advisory committee meets to discuss hepatitis B shot, childhood immunization schedule
The vote includes that newborns who do not receive the hepatitis B birth dose get an initial dose no earlier than 2 months old.
The voting language document emphasized there is no change to the recommendation that infants born to women who test positive or have unknown status to be vaccinated.
The language document also included a footnote that parents and health care providers should consider whether the newborn faces risks, such as a hepatitis B-positive household member or frequent contact with people who have emigrated from areas where hepatitis B is common.
In a second vote, the ACIP voted 6-4, with one abstention, that parents of older children should talk to their doctor about hepatitis B antibody testing before considering subsequent hepatitis B vaccination.
The testing would determine whether an antibody threshold was achieved and should be covered by insurance.
The CDC acting director, Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill, is expected to sign off on the change.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
LATEST POSTS
- 1
Rebecca Gayheart on her 'very complicated' relationship with Eric Dane: 'I am always going to want the best for him' - 2
Man who grabbed Ariana Grande at 'Wicked: For Good' premiere also rushed Katy Perry onstage this year. Who is he and why is he doing this? - 3
Vote in favor of Your #1 4K television: Lucidity and Drenching Matter - 4
6 Solid Moving Administrations for a Calm Movement - 5
Prehistoric wolf’s gut frozen in time reveals an ice age giant
Watch India launch advanced military satellite on rocket's 1st flight since May 2025 failure
US FDA grants market authorization to six on! PLUS nicotine pouch products
6 Modest and Strong Tire Brands
Mom warns of Christmas gift hazard as daughter recovers in hospital
Defense Minister Katz finally condemns Jewish extremist violence against Palestinians
Germany and trade unions kick off tough public-sector wage talks
Vote In favor of Your Favored Video Conferencing Administration
Who is behind Al-Majd, the Israeli-linked evacuation group sending Gazans to South Africa?
‘Everybody Loves Raymond: 30th Anniversary Reunion’ premiere date: How to watch, channel, time, cast and more












