
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
Longtime United Launch Alliance CEO Tory Bruno resigns from space company. 'Finished the mission I came to do.' - 2
Robyn returns to music with 'Dopamine,' her 1st single in 7 years: 'Came to save music once again' - 3
Paratroopers kill terrorist who threw rocks at Israeli citizens, soldiers near Ofra in West Bank - 4
Tire Brands for Senior Drivers: Guaranteeing Security and Solace - 5
Moon rush: These private spacecraft will attempt lunar landings in 2026
Figure out how to Separate Among Fledgling and Master Fender bender Legal counselors
5 Signs Now is the ideal time to Update Your Android Telephone: When to Take the Action
Palestinian leader Abbas says elections only after Gaza war ends
Texas cities have some of the highest preterm birth rates in the US, highlighting maternal health crisis nationwide
The Way to Business: Startup Illustrations Learned
Von der Leyen: Paris meeting sends signal of unity for Ukraine
Displaced Palestinian families suffer as heavy rains flood Gaza tent camps
An Excursion Through Renowned Western Network programs
Holiday travel: Best days to hit the road as 110 million Americans expected to drive over Christmas and New Year's












