The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has postponed a decision on whether to change the hepatitis B vaccine schedule for newborns. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) was set to vote on delaying the first dose from birth to one month for babies born to mothers who test negative for hepatitis B. The vote was delayed after members expressed concerns about the safety and necessity of the change.
The hepatitis B vaccine has been recommended at birth in the U.S. since 1991, significantly reducing infant infections. Before the vaccine, there were 18,000 annual infant infections; now, there are about 20 reported cases per year. Dr. Cody Meissner, an ACIP member, emphasized the vaccine’s safety, stating, “There is no evidence of harm from administering the neonatal vaccine.”
The postponement follows a lengthy discussion about the vaccine’s risks and benefits. Concerns were raised about the potential for increased infections if the birth dose is delayed. The CDC’s data shows the vaccine is safe, but some members questioned the long-term safety research.
ACIP also discussed the recent FDA narrowing of COVID-19 vaccine approvals to those over 65 or with underlying conditions, with a vote on this expected later. The committee’s recommendation is not final; the Department of Health and Human Services will review insurance implications before a decision is made.
The CDC’s decision to delay the vote aims to ensure all children can access the hepatitis B vaccine, especially those uninsured or on Medicaid. The committee also voted to recommend testing all pregnant people for hepatitis B.
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