
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
Artemis 2 captures historic 'Earthset' photo | Space photo of the day for April 7, 2026 - 2
Divorce filings, feuds and legal trouble: The 'Mormon Wives' drama keeps piling up - 3
Pick the Ideal Family Feline Variety for Your Home - 4
The most effective method to Boost Eco-friendliness in Your Volvo XC40 - 5
Nestlé says 413,793 KitKat candy bars stolen en route from Italy to Poland
Manual for 6 Hot Brilliant Beds
German journalists' union condemns attack on reporters in village
Wisconsin judge sends Slender Man attacker back to mental health institution after group home escape
See tonight’s solar storm unfold across the world
10 Delectable Specialty Mixed drinks
Language Learning Applications for Voyagers
Artemis 2 astronauts — now halfway to the moon — report 'burning smell' from toilet, but everything's fine
Aluminum salts emerge as likely target as health officials scrutinize childhood vaccines
The most effective method to Decisively Use Open Record Rewards












