Archive · 20 Sep 2025
CDC Postpones Hepatitis B Vaccine Change for Newborns
A US health panel delayed a decision about how soon babies should get a Hepatitis B vaccine.
Currently, all newborns get the shot within a day of birth.
The panel was considering delaying the shot unless the mother has the virus, which attacks the liver.
Hepatitis B is a serious illness, and babies can get it from their mothers.
The vaccine has greatly reduced infections, protecting babies from liver problems later in life.
The panel's vote delay allows for further consideration of the best approach to keep newborns safe.
ACIP postponed a vote on changing the Hepatitis B vaccination schedule for infants.
The current recommendation is for the first dose of the vaccine within 24 hours of birth.
HBV attacks the liver and is a leading cause of liver cancer.
Transmission from mothers to babies during childbirth was a common infection route.
Universal birth dosing protects infants whose parents' HBV status is unknown.
- Who
- CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)
- What
- Postponed vote on changing the Hepatitis B vaccine schedule for newborns
- When
- September 2024
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To consider changes to the Hepatitis B vaccine schedule for infants
Pro-Universal Vaccination
Pro-Targeted Vaccination
Vaccination Approach
Pro-Universal Vaccination
Universal vaccination protects all newborns, regardless of maternal status or unknown parental status.
Pro-Targeted Vaccination
Targeted vaccination focuses on infants with known risk factors and potential exposure, such as mothers who are infected.
Preventing Infection
Pro-Universal Vaccination
Universal vaccination is more reliable in preventing transmission of Hepatitis B.
Pro-Targeted Vaccination
Targeted vaccination approach is sufficient.
- Action
- ACIP postponed vote on Hepatitis B vaccine schedule changes
- Current Recommendation
- First dose of Hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth
- Proposed Change
- Delaying first dose for infants, unless mother is infected
- HBV Transmission
- Contact with bodily fluids, can also be transmitted via needlestick injury, tattooing and piercing.
- HBV Risk
- Leading cause of liver cancer worldwide
- HBV Prevalence
- 254 million people worldwide had chronic HBV in 2022
Sources
RFK Jr-Backed Panel Votes Against MMRV Vaccine for Children Under 4: Here’s Why
RFK Jr's CDC vaccine panel votes against measles shot for kids under 4
Trump govt putting American kids in danger? CDC panel suggests curbs to vaccine that prevents measles and chickenpox, amid 'Covid shot deaths' probe
CDC Advisers End Universal Covid Vaccine Recommendations