President Trump's Hepatitis B Vaccine Advice Sparks Concern Among Pediatricians

Trump Advises Parents on Hepatitis B Vaccine, but Doctors Say He's Wrong In a recent White House press briefing, President Trump suggested that parents wait until their children are 12 years old to receive the hepatitis B vaccine. However, pediatricians and health experts strongly disagree with this advice, warning that it could lead to serious consequences for public health. According to Dr. Andrew Pavia, a prominent pediatrician and infectious disease expert, Trump's suggestion is "extremely dangerous" and "totally irresponsible." "There is no scientific basis for delaying the hepatitis B vaccine until age 12," Pavia emphasized. "In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that all newborns receive the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine within the first 24 hours of birth." Hepatitis B is a highly contagious virus that attacks the liver and can lead to severe illness, liver failure, and even death. According to the CDC, since the introduction of universal vaccination in the U.S., case rates have plummeted by 99%. The hepatitis B vaccine has been shown to be safe and effective in preventing infection, particularly when administered early in life. Trump's comments sparked widespread concern among health professionals, who pointed out that delaying the vaccine could lead to increased transmission of the virus. "It's not just about individual children; it's about protecting public health," said Dr. Pavia. "We need to stick with evidence-based recommendations and not give false hope or misinformation to parents." The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also weighed in on the issue, stating that delaying the hepatitis B vaccine could have serious consequences for public health. "There is no scientific basis for delaying the hepatitis B vaccine until age 12," said AAP spokesperson Dr. Lee Savio Beers. "We urge parents to follow established guidelines and vaccinate their children according to CDC recommendations." In response to criticism, White House officials maintained that Trump's comments were intended to spark a discussion about vaccination policies. However, health experts say that the issue is not up for debate. "The science is clear: hepatitis B vaccine should be given at birth," said Dr. Pavia. As of now, it appears that Trump's advice will not change public health policy. The CDC and AAP continue to recommend universal vaccination against hepatitis B, and parents are advised to consult with their healthcare providers to ensure their children receive the necessary vaccinations on schedule. Background: Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can lead to severe illness, liver failure, and even death. According to the CDC, since the introduction of universal vaccination in the U.S., case rates have plummeted by 99%. The hepatitis B vaccine has been shown to be safe and effective in preventing infection. Additional Perspectives: While Trump's comments sparked controversy, some parents expressed concerns about vaccination policies. "I'm not sure I want my child to get vaccinated at birth," said one parent. However, health experts emphasize that the benefits of vaccination far outweigh any perceived risks. Current Status and Next Developments: The CDC and AAP continue to recommend universal vaccination against hepatitis B. Parents are advised to consult with their healthcare providers to ensure their children receive the necessary vaccinations on schedule. As for Trump's comments, it appears that they will not change public health policy. *Reporting by Npr.*