URGENT: CDC Advisers Vote to Overhaul Infant Hepatitis B Vaccine Policy

Breaking News: CDC Advisers Vote to Overhaul Infant Hepatitis B Vaccine Policy The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) vaccine advisers have voted to recommend a significant change in the hepatitis B immunization guidance for newborns. On December 4, 2025, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted 8-3 to recommend hepatitis B vaccination at birth only for infants born to women who test positive for the virus. This decision, if approved by the CDC's acting director, will roll back the universal recommendation to start hepatitis B immunization at birth, a standard practice in the U.S. for over 30 years. The immediate impact of this decision is that women whose hepatitis B status is negative or unknown will need to discuss vaccination with their doctors. This change is expected to affect thousands of newborns and their families across the country. The hepatitis B vaccine has been credited with dramatically lowering liver diseases caused by the virus in the U.S. over the past three decades. The vaccine has been a cornerstone of infant immunization, with over 90% of newborns receiving the first dose at birth. The ACIP's decision will now be reviewed by the CDC's acting director, who will make a final decision on the new policy. This decision is expected to be made in the coming weeks. This is a developing story, and we will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.