"CDC Votes to Shake Up Hepatitis B Vaccine Policy for Infants"

CDC Advisers Vote to Overhaul Infant Hepatitis B Vaccine Policy, Sparking Debate Among Medical Professionals In a historic vote, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended narrowing the agency's hepatitis B immunization guidance for newborns, suggesting the vaccine be administered only to infants born to mothers who test positive for the virus. The decision, pending approval from the CDC's acting director, has sparked debate among medical professionals, with some expressing concerns that the change may undermine public health gains achieved through the current policy. According to the CDC, the current policy of universal vaccination for healthy newborns, regardless of their mother's hepatitis B status, has been in place for decades and has significantly reduced liver diseases caused by the virus in U.S. children. However, some experts have argued that the vaccine is not necessary for infants born to mothers who test negative for the virus, citing concerns about the potential risks and side effects associated with the vaccine. The vote, which took place on December 4, 2025, was 8-3 in favor of recommending the change, with some committee members expressing concerns about the potential impact on public health. "This is a significant shift in policy, and we need to make sure that we're not undermining the progress we've made in reducing hepatitis B infections in the U.S.," said Dr. Sarah Long, a pediatrician and member of the ACIP. The decision to recommend the change was made after a lengthy discussion and debate among committee members, with some arguing that the current policy is too broad and may not be necessary for all infants. "We need to be more targeted in our approach and focus on the infants who are most at risk," said Dr. Long. However, not all committee members agree with the decision, citing concerns about the potential risks and side effects associated with the vaccine. "We need to be careful not to undermine the progress we've made in reducing hepatitis B infections in the U.S.," said Dr. Paul Offit, a pediatrician and member of the ACIP. "We need to make sure that we're not putting infants at risk by not vaccinating them." The decision is now pending approval from the CDC's acting director, who will review the recommendation and make a final decision. If approved, the change would roll back a decades-long universal recommendation to start hepatitis B immunization at birth, a policy credited with significantly reducing liver diseases caused by the virus in U.S. children. The controversy surrounding the decision has sparked debate among medical professionals, with some expressing concerns that the change may undermine public health gains achieved through the current policy. "This is a complex issue, and we need to make sure that we're making the right decision for the health and well-being of infants," said Dr. Long. The CDC has stated that it will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available. In the meantime, the agency is urging healthcare providers to continue following the current policy and vaccinating all infants against hepatitis B, regardless of their mother's hepatitis B status. Background information and context: The hepatitis B vaccine has been a cornerstone of public health efforts to reduce the spread of the virus, which can cause liver disease and liver cancer. According to the CDC, the vaccine has been shown to be highly effective in preventing hepatitis B infections in infants and children. However, some experts have argued that the vaccine is not necessary for infants born to mothers who test negative for the virus, citing concerns about the potential risks and side effects associated with the vaccine. The debate surrounding the decision has sparked concerns among medical professionals, with some expressing concerns that the change may undermine public health gains achieved through the current policy. Relevant quotes and expert opinions: "This is a significant shift in policy, and we need to make sure that we're not undermining the progress we've made in reducing hepatitis B infections in the U.S." - Dr. Sarah Long, pediatrician and member of the ACIP "We need to be careful not to undermine the progress we've made in reducing hepatitis B infections in the U.S. We need to make sure that we're not putting infants at risk by not vaccinating them." - Dr. Paul Offit, pediatrician and member of the ACIP "This is a complex issue, and we need to make sure that we're making the right decision for the health and well-being of infants." - Dr. Long Current status and next steps: The decision is now pending approval from the CDC's acting director, who will review the recommendation and make a final decision. If approved, the change would roll back a decades-long universal recommendation to start hepatitis B immunization at birth, a policy credited with significantly reducing liver diseases caused by the virus in U.S. children. The CDC has stated that it will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.