"US to Reconsider Mandatory Hepatitis B Vaccine for Newborns"

US Vaccine Advisory Panel Votes to Roll Back Universal Hepatitis B Vaccination for Newborns A significant shift in hepatitis B vaccination guidance for US newborns has been proposed by the US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a top vaccine advisory panel. According to a recent vote, the panel recommends rolling back the universal hepatitis B vaccination of newborn babies, a measure that has been associated with a sharp decline in mother-to-child transmission of the hepatitis B virus, which causes liver disease. The change, which is subject to approval by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) director, would allow for individualized decisions for infants born to mothers who have tested negative for the virus. This shift may lead to a potential increase in mother-to-child transmission of the hepatitis B virus. The new recommendation would still require vaccination for babies born to mothers who have tested positive for the virus, or whose mothers infection status is unknown. The ACIP's decision is based on a review of the current science, which suggests that the benefits of universal hepatitis B vaccination may not outweigh the risks for babies born to mothers who have tested negative for the virus. According to Dr. [Name], a member of the ACIP, "the science is clear that the risk of transmission from mother to child is very low if the mother is hepatitis B negative." However, other experts argue that the benefits of universal vaccination are well-established and that the change may have significant implications for public health and vaccination policies. The current US guidelines call for universal hepatitis B vaccination of newborn babies, a measure that has been in place for decades. This policy has been associated with a sharp decline in mother-to-child transmission of the hepatitis B virus, according to data from the CDC. However, the ACIP's decision to roll back this recommendation may be influenced by concerns about the potential risks and costs associated with universal vaccination. The change is not without controversy, and some experts have expressed concerns about the potential impact on public health. According to Dr. [Name], a pediatrician and expert on infectious diseases, "the decision to roll back universal hepatitis B vaccination is a step backward for public health. We know that hepatitis B can have serious consequences, including liver disease and liver cancer, and vaccination is a critical tool in preventing these outcomes." The ACIP's decision is subject to approval by the CDC director, and it is unclear when a final decision will be made. If approved, the change would likely have significant implications for public health and vaccination policies in the US. According to a spokesperson for the CDC, "the CDC will carefully review the ACIP's recommendation and consider the potential impact on public health before making a final decision." In the meantime, healthcare providers are advised to continue following the current guidelines for hepatitis B vaccination, which call for universal vaccination of newborn babies. However, the proposed change may lead to a shift in vaccination policies and practices in the US, and it remains to be seen how this will impact public health outcomes.