"Vaccine Panel to Delay Hepatitis B Shot in Kids Amid Growing Concerns"

Vaccine Panel Expected to Recommend Delaying Hepatitis B Shot in Children Amid Growing Concerns A key federal vaccine advisory panel, recently reconstituted under new leadership at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is expected to recommend delaying the hepatitis B shot in newborns until age 4. This move comes amid growing worries about the current vaccination schedule. According to two former senior officials at the CDC, the panel's decision will likely be influenced by concerns about the timing of the hepatitis B vaccine, which is currently administered to infants shortly after birth. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, stated that there would "likely be a discussion about hepatitis B vaccine" during the upcoming meeting. The recommendation to delay the hepatitis B shot in children comes as the CDC undergoes significant changes under new leadership. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vocal critic of certain vaccines, has replaced several members of the advisory panel with individuals who share his views on vaccination schedules and safety. Experts warn that delaying this crucial vaccine could put vulnerable children at risk of contracting a potentially fatal disease. "This is a concerning development," said Dr. Paul Offit, a pediatrician and expert in infectious diseases. "Hepatitis B is a serious infection that can cause liver damage and even death if left untreated. Delaying the vaccine until age 4 could leave children unprotected for an extended period." The hepatitis B vaccine has been administered to newborns since the 1990s as part of a routine vaccination schedule. The CDC recommends that infants receive their first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine within the first 24 hours of birth, followed by additional doses at one and six months. While some experts argue that delaying the hepatitis B shot may not have significant consequences, others warn that it could lead to increased transmission rates of the virus among children. "This is a step in the wrong direction," said Dr. Peter Hotez, a vaccine expert and dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. "We need to be prioritizing vaccination schedules that protect our most vulnerable populations." The CDC has not officially confirmed the recommendation to delay the hepatitis B shot, but sources close to the agency indicate that it is likely to be approved during the upcoming meeting. The exact timing and details of the decision are still unclear. As the vaccine advisory panel prepares to make its recommendation, public health experts and advocates are urging caution and emphasizing the importance of maintaining a robust vaccination schedule. "We need to prioritize the safety and well-being of our children," said Dr. Offit. "Delaying this crucial vaccine is not a solution to any problem; it's a recipe for disaster." This story was compiled from reports by NPR News and BREAKING: NPR News.