US Vaccine Panel Votes to End Global Hepatitis B Vaccination for Newborns
A US advisory panel has voted to end universal hepatitis B vaccination for newborns, a move sparking immediate criticism from medical professionals. the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) decision,reached Friday after a tense two-day meeting and multiple postponements,shifts recommendations away from a standard birth dose of the vaccine.
The change stems from debate over the risk of hepatitis B transmission and the optimal timing of vaccination. Committee members voting in favor of the new recommendations argued the risk of contracting the virus is low and vaccines should be tailored to individual patients. Critics of the birth dose have suggested vaccination should be reserved for newborns whose mothers test positive for the virus.
Though, doctors warn limiting the birth dose could leave some infants vulnerable, as not all pregnant individuals have access to reliable testing, and false negative results are possible. The virus can be spread through more than just sexual contact and shared needles, including indirect contact like shared toothbrushes and razors.
The World Health Organization recommends hepatitis B vaccination at zero, one, and six months, while the UK recommends vaccination at eight, 12, and 16 weeks, unless the mother tests positive.
The decision follows changes to US vaccine policy under Health Secretary Xavier Kennedy, and has drawn sharp rebuke from some lawmakers. Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, a physician who confirmed Kennedy’s appointment despite vaccine concerns, stated, “As a liver doctor who has treated patients with hepatitis B for decades, this change to the vaccine schedule is a mistake.” He emphasized the vaccine is “safe and effective” and the birth dose is a recommendation,not a mandate.
During the meetings, Dr. Joseph Hibbeln described the voting choices as “incredibly problematic,” while Dr. Meissner accused members of acting on “baseless scepticism.” Committee member Retsef Levi, who supported the change, stated the US hepatitis B vaccine policy was “misaligned” with other countries.
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause both acute and chronic disease. individuals with the virus do not always exhibit symptoms, potentially spreading it unknowingly, even while caring for children and infants.
