Senator Cassidy Voices Concerns Over Potential Changes to Hepatitis B Vaccine Schedule
WASHINGTON – Senator Bill Cassidy expressed “very concerned” sentiments regarding potential alterations to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommended hepatitis B vaccine schedule, citing the important public health benefits already achieved through the current policy.
Cassidy, a physician who previously specialized in hepatitis B treatment, highlighted the vaccine’s success in reducing chronic hepatitis B infections. He stated that the current recommended dose at birth has led to a decrease of 20,000 cases of chronic hepatitis B over the past two decades.
“The vaccine is safe. It has been established,” Cassidy affirmed.He further suggested that proposed changes stem from a misunderstanding of hepatitis B epidemiology or complacency due to the vaccine’s success in lowering incidence rates.
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), responsible for advising the CDC on vaccine recommendations, is scheduled to meet December 4-5. The draft agenda includes discussions regarding the hepatitis B vaccine, potentially leading to votes on revised recommendations. In September,the panel postponed a vote on changes to the pediatric hepatitis B vaccine schedule.
Cassidy has previously scrutinized the ACIP. In June, he called for a postponement of a vaccine meeting following Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s declaration of replacing all 17 committee members.He again urged a postponement in August amid departures from the CDC.
These actions marked disagreements with Kennedy, who secured confirmation as Health and Human Services Secretary with Cassidy’s support after receiving what Cassidy described as “serious commitments” from the administration.
When questioned about his vote to confirm Kennedy, Cassidy stated he focuses on present issues and acknowledged Kennedy’s success in bringing attention to issues like ultra-processed foods. He noted public disagreements with Kennedy on some matters, but also expressed agreement on others.
