New Vaccine Guidelines Spark Debate Over Hepatitis B Risks for Newborns

Recent changes to U.S. vaccination guidelines have ignited significant controversy, particularly regarding the hepatitis B vaccine for newborns. Under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to rescind its universal birth dose recommendation.

This shift encourages parents of newborns without a hepatitis B history to consult healthcare providers about vaccination. Medical experts and critics express concern that this decision could lead to increased infections and serious complications, including liver disease and cancer.

The World Health Organization highlights the global impact of hepatitis B, with millions infected annually. Experts warn that limiting access to the vaccine may disproportionately affect lower-income families and could reverse decades of public health progress.

The implications of this policy change extend beyond hepatitis B, as it may prompt reevaluation of other essential vaccinations for children, challenging the longstanding authority of the CDC in public health matters.