A key U.S. health advisory panel is preparing to vote on whether newborns should receive their first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth, a recommendation that has drawn significant debate.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) was hand-selected by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., raising concerns for some members. The panel is expected to discuss this controversial decision Thursday in Atlanta.
While the initial recommendation dates back to 1991 and credited with reducing pediatric hepatitis B infections dramatically since that time, President Donald Trump has previously advocated delaying vaccination until age 12 due to his perception of the virus’ transmission routes.
Dr. Kirk Milhoan, who chairs ACIP, stated the timing for any potential delay “is still being finalized,” but noted disagreements within the committee regarding the best approach.
Critics have questioned aspects of U.S. hepatitis B policy from the start. Dr. Retsef Levi has termed current guidance “completely misaligned” with international standards and comparable nations’ approaches to vaccination against the disease.
Furthermore, Tracy Beth Høeg defended CDER’s initial assessment supporting universal immunization schedules that include birth vaccination for hepatitis B despite questions about benefits versus risks raised by some advisors during meetings.
