Public Health Policy Shock: CDC Panel Votes to End Universal Hepatitis B Vaccine at Birth
By Marge | Published 2025-12-05T17:48:26.311+00:00
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December 5, 2025: New Guidance Sparks Fierce Debate Over Infant Safety and Long-Term Health A federal advisory panel has voted to eliminate the long-standing recommendation that all newborns receive a dose of the Hepatitis B (HepB) vaccine within 24 hours of birth
The decision by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) breaks with over three decades of policy and has drawn intense opposition from major medical and public health organizations.The vote aims to shift the policy from a universal mandate to a targeted, risk-based approach for certain infants. However, critics argue this move is likely to lead to a significant and preventable increase in chronic infections, liver disease, and premature death.1. The Policy Change: What the ACIP V