
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's vaccine advisory committee voted 8-3 on Friday to remove the universal recommendation for the hepatitis B vaccine at birth.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to make vaccine recommendations based on the mother's testing status.
The recommendations state that if a mother tests negative for hepatitis B, parents should decide, with the guidance of their health care provider, whether the shot is right for their newborn -- referred to as "individual-based decision-making," according to a document with the ACIP voting language.
CDC vaccine advisory committee meets to discuss hepatitis B shot, childhood immunization schedule
The vote includes that newborns who do not receive the hepatitis B birth dose get an initial dose no earlier than 2 months old.
The voting language document emphasized there is no change to the recommendation that infants born to women who test positive or have unknown status to be vaccinated.
The language document also included a footnote that parents and health care providers should consider whether the newborn faces risks, such as a hepatitis B-positive household member or frequent contact with people who have emigrated from areas where hepatitis B is common.
In a second vote, the ACIP voted 6-4, with one abstention, that parents of older children should talk to their doctor about hepatitis B antibody testing before considering subsequent hepatitis B vaccination.
The testing would determine whether an antibody threshold was achieved and should be covered by insurance.
The CDC acting director, Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill, is expected to sign off on the change.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
LATEST POSTS
- 1
He walked on the moon in 1972. This is his advice for the Artemis II astronauts. - 2
US FDA investigates Takeda's blood disorder drug after pediatric death - 3
Damaged launch pad: How long before Russia can send astronauts to the ISS again? - 4
A mom's viral post is raising the question: Do kids need snacks? Dietitians have answers. - 5
Meet the astronauts about to make history on flight around the moon
Fears of global aluminum shortages intensify
Israel's ban on unsupervised reporters in Gaza causes strategic harm to legitimacy
The Most recent Microsoft Surface Star PC: Ideal for Top of the line Planning and Gaming Needs
'Stranger Things' made him a heartthrob. He left Hollywood anyway.
Woman gives birth on roadside after hospital allegedly sent her home: Family
Venezuelan President Maduro arrives in New York following U.S. capture: Full coverage
Cameroon says Russia has confirmed 16 Cameroonian soldiers died in Ukraine
World's oldest known tortoise still very much alive despite rumor to the contrary
Yes, NASA's launching Artemis 2 astronauts to the moon on April Fools' Day. It's not a joke.













