Overview
- ACIP voted to recommend the hepatitis B shot at birth only for infants of mothers who test positive or were not tested, with others starting the series at two months after discussion with clinicians.
- Arizona’s health department said it will continue recommending the hepatitis B birth dose for all babies, citing missed protection for newborns if the shot is delayed.
- California physicians condemned the federal shift and said the state will keep advising a universal birth dose, with the California Medical Association calling the change a setback for child health.
- Michigan health officials opposed the new guidance and urged providers to follow AAP and AAFP schedules that include vaccination at birth.
- Modeling cited by pediatric groups projects about 99,000 preventable infections if the birth dose is deferred, and data show the vaccine given within 24 hours can prevent most newborn infections.