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2mo ago

CDC Panel Delays Vote on Hepatitis B Birth-Dose Policy as White House Pushes Changes

The long-standing guidance stays in place as scientists warn that early-life exposures beyond childbirth could leave infants vulnerable if the shot is delayed.

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 30: U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (R) speaks after U.S. President Donald Trump (L) announced a deal with Pfizer to lower Medicaid drug prices in the Oval Office of the White House on September 30, 2025 in Washington, DC. The Trump administration has reportedly reached an agreement with pharmaceutical company Pfizer to voluntarily sell its medications through Medicaid at lower prices. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 30: U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a deal with Pfizer to lower Medicaid drug prices in the Oval Office of the White House on September 30, 2025 in Washington, DC. The Trump administration has reportedly reached an agreement with pharmaceutical company Pfizer to voluntarily sell its medications through Medicaid at lower prices. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
Evelyn Griffin is seen during a meeting of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices on Sept. 19, 2025, in Chamblee, Georgia. (Elijah Nouvelage/Getty Images North America/TNS)

Overview

  • The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices debated postponing the first dose to one month but tabled the measure after members flagged inconsistencies in the draft resolution.
  • President Donald Trump urged parents to wait until about age 12 and described hepatitis B as sexually transmitted, a claim medical experts say overlooks other common routes of spread.
  • CDC scientist Adam Langer told advisers the virus can survive on surfaces for more than seven days and has infected unvaccinated children born to mothers who tested negative.
  • Decades of pediatric vaccination, including a dose within 24 hours of birth, are credited with reducing U.S. childhood hepatitis B by over 99% and preventing chronic infection that develops in about 90% of infants infected at birth.
  • The committee meets again Oct. 22, its recommendations can shape insurance coverage and access, and no agenda for that session had been posted as of this week.