Overview
- The CDC on Dec. 16 aligned with ACIP to end routine hepatitis B shots at birth for infants of mothers who test negative, advising parent‑clinician discussion instead.
- Babies born to mothers who are positive for hepatitis B or whose status is unknown should still receive vaccine plus hepatitis B immune globulin within 12 hours of birth.
- For infants who skip the birth dose, the CDC suggests beginning the vaccine series no earlier than two months of age.
- Several hospital systems and state health departments say they will continue offering the birth dose, and the American Academy of Pediatrics condemned the federal change as likely to increase infections.
- The CDC is reviewing ACIP’s separate proposal for post‑dose serology testing, and coverage through insurers and the Vaccines for Children program remains in place.