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CDC Vaccine Panel Ends Universal Hepatitis B Birth-Dose Recommendation

The advisory vote shifts newborn vaccination to case-by-case decisions for babies of mothers who test negative, pending action by the CDC’s acting director.

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A general view of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia September 30, 2014. REUTERS/Tami Chappell/File Photo
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ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 4: Dr. Robert Malone speaks during a meeting of the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) at CDC Headquarters on December 4, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. The ACIP is meeting to vote on changes to the childhood vaccination schedule and delay hepatitis B shots. (Photo by Elijah Nouvelage/Getty Images)

Overview

  • The ACIP voted 8–3 to replace the blanket birth-dose guidance with individual decision-making for infants whose mothers test negative for hepatitis B.
  • If parents decline the birth dose, the panel suggested giving the first hepatitis B shot no earlier than two months of age.
  • The recommendation maintains the birth dose for infants born to mothers who are hepatitis B positive or whose status is unknown.
  • The guidance is advisory and now goes to acting CDC director Jim O’Neill, after a contentious meeting of the RFK Jr.–reconstituted panel where dissenting members said evidence does not support a delay.
  • Major medical organizations condemned the move and warned of increased pediatric infections, while coverage and access effects are disputed as CMS says insurance should continue to pay for infant doses.