Overview
- A reconstituted CDC advisory panel voted 8–3 to drop the universal hepatitis B birth dose, urging shared decisions for infants of mothers who test negative and suggesting no vaccination before two months if the birth dose is skipped.
- The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and AHIP said they will continue no‑cost coverage for all vaccines on ACIP’s lists from earlier this year, with commitments extending through 2026.
- A CMS official and KFF’s Jen Kates said the move to shared clinical decision‑making does not change insurers’ obligations under the ACA or Medicaid, and CDC officials indicated Vaccines for Children would still cover the shot.
- New York State and New York City reaffirmed the universal birth‑dose recommendation, Maryland issued an advisory and a standing order to preserve access, and a West Coast health alliance said the vaccine should still be given within 24 hours of birth.
- Major medical groups including the AMA criticized the decision as confusing and unnecessary, and public health experts warned it could lower newborn vaccination rates.