U.S. Vaccine Panel Ends Universal Hepatitis B Birth-Dose Recommendation

Overview

• The advisory committee voted 8–3 to limit the newborn dose to babies of mothers who test positive for hepatitis B.
• Families of infants whose mothers test negative are to decide with clinicians whether to vaccinate, with the first dose not before two months of age.
• The new guidance advises hepatitis B antibody testing of infants before proceeding with subsequent doses.
• Major medical groups, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, criticized the change and say they will keep recommending the birth dose, while WHO continues to urge immediate newborn vaccination.
• The decision will guide CDC policy and could affect insurance coverage and clinical practice across the United States.