Delay in CDC's Decision on Hepatitis B Vaccine: Insights into Potential Alterations for Parents
In a recent meeting, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) vaccine advisory committee has indefinitely postponed a vote on whether to stop recommending the hepatitis B vaccine for newborns. This decision comes as the committee deliberates on a potential change in the vaccination protocol, focusing on a risk-based approach rather than a universal recommendation.
Currently, the CDC recommends Hepatitis B vaccination for all adults aged 19 to 59 years and for adults aged 60 and older with risk factors for Hepatitis B infection or other indications. Vaccination may be considered for adults 60 and older without known risk factors as well, reflecting a universal or targeted approach to adult Hepatitis B immunization in the United States.
The proposed change would see the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine delayed from birth and given at one month of life for babies born to mothers who test negative in pregnancy. However, the advisors are considering removing the universal recommendation for a shot in the hours after a baby is born, and instead only giving the shot if the mother tests positive for the infection during her pregnancy.
This shift in policy aims to reduce the number of unnecessary vaccinations while ensuring that newborns are protected from the highly contagious virus. It's important to note that the CDC's recommendation for the hepatitis B vaccine is not a mandate but eliminates barriers for families to ensure protection from the virus.
Before 1991, it was estimated that 200,000 to 300,000 new hepatitis B infections occurred annually in the U.S., and over 1 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B infection. Since then, hepatitis B has been virtually eliminated among babies in the U.S., largely due to the widespread use of the hepatitis B vaccine.
The advisory committee also discussed the safety of the hepatitis B vaccines, with panel member Cody Meissner arguing that trying to "prove the absence of harm" is "simply not a practical objective." Meanwhile, vaccine critic Robert Malone proposed tabling the vote out of concern about the safety of the hepatitis B vaccines.
In other news, the group voted to narrow existing recommendations for the combined MMRV shot. This decision was made following presentations on Thursday that included data about the chances of side effects from the MMRV vaccine.
Elsewhere, film icon, Oscar-winning director, and activist Robert Redford passed away at the age of 89. His contributions to the film industry and activism will be greatly missed.
The CDC has not made any recent announcements regarding Charlie Kirk, his wife, or his children. The discussion for the COVID-19 vaccine may include the FDA's recent narrowing of COVID-19 vaccine approvals to a smaller group of Americans. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is expected to vote on the COVID-19 vaccine later on Friday. Up to 2.4 million people in the U.S. are living with chronic hepatitis B, many of whom are asymptomatic and unaware of their diagnosis, according to the CDC. Half of people living with Hepatitis B in the U.S. don't know they are infected, according to the CDC.
