US Vaccine Advisory Committee Delays Birth Hepatitis B Shots Amid Controversy
The federal vaccine advisory committee, led by US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has delayed a decision on whether newborns should receive the hepatitis B shot at birth. The move comes as the panel grapples with concerns about the safety and necessity of the birth dose, which was widely adopted decades ago to prevent thousands of illnesses.
The committee voted to delay the decision until Friday after members expressed confusion about voting language and some voiced concern about taking such a step. For years, the government has advised that all babies receive the hepatitis B vaccine at birth, but Kennedy's panel is considering whether to recommend the shot only for babies whose mothers test positive for the virus.
The move marks a significant shift from the previous recommendation, which was based on extensive safety studies showing that the birth dose significantly reduced the risk of liver disease and cancer. However, some committee members have expressed skepticism about the vaccine's safety, citing limited safety studies and concerns about the potential risks.
Dr. Jason M. Goldman, president of the American College of Physicians, called the panel's decision "political theater," stating that it was based on "concerns of individuals who don't want the vaccine." However, other committee members argued that larger additional studies could uncover a problem with the birth dose and that some concerns were unfounded.
Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection that can lead to chronic illness if not treated promptly. The virus is primarily spread through sex or sharing needles during injection drug use, but it can also be passed from an infected mother to her baby.
Kennedy's panel has faced criticism for its decisions in recent months, which have been seen as anti-vaccine by many medical groups. In June, the panel recommended removing a preservative called thimerosal from flu vaccines, despite acknowledging that there was no proof it caused harm. In September, the panel recommended new restrictions on a combination shot that protects against chickenpox, measles, mumps, and rubella.
The delay in the decision on hepatitis B shots is the latest example of the controversy surrounding Kennedy's committee. The panel has been criticized for its perceived bias towards anti-vaccine views, with some members having ties to advocacy groups that promote misinformation about vaccines.
The federal vaccine advisory committee, led by US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has delayed a decision on whether newborns should receive the hepatitis B shot at birth. The move comes as the panel grapples with concerns about the safety and necessity of the birth dose, which was widely adopted decades ago to prevent thousands of illnesses.
The committee voted to delay the decision until Friday after members expressed confusion about voting language and some voiced concern about taking such a step. For years, the government has advised that all babies receive the hepatitis B vaccine at birth, but Kennedy's panel is considering whether to recommend the shot only for babies whose mothers test positive for the virus.
The move marks a significant shift from the previous recommendation, which was based on extensive safety studies showing that the birth dose significantly reduced the risk of liver disease and cancer. However, some committee members have expressed skepticism about the vaccine's safety, citing limited safety studies and concerns about the potential risks.
Dr. Jason M. Goldman, president of the American College of Physicians, called the panel's decision "political theater," stating that it was based on "concerns of individuals who don't want the vaccine." However, other committee members argued that larger additional studies could uncover a problem with the birth dose and that some concerns were unfounded.
Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection that can lead to chronic illness if not treated promptly. The virus is primarily spread through sex or sharing needles during injection drug use, but it can also be passed from an infected mother to her baby.
Kennedy's panel has faced criticism for its decisions in recent months, which have been seen as anti-vaccine by many medical groups. In June, the panel recommended removing a preservative called thimerosal from flu vaccines, despite acknowledging that there was no proof it caused harm. In September, the panel recommended new restrictions on a combination shot that protects against chickenpox, measles, mumps, and rubella.
The delay in the decision on hepatitis B shots is the latest example of the controversy surrounding Kennedy's committee. The panel has been criticized for its perceived bias towards anti-vaccine views, with some members having ties to advocacy groups that promote misinformation about vaccines.
they're already doin so much damage by makin people think vaccine debate is a thing 
and now they're causin doubt over lifes savin shots like hepatitis b? come on, science says it's safe & necessary 
and we need swift action to protect our kids 
from this deadly virus. delayin decisions only causes more harm 
so the government's all over it again. Can't even make a simple decision without turning it into some kind of circus 
. I mean, come on, hepatitis B is no joke, it can cause chronic illness and liver disease... but apparently, some people don't want to take the vaccine 
. And now we've got this whole thing with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. leading the committee... yeah, that's gonna go well 
. Anyway, I guess it's good they're taking their time to make a decision, 'cause rushing into something without thinking it through is not exactly my cup of tea 
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The vaccine advisory committee is just messing around while thousands of babies are at risk of getting sick. I mean, who needs extra studies when the previous recommendation worked like a charm? It's like they're trying to create more controversy than necessary. And Robert F. Kennedy Jr. leading the charge? Red flag right there. 
His track record on vaccines is pretty questionable too. This whole thing just reeks of politics... 
. But we gotta consider all sides of the argument here. I mean, the science says the birth dose has been lifesaving for decades 
, but what if there is a hidden risk that we don't know about yet? It's better to err on the side of caution, you feel me? 
And let's not forget, Dr. Kennedy Jr. is just trying to listen to the concerns of his fellow scientists and experts 
. People are getting way too worked up over this 
. all these "concerns" about safety studies and whatnot are just a bunch of hooey 
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their whole argument is based on cherry-picked data and misinformation 
. i mean, i get it, we want to make sure we're not putting unnecessary meds in our kids' bodies... but this is hepatitis B we're talking about, not some experimental new vaccine 
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Can't we just err on the side of caution and recommend it for all babies born to mothers who test positive? 
At least I know there are some experts, like Dr. Goldman, who think this is just "political theater" 
. But hey, let's keep an open mind and see what they come up with next. 
But what's concerning is the timing. Just when we need a clear guideline for newborns to stay safe from this super contagious liver infection 
The fact that Dr. Goldman called it "political theater" doesn't help either 