Federal Health Agency to Ditch Birth Vaccination for Hepatitis B Amid COVID-19 Concerns - A move that public health experts warn could leave pregnant women and children vulnerable to infection has been approved by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
The ACIP voted 8-3 to delay administering the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine until 30 days after birth, a change that has sparked concern among medical professionals. The shift in recommendation comes amid growing controversy over vaccine efficacy and safety, fueled in part by misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines being shared by high-profile figures.
Experts warn that the change could lead to reduced access to vaccines for children and pregnant women, particularly those from low-income backgrounds or with limited healthcare access. Dr. Susan J. Kressly of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) expressed alarm over the move, stating that there is no new information about hepatitis B vaccine safety prompting the change.
Critics argue that by relying on pregnant individuals to determine whether their newborn receives a timely dose of the vaccine, they are shouldering an undue burden and risking infection. Dr. Raynard Washington of the Big Cities Health Coalition noted that "putting that responsibility on pregnant people — having to determine whether or not to give their newborn the dose right after birth or wait 30 days — would be completely irresponsible."
Public health experts point out that the current vaccination process has proven effective, with a 99% drop in severe hepatitis B infections since its introduction. They also highlight the risks associated with delaying vaccine administration, which can leave children susceptible to infection.
The move has been met with skepticism by medical professionals and public health advocates, who warn of devastating consequences for children's health and overall public well-being. Dr. Sean O'Leary of the AAP Committee on Infectious Diseases stated that "there's no reason to delay or space out vaccines," emphasizing the importance of the current vaccination schedule.
The shift in recommendation is part of a broader effort by RFK Jr., a prominent advocate for vaccine reform, to overhaul the US immunization system. The move has sparked controversy, with many experts questioning Kennedy's motivations and the scientific merit of his proposals.
The ACIP voted 8-3 to delay administering the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine until 30 days after birth, a change that has sparked concern among medical professionals. The shift in recommendation comes amid growing controversy over vaccine efficacy and safety, fueled in part by misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines being shared by high-profile figures.
Experts warn that the change could lead to reduced access to vaccines for children and pregnant women, particularly those from low-income backgrounds or with limited healthcare access. Dr. Susan J. Kressly of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) expressed alarm over the move, stating that there is no new information about hepatitis B vaccine safety prompting the change.
Critics argue that by relying on pregnant individuals to determine whether their newborn receives a timely dose of the vaccine, they are shouldering an undue burden and risking infection. Dr. Raynard Washington of the Big Cities Health Coalition noted that "putting that responsibility on pregnant people — having to determine whether or not to give their newborn the dose right after birth or wait 30 days — would be completely irresponsible."
Public health experts point out that the current vaccination process has proven effective, with a 99% drop in severe hepatitis B infections since its introduction. They also highlight the risks associated with delaying vaccine administration, which can leave children susceptible to infection.
The move has been met with skepticism by medical professionals and public health advocates, who warn of devastating consequences for children's health and overall public well-being. Dr. Sean O'Leary of the AAP Committee on Infectious Diseases stated that "there's no reason to delay or space out vaccines," emphasizing the importance of the current vaccination schedule.
The shift in recommendation is part of a broader effort by RFK Jr., a prominent advocate for vaccine reform, to overhaul the US immunization system. The move has sparked controversy, with many experts questioning Kennedy's motivations and the scientific merit of his proposals.
... they're ditching birth vaccination for Hepatitis B now? This is a total recipe for disaster! Pregnant women are already going through enough stress, now they have to worry about their newborns getting sick too? And what's with the 30-day delay thing? That's just asking for trouble. I mean, I get that there's some controversy around vaccine efficacy and safety, but this move seems reckless. We're talking about kids who can't even fight off a cold let alone a serious disease like Hepatitis B. It's just common sense to vaccinate newborns ASAP! 
And what's next? Are they gonna start questioning the safety of COVID vaccines too? This is getting out of hand...
I'm low-key freaked out about this 
news... delayed hepatitis B vaccination could leave pregnant women & kids super vulnerable 
. I get that there's been some controversy around vaccine safety, but 99% drop in severe hepatitis B infections since intro is no joke 
. What if we go back to the old days where people get sick & die? That'd be a total bummer 
. Anyone else worried about this? 
. What if a newborn gets infected before they even get a chance to receive the vaccine? It's just not worth the risk 
. I mean, 99% drop in severe Hepatitis B infections since its introduction? That's a huge success story 
! Why mess with it now?
. We need to make sure all kids are protected 
? Anyway, I'm keeping an eye on this & will definitely be following the updates 
I mean, I know some folks might be worried about vaccine safety, but 99% drop in severe hepatitis B infections since its introduction is still pretty impressive 
. I mean, what's next? Dropping kids off at school without breakfast? 
It's just not right! 
That's just unrealistic. And what about all the people who can't afford healthcare or access to vaccines in the first place? It's like, we're putting them at even greater risk... 
A 99% drop in severe Hepatitis B infections is no joke. Delaying vaccinations is just asking for trouble 
I MEAN, WE'VE SEEN WHAT HAPPENS WHEN PEOPLE DON'T GET VACCINATED ON TIME. IT'S NOT FUN TO WATCH! 
IT'S JUST SPOOKING PEOPLE INTO MAKING POOR DECISIONS. WE NEED SCIENCE, NOT FEAR MONGERING! 
This new decision by the Federal Health Agency has me worried - aren't we already dealing with vaccine-related misinformation? Now they're delaying birth vaccinations for hepatitis B, which could put pregnant women and kids at risk. It just feels like a step backward in terms of public health safety...
We can't just rely on 'experts' saying "we don't see any new info" when it comes to public health decisions.
. I hope this decision gets reversed ASAP, and we can stick to the tried-and-true vaccination schedule 
what if they get infected in that time?? 
how come ppl can't just stick to the schedule