Why is the hepatitis B vaccine given to newborns in the U.S.?

The hepatitis B vaccine is given to newborns to prevent chronic infection, which can lead to serious liver disease, by reducing infections by over 95%.

Has the CDC advisory panel considered delaying the hepatitis B vaccine?

Yes, the CDC advisory panel postponed a vote to delay the birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine in September.

What are the risks of delaying the hepatitis B vaccine for infants?

Delaying the hepatitis B vaccine increases the risk that newborns will be infected by an infected parent or caregiver.

Home / Health / Hep B Vaccine Policy Under Fire: Experts Rebut Claims

Hep B Vaccine Policy Under Fire: Experts Rebut Claims

2 Dec

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Summary

Newborn hepatitis B vaccine policy cut infections by over 95%.
Experts review found no safety data to delay infant vaccination.
Delaying vaccine risks increased infant infections from parents.

An independent review of hundreds of studies by vaccine experts has concluded that the long-standing U.S. policy of administering the hepatitis B vaccine to newborns is highly effective, cutting infections by over 95%. The review found no safety or effectiveness data to support delaying this vital vaccination for infants.

The policy, established in 1991, has recently faced scrutiny, with calls from some health officials to postpone the birth dose until as late as age 12. However, experts assert that delaying the vaccine significantly increases the risk of newborns contracting hepatitis B from infected parents or caregivers.

Infants infected in their first year have a high chance of developing chronic liver disease. The review emphasizes that keeping the current policy is strongly supported by evidence, safeguarding public health against this serious liver infection.

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