Why are U.S. newborn hepatitis B vaccination rates declining?

Newborn hepatitis B vaccination rates have been falling since July 2023, particularly after the CDC revised its broad recommendation in December 2025, suggesting a more individualized approach based on parental and doctor decisions.

What are the potential consequences of decreased hepatitis B vaccination?

Experts are warning of a potential resurgence in hepatitis B infections among infants and children, which could undo decades of public health progress made since the vaccine was recommended for newborns in 1991.

What was the change in the CDC's hepatitis B vaccine recommendation?

The CDC revised its broad recommendation in December 2025, moving away from the universal birth-dose policy unless the mother has the virus or her status is unknown, a shift influenced by an advisory panel.

Home / Health / Hepatitis B Vaccine Drop Sparks Health Fears

Hepatitis B Vaccine Drop Sparks Health Fears

23 Feb

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Summary

Newborn hepatitis B vaccination rates dropped over 10% between 2023 and 2025.
CDC revised its broad recommendation in December 2025, citing reduced risk.
Experts warn of a potential resurgence in hepatitis B infections among infants.

Hepatitis B Vaccine Drop Sparks Health Fears

Rates of hepatitis B vaccination for U.S. newborns have been falling significantly since July 2023, even before the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) altered its longstanding recommendation in December 2025. Researchers reported a drop of over 10 percentage points in vaccinations administered within 30 days after birth between 2023 and 2025.

The decline began around July 2023, coinciding with increased public discussion about childhood vaccinations. This period saw a widely circulated podcast featuring a vaccine critic, raising concerns. Previously, hepatitis B vaccination rates in newborns had steadily climbed for decades, reaching 83.5% by 2023, a substantial increase from 21% in 2002.

In December 2025, an advisory panel appointed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recommended against the broad birth-dose policy, suggesting parents decide with doctors on vaccination timing. This shift occurred despite the panel providing no new evidence of harm from the vaccine. Experts warn this policy change could jeopardize public health gains, potentially leading to a resurgence of hepatitis B infections in infants and children.

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