Will all US babies still get the Hepatitis B vaccine?

The routine recommendation for all US babies to receive the hepatitis B vaccine on their day of birth has been changed. It is now recommended only for babies whose mothers have a positive or unknown infection status.

What is Hepatitis B and why is it serious?

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver, leading to liver cancer and chronic disease, especially in infants. Many infected individuals are asymptomatic.

How effective is the Hepatitis B vaccine?

The Hepatitis B vaccine has been highly effective, contributing to an almost 90% drop in U.S. infection rates since its widespread introduction for newborns.

Home / Health / Hep B Vaccine Rule Change Sparks Alarm

Hep B Vaccine Rule Change Sparks Alarm

5 Dec

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Summary

US babies may no longer receive routine hepatitis B vaccine at birth.
Hepatitis B virus causes liver cancer and can lead to chronic infection.
Vaccine rates dropped nearly 90% with widespread newborn vaccination.

A recent vote by a federal vaccine advisory committee could alter the routine for hepatitis B vaccinations in U.S. newborns. The panel recommended against the universal birth dose, suggesting it only for infants whose mothers have a positive or unknown hepatitis B status. For other newborns, parents and doctors will now decide on the timing of the first vaccine dose, which will be advised no sooner than two months of age if not given at birth.

This potential shift has raised concerns among medical groups, who fear it could lead to an increase in childhood HBV infections. The hepatitis B virus is a major cause of liver cancer worldwide, and while it often resolves in adults, it becomes chronic in a high percentage of infants and young children. Chronic HBV can lead to severe liver disease and transplants decades later.

Historically, widespread vaccination has drastically reduced HBV infection rates in the U.S., by nearly 90%. The World Health Organization also notes millions worldwide live with chronic hepatitis B. The vaccine is considered safe, with mild side effects being common, and severe reactions rare.