Hepatitis B Vaccine Change: AMA Condemns CDC Advisory Panel’s Revised Recommendation

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The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recently voted 8-3 to revise their longstanding recommendation regarding Hepatitis B vaccination schedules. Previously, they had recommended that all U.S. newborns receive a hepatitis B vaccine immediately after birth; now, this vital practice is being replaced by a new approach where the shot will be administered only to infants born to mothers who test positive for the virus.

Dr. Sandra Fryhofer, an AMA trustee, described ACIP’s decision as “reckless,” stating it undermines decades of public confidence in vaccines and creates confusion among parents about child protection protocols.

“Today’s action is not grounded in scientific evidence and disregards data supporting the effectiveness of early vaccination against Hepatitis B,” Fryhofer declared. She emphasized that administering the birth dose remains crucial to prevent perinatal transmission of the virus, which can lead to chronic liver disease or even death.

Committee members justified their shift by arguing most American infants are not at risk from hepatitis B infection and expressing concerns about potential unknown long-term side effects despite limited evidence in available studies. Their recommendation suggests that mothers testing negative for the virus should leave vaccination decisions with pediatricians until children reach two months of age, which could have profound implications.

Dr. Jim O’Neill will now determine if this revised guidance gains presidential approval. This change potentially represents significant disruption to childhood immunization protocols under Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s administration.

Fryhofer has publicly urged officials not to approve the modification: “The AMA calls on ACIP to honor scientific standards,” she said, advocating strongly for maintaining proven public health measures against hepatitis B transmission through infants.
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Hepatitis B Vaccine Dose Change Recommended by CDC Advisory Panel

A significant change in recommendation regarding the Hepatitis B vaccine has been announced. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, voted 8-3 to recommend administering the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine only at birth if the mother tests positive for the virus. Previously, ACIP advised giving all newborns a birth dose.

Dr. Sandra Fryhofer, representing an American medical organization (not mentioned in text), described this shift as “reckless” and said it undermines established public health measures designed to protect infants from hepatitis B transmission at birth.
“The AMA [presumably referring to the American Medical Association] calls on ACIP,” she stated, although the exact group name was not provided. She urged caution against altering protocols that have been effective for many years.

She highlighted that immediate administration is vital for preventing mother-to-child spread of Hepatitis B during perinatal periods and protecting newborns from developing chronic liver conditions later in life like cirrhosis or cancer.
Some members contended that most U.S.-born infants are not considered at high risk, arguing evidence showed insufficient long-term data on vaccine safety.

Dr. Jim O’Neill (specified here as the Acting Director) will decide if this recommendation becomes official policy. The change could signal a substantial shift in early childhood immunization protocols under Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Fryhofer’s statement called for adherence to established scientific evidence.