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Federal Review Sparks Debate on Hepatitis B Vaccine for Newborns

9/17/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A federal committee will review hepatitis B vaccination guidelines, possibly changing the recommendation for vaccinating all newborns.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. questions the vaccine's safety and necessity for infants.
The CDC has recommended the vaccine since 1991, leading to a 99% decrease in childhood infections.
Critics suggest vaccination should be limited to infants of infected mothers due to transmission risks.
Experts assert the vaccine protects about 98% of healthy infants, while lawmakers debate its necessity amid varying views on immunization practices.

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Story summary

A federal committee will review hepatitis B vaccination guidelines, possibly changing the recommendation for vaccinating all newborns.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. questions the vaccine's safety and necessity for infants.
The CDC has recommended the vaccine since 1991, leading to a 99% decrease in childhood infections.
Critics suggest vaccination should be limited to infants of infected mothers due to transmission risks.
Experts assert the vaccine protects about 98% of healthy infants, while lawmakers debate its necessity amid varying views on immunization practices.