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Sen. Cassidy Warns Against Delaying Hepatitis B Vaccine

12/5/2025

Summary

Story summary

Sen. Bill Cassidy criticized the Health and Human Services Department, led by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., for reconsidering the hepatitis B vaccine birth dose.
Cassidy emphasized the vaccine's effectiveness and safety, warning that delays could lead to a resurgence of infections.
The CDC's advisory panel is debating allowing parents to delay the vaccine until two months if the mother tests negative for hepatitis B.
Critics warn this change could result in over 1,400 preventable infections and additional health complications.
A recent study supports the current birth dose policy, highlighting its success in reducing hepatitis B cases.

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Story summary

Sen. Bill Cassidy criticized the Health and Human Services Department, led by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., for reconsidering the hepatitis B vaccine birth dose.
Cassidy emphasized the vaccine's effectiveness and safety, warning that delays could lead to a resurgence of infections.
The CDC's advisory panel is debating allowing parents to delay the vaccine until two months if the mother tests negative for hepatitis B.
Critics warn this change could result in over 1,400 preventable infections and additional health complications.
A recent study supports the current birth dose policy, highlighting its success in reducing hepatitis B cases.