Story perspectives

CDC Limits Hepatitis B Vaccine for Newborns Amid Controversy

12/9/2025

Summary

Story summary

The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted 8-3 to stop universal hepatitis B vaccination for newborns, now recommending it only for infants born to infected mothers.
Three panel members abstained due to confusion over the resolution's language.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. restructured the ACIP, adding members who express vaccine skepticism.
Senator Bill Cassidy criticized the decision, arguing the birth-dose vaccine is safe and effective.

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Story summary

The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted 8-3 to stop universal hepatitis B vaccination for newborns, now recommending it only for infants born to infected mothers.
Three panel members abstained due to confusion over the resolution's language.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. restructured the ACIP, adding members who express vaccine skepticism.
Senator Bill Cassidy criticized the decision, arguing the birth-dose vaccine is safe and effective.