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CDC Funds Controversial Hepatitis B Vaccine Trial in Guinea-Bissau

12/19/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has awarded a $1.6 million grant to the Bandim Health Project at the University of Southern Denmark to study the hepatitis B vaccine's effects in Guinea-Bissau.
The trial will compare immediate vaccination at birth with the standard practice of vaccinating at six weeks.
Critics, including health experts, say withholding newborn vaccination is unethical in areas with high hepatitis B prevalence.

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Story summary

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has awarded a $1.6 million grant to the Bandim Health Project at the University of Southern Denmark to study the hepatitis B vaccine's effects in Guinea-Bissau.
The trial will compare immediate vaccination at birth with the standard practice of vaccinating at six weeks.
Critics, including health experts, say withholding newborn vaccination is unethical in areas with high hepatitis B prevalence.