The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has voted to end its long-standing recommendation for all newborns to receive the hepatitis B vaccine at birth. The decision, made on March 15, 2024, has sparked significant criticism from medical professionals nationwide, particularly in Maine, who argue that this change could endanger infants’ health.
In a contentious vote, the panel decided 8-3 to lift the recommendation, stating that mothers who test negative for the virus should consult with their healthcare providers to determine whether their child should be vaccinated at birth. Critics contend that removing this recommendation may result in decreased vaccination rates among infants, potentially leaving them vulnerable to the virus.
Dr. Laura Blaisdell, the immediate past president of the Maine chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, expressed deep concern over the decision. In an interview, she emphasized that the “science has not changed,” pointing out that administering the hepatitis B vaccine shortly after birth is critical in preventing transmission from mother to child. Blaisdell stated, “We are being subjected to a fringe agenda, to misinformation,” highlighting how this shift might foster distrust in vaccines.
The recommendation for hepatitis B vaccination at birth has been in place since 1991. According to data from Johns Hopkins University, infections among vaccinated individuals have dropped by an impressive 99% since the guideline was established.
Amid this debate, Lindsay Hammes, a spokesperson for the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to the vaccination protocol, stating that “the science supports timely vaccination as a vital public health measure.” She underscored the importance of immediate protection for infants, particularly the most vulnerable populations.
Dr. Cody Meissner, one of the dissenting panel members, warned that if the new recommendations are widely adopted, thousands of children could face severe liver diseases. “We are doing harm by changing this wording,” he remarked, reflecting the concerns of many medical professionals about the potential consequences of the revised guidelines.
While the CDC typically aligns with the recommendations of its advisory panel, the final decision rests with the agency. This latest vote aligns with ongoing discussions led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has advocated for significant changes to the childhood vaccination schedule.
A recent study published by the CDC noted that from 1994 to 2023, more than 6 million hepatitis B infections were prevented through routine childhood immunizations. Medical experts advocate for universal vaccination of newborns against hepatitis B, emphasizing that without vaccination, up to 90% of infants infected with the virus may develop chronic liver conditions.
The ACIP stated that the newborn vaccination is no longer deemed essential for infants born to mothers who test negative for hepatitis B. The committee suggested that parents consider delaying the initial dose for at least two months. Dr. Robert Malone, the panel’s vice chairman, who supported the revised recommendations, argued for parental choice in vaccination decisions, acknowledging the underlying conflict between individual rights and societal health.
The Maine Medical Association, along with various other professional health organizations, condemned the new recommendations. Dr. Brian Youth, president of the Maine chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, noted that “evidence-based universal schedules eliminate ambiguity, reduce missed doses, and promote equitable care for all patients.”
In another vote on the same day, the ACIP did endorse that infants receive a blood test after the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine, allowing parents to decide whether to continue with subsequent doses. This vaccine consists of a three-dose regimen, which provides long-lasting protection against the disease. Dr. Blaisdell argued against the necessity of the blood test, likening the situation to not completing a course of antibiotics. “Not taking all three doses would be like not finishing a course of antibiotics,” she said.
Critics of the panel’s recommendations, including spokesperson Caitlin Gilmet from American Families for Vaccines, described the decision as “unscientific” and detrimental to children’s health. She emphasized that the federal panel, once a trusted authority, now appears compromised.
As discussions continue, the implications of the ACIP’s decision regarding hepatitis B vaccinations for newborns will be closely monitored by health professionals and advocates alike. The health and safety of the youngest members of society remain at the forefront of this ongoing debate.
