CDC delay of infant hepatitis B vaccine likely increases infections and healthcare costs
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Apr 27
CDC delay of infant hepatitis B vaccine likely increases infections and healthcare costs
6 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Apr 27
Federal vaccine advisers to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. voted in December to delay the first hepatitis B shot for infants born to virus-negative mothers until at least two months old.
Studies published in JAMA Pediatrics project this policy will result in hundreds of additional childhood hepatitis B infections, more liver cancer cases, increased deaths, and millions in added healthcare expenses.
The Trump administration’s change ends the long-standing recommendation for newborns to receive the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth, raising concerns among public health experts about preventable disease burdens.
What does the court's reversal of the hepatitis B vaccine delay mean for newborns today?
With federal vaccine policy in chaos, who should parents now trust for their children's health?
Is the scientific process for vaccine recommendations now permanently vulnerable to political influence?
How will the legal battle over vaccine science impact America's ability to prevent future outbreaks?
Can high public trust in scientists survive the deep distrust in federal health agencies?
Will the 30 states that broke from the CDC now realign with restored federal guidance?