The CDC has long recommended that babies receive the hepatitis B vaccine at birth. However, on December 5, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to change this guideline. Now, mothers who test negative for hepatitis B should talk to their doctors about the vaccine. If the vaccine isn’t given at birth, the first dose can be delayed until the baby is at least two months old.
This change comes in a context where many people are unaware of their hepatitis B status. The virus is transmitted through body fluids and can remain on surfaces for up to a week, making exposure risk tough to gauge. According to the CDC, around 640,000 adults have chronic hepatitis B, but about half don’t even know they’re infected.
Historically, before the birth dose was recommended, many young children contracted hepatitis B from infected mothers. Even if a mom tests negative, the baby can still be exposed to the virus through others. Thus, vaccinating at birth remains crucial for protecting newborns, who are particularly at risk. Infected infants have a 90% chance of developing chronic hepatitis B, and a significant portion could face serious health issues later in life, including liver cancer.
Dr. James Campbell, a pediatric infectious disease expert, emphasizes the importance of the birth dose, noting the substantial decline in cases since its introduction. In fact, the annual infections in the U.S. have dropped from around 200,000 to about 14,000 thanks to the vaccine. In 2022, reported cases among kids under 19 hit an all-time low of 252.
Many countries, including 116 of the 194 WHO members, still recommend the hepatitis B vaccine at birth. Surprisingly, the U.S. is not alone in adjusting its guidelines. Countries like Denmark only recommend the vaccine for babies born to infected mothers, showing how policies can differ based on national healthcare systems. In the U.S., lower rates of prenatal screening make universal vaccination a crucial safety net for all newborns.
Changing vaccine guidelines can stir debate, and some experts warn against altering strategies that have proven effective. Dr. H. Cody Meissner, a committee member who voted against the new recommendation, cautions that decreasing disease rates could lead to complacency and a resurgence of infections. “It’s a mistake to think we can change something that’s been working,” he warns.
In short, while the proposed changes aim to be flexible, the stakes for children’s health remain high. Vaccination against hepatitis B at birth continues to be vital in preventing serious health complications in the future.
