Hepatitis B Vaccine Policy Changes Spark Concerns for U.S. Infants

Delaying Newborn Hepatitis B Shot Likely to Cause Deaths, ‘Substantial’ Increase in Infections: Study

Researchers found that the decision to delay the once-universal hepatitis B shot for babies will likely cause a surge in serious liver infectionsStock image of a sleeping newbornCredit: GettyNEED TO KNOWDelaying the hepatitis B vaccine for infants can lead to increased infections, deaths and millions in additional healthcare costsHepatitis B is a serious liver infection that spreads through bodily fluids and is often transmitted during childbirt…

Hepatitis B vaccine policy changes spark concerns for U.S. infants

New studies warn delaying the hepatitis B birth dose could leave more babies vulnerable to infection and long-term illness.

CDC delay of infant hepatitis B shot likely to raise infections, studies show

(Washington Post via MSN) – The Trump administration’s decision to drop the long-standing recommendation that newborns receive a hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth will likely lead to hundreds of additional infections among children, along with more cases of liver cancer, deaths and millions in added health care costs, according to studies published Monday in JAMA Pediatrics. (Read More)

Why remove universal hepatitis B birth-dose vaccination

Dropping a key birth dose could raise neonatal hepatitis B infections In December 2025, the U.S. advisory group that guides vaccine recommendations (ACIP) voted to change the hepatitis B vaccination strategy for newborns. Instead of universal hepatitis B birth dose vaccination, the plan would…

Impact of removing the universal hepatitis B birth-dose vaccination in the US: In December 2025, the ACIP voted to replace the universal hepatitis B birth-dose. The findings indicate that this change will likely increase neonatal infections.