Joseph R. Hibbeln

Stories

ACIP moves to end universal hepatitis B shots at birth

ACIP member raising procedural and scientific objections to the new schedule

The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted 8–3 on December 5, 2025 to end the recommendation that every U.S. newborn receive a hepatitis B shot within 24 hours of birth. The committee had been recently overhauled under HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.; acting CDC Director Jim O'Neill ratified the change on December 16, 2025.

Updated May 9

Notable Quotes

"This specific point is the reason why we tabled this issue for 3 months… However, we have still not had any information or science presented or discussed with regards to this issue of before or after 2 months of age. This is unconscionable." ([cen.acs.org](https://cen.acs.org/pharmaceuticals/vaccines/CDC-panel-ends-longstanding-recommendation/103/web/2025/12?utm_source=openai))

from ACIP moves to end universal hepatitis B shots at birth · Updated May 9