Summary
A federal vaccine advisory committee in the U.S. has decided to stop recommending that all newborns receive the hepatitis B vaccine on their first day. The panel members were appointed by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., previously known for his anti-vaccine stance.
Key Facts
- A federal vaccine advisory committee made a vote about the hepatitis B vaccine recommendations.
- The committee voted to end the recommendation for all U.S. babies to get the vaccine at birth.
- U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appointed all current committee members.
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was an anti-vaccine activist before his current government role.
- Medical and public health leaders have criticized the committee's decision.
- Dr. William Schaffner, a vaccine expert from Vanderbilt University, spoke about the committee's decision.
