Summary
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has changed its guideline about the hepatitis B vaccine for newborns. Now, babies born to mothers who test negative for hepatitis B can wait until they are at least two months old to receive the vaccine, after parents talk with a doctor.
Key Facts
- The CDC cancelled the old guideline that all newborns get the hepatitis B vaccine at birth.
- This change is the first major adjustment to the U.S. vaccination schedule under President Trump.
- Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s vaccine advisers suggested this change.
- Babies of mothers who test negative for hepatitis B can be vaccinated after two months, with doctor consultation.
- Babies of mothers who test positive should still get vaccinated within 24 hours after birth.
- The CDC is looking into further advice about blood tests to see if more vaccine doses are needed.
- Public health groups are criticizing this change, saying it could increase confusion and disease risk.
- The American Medical Association warns this move could lead to preventable illnesses.
