
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's vaccine advisory committee voted 8-3 on Friday to remove the universal recommendation for the hepatitis B vaccine at birth.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to make vaccine recommendations based on the mother's testing status.
The recommendations state that if a mother tests negative for hepatitis B, parents should decide, with the guidance of their health care provider, whether the shot is right for their newborn -- referred to as "individual-based decision-making," according to a document with the ACIP voting language.
CDC vaccine advisory committee meets to discuss hepatitis B shot, childhood immunization schedule
The vote includes that newborns who do not receive the hepatitis B birth dose get an initial dose no earlier than 2 months old.
The voting language document emphasized there is no change to the recommendation that infants born to women who test positive or have unknown status to be vaccinated.
The language document also included a footnote that parents and health care providers should consider whether the newborn faces risks, such as a hepatitis B-positive household member or frequent contact with people who have emigrated from areas where hepatitis B is common.
In a second vote, the ACIP voted 6-4, with one abstention, that parents of older children should talk to their doctor about hepatitis B antibody testing before considering subsequent hepatitis B vaccination.
The testing would determine whether an antibody threshold was achieved and should be covered by insurance.
The CDC acting director, Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill, is expected to sign off on the change.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
LATEST POSTS
- 1
Merck urges science-led US vaccine schedule after CDC trims childhood vaccine list - 2
Flu season is ramping up, and some experts are "pretty worried" - 3
The Minimized Passage Horse: Reconsidering a Symbol for the Cutting edge Period - 4
Instructions to Improve Your Mental Exploration with Cutting edge Measurements - 5
The Main 20 Gaming Control center Ever
Is 'Veronica Mars' about to be your new binge-watch? It's now streaming on Netflix.
Eurovision Song Contest changes voting rules after controversial allegations against Israel
'The Beast in Me' arrives on Netflix: Is it based on a true story? And what drew Claire Danes to it? What to know about the thriller series.
Germany and trade unions kick off tough public-sector wage talks
Robert Irwin on winning 'Dancing With the Stars' 10 years after sister Bindi: 'This was everything I dreamed it would be and so much more'
Public mistrust linked to drop in deceased donor organ donations and kidney transplants
Israel and Iran continue tit-for-tat attacks
Instructions to Help a Friend or family member Determined to have Cellular breakdown in the lungs
'Here we go again': Businesses grapple with fuel costs










