Controversial Vote: Rethinking the Hepatitis B Vaccine for U.S. Children

A committee of vaccine advisers is set to vote on potential changes to the long-standing universal recommendation for the hepatitis B vaccine for U.S. children. Proposed changes include limiting the vaccine to infants born to hepatitis B positive mothers. Experts warn dropping universal recommendations may lead to higher infection rates.

A significant decision looms as vaccine advisers to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. meet to debate the long-standing recommendation of the hepatitis B vaccine for U.S. children. The proposed changes could alter a policy in place since 1991, which has helped reduce infection rates by 95% according to studies.

The potential removal of universal vaccination has sparked concern among public health experts, who fear it could lead to an increase in life-threatening infections. The committee, under Kennedy's influence, may recommend vaccination only for infants born to hepatitis B positive mothers, stirring a major policy shift.

The vote's outcome could have broad implications for vaccine manufacturers and the overall U.S. immunization strategy, further complicated by criticism from figures like Senator Bill Cassidy who question the committee's credibility under Kennedy's leadership.

(With inputs from agencies.)