Controversial Shake-Up in U.S. Vaccine Policy: Experts Voice Concerns

A committee advised by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has overturned the longstanding recommendation for universal hepatitis B vaccination at birth in the U.S., sparking concern among public health experts. They argue the decision could hinder vaccine accessibility and reverse progress in preventing the disease.

A major change in the U.S. vaccine policy has arisen as experts advised by health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have scrapped the universal recommendation for administering the hepatitis B vaccine to all newborns. This decision has sparked significant debate among public health circles.

Critics argue that the new recommendation to administer the vaccine based only on the mother's hepatitis status could lead to a decline in vaccination rates and increase the number of future hepatitis B infections. The previous policy played a crucial role in protecting children from serious liver diseases.

Many public health experts, such as Dr. William Schaffner, caution that this shift could create hurdles in clinical decision-making and vaccine accessibility. Kennedy's overhaul of the advisory committee is part of a larger strategy to reform U.S. vaccine policy, including changes for other vaccines and medication advice.

(With inputs from agencies.)