U.S. Panel's Hepatitis B Vaccine Decision Sparks Controversy

The U.S. CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices decided to stop recommending hepatitis B vaccines at birth, causing concern among vaccine makers and health experts. They argue this may reverse public health progress, as vaccination has significantly reduced hepatitis B cases since its introduction over three decades ago.

The recent decision by a U.S. advisory panel to withdraw the recommendation for administering hepatitis B vaccines to all infants at birth has ignited a wave of concern. Vaccine manufacturers and healthcare professionals warn that this could undermine decades of public health advancements.

Prominent pharmaceutical company Merck voiced significant concerns over the advisory panel's move, labeling it as potentially dangerous for infants. The company highlighted the 99% reduction in acute hepatitis B cases among young populations since the vaccine's introduction in 1991. Public health and infectious disease experts echoed Merck's concerns, emphasizing the potential risks to infants, such as chronic infection and liver cancer.

Despite the recommendation shift, GSK reaffirmed its confidence in the science supporting its hepatitis B vaccine. Amid the fallout from the advisory vote, Merck has called for the reinstatement of discussions led by scientific and medical experts within the advisory committee to guide evidence-based public health policies.

(With inputs from agencies.)