U.S. Vaccine Advisory Sparks Controversy Over Hepatitis B Guidelines

U.S. vaccine advisers have overturned guidance on hepatitis B shots, previously recommended for all newborns since 1991. This decision, favoring selective vaccination, is controversial among experts who warn of increased infection risks and potential undermining of established vaccine policies. Leading medical societies plan to ignore the new guidance.

In a controversial decision, U.S. vaccine advisers have scrapped longstanding hepatitis B vaccination guidance, igniting concerns from health experts. The previous policy, in place since 1991, recommended universal newborn vaccination, significantly reducing infection rates. The new decision endorses selective vaccination, leaving it to parents to decide.

The advisory panel's move is met with strong objections from medical experts who foresee a resurgence in hepatitis B cases if the policy is adopted. They caution that children could be exposed to the virus from household members unaware of their infection, as most carriers show no symptoms.

Despite assurances from officials that broader vaccination policies remain intact, some fear this could set a precedent for revisiting other childhood vaccines, raising alarms over public health. Major medical societies, however, pledge to continue endorsing universal hepatitis B vaccination for newborns, opposing the panel's recommendation.

(With inputs from agencies.)