US Panel Delays Vote on Possible Change to Hepatitis B Vaccine Guidance

A federal advisory committee pauses a key vote on childhood hepatitis B vaccination, extending a closely watched debate over public health policy, scientific standards, and parental decision-making in the United States.

A national panel advising U.S. health officials has delayed a vote on whether to revise long-standing recommendations for the hepatitis B vaccine, extending a complex debate over how infants should be protected against the virus.

The postponement came after members said they needed more time to review the final wording of the proposal, which had already undergone several changes.

The panel had been expected to vote on a new approach that would recommend the vaccine only for newborns whose mothers test positive for hepatitis B.

For other infants, the decision to vaccinate would be placed in the hands of parents in consultation with their healthcare providers.

Panel members said the wording of the vote changed multiple times, prompting concern about clarity and accuracy.

They agreed to reconvene early on Friday to consider the final language before making a decision.

The United States has followed a universal hepatitis B vaccination policy for newborns since 1991, a strategy credited with reducing infection rates by more than 90%.

The birth dose is followed by two additional shots during the first year of life, a schedule many experts say provides strong, long-lasting protection.

The advisory group, newly reconstituted earlier this year, first raised the possibility of shifting to a risk-based approach at its September meeting.

Several of the new members have expressed concerns about vaccine safety and the need for more individualized decision-making in immunization practices.

Participants at the meeting presented differing views on the prevalence of hepatitis B transmission risks in healthy children.

Others raised questions about the scientific evidence used to evaluate vaccine safety, a point that drew scrutiny from several infectious disease specialists.

Some medical experts at the meeting challenged the rationale for reconsidering a vaccine with a decades-long record of effectiveness in preventing severe liver disease.

They emphasized that infants who contract hepatitis B at birth face a high likelihood of developing chronic infections later in life.

International health agencies, including the World Health Organization, continue to recommend a hepatitis B dose for all newborns as early as possible after birth.

This global standard is based on evidence that early vaccination provides a strong layer of protection against a virus known for its ability to spread silently.

Supporters of the universal birth dose describe it as a crucial safeguard, especially because not all maternal infections are detected through routine screening.

They argue that delaying vaccination could leave infants vulnerable to a preventable disease with long-term consequences.

Several vaccine manufacturers defended the safety of their products, noting that extensive data supports the vaccine’s long-term safety profile.

They pointed to decades of research showing that full vaccination remains essential for building durable immunity against the virus.

Public health officials also noted that targeted vaccination strategies used before 1991 failed to prevent infections among infants and young children.

Those earlier approaches left thousands of children infected each year, often without diagnosis until serious illness appeared in adulthood.

Some experts warn that reversing universal vaccination could reduce coverage rates, particularly in communities where healthcare access is limited or inconsistent.

Lower vaccination rates, they say, could lead to an increase in preventable infections over time.

The advisory panel’s discussions come amid broader changes in national vaccine policy that have drawn considerable public attention.

These include modified recommendations for certain childhood vaccines and new approaches to clinical trial requirements.

The committee responsible for advising U.S. health agencies on immunization guidelines has traditionally relied on scientific consensus and expert review.

Recent changes in membership and process have prompted concerns among some lawmakers and medical professionals about the integrity of that system.

With the vote now delayed, both supporters and critics of universal vaccination are watching closely to see whether the final proposal shifts further.

The outcome could shape pediatric vaccination practices, insurance coverage guidelines, and public health strategies nationwide.

A decision on the updated recommendation is expected once the committee reconvenes to review the finalized wording of the proposal.

Until then, current federal guidance continues to recommend that all newborns receive the hepatitis B vaccine shortly after birth.