Hepatitis B: What parents should know about the virus and the vaccine

NPRThursday, December 4, 2025 at 10:00:00 AM
NegativeHealth
Hepatitis B: What parents should know about the virus and the vaccine
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is considering a significant change to its vaccination policy, potentially ending the routine administration of the hepatitis B vaccine to newborns within 24 hours of birth. This decision is expected to be voted on by a panel of advisers, reflecting a shift in the long-standing practice of vaccinating infants against this virus.
  • The implications of this potential policy change are profound, as it could affect the health and safety of newborns, who are at risk of contracting hepatitis B, a serious liver infection. Parents and healthcare providers are closely monitoring this development, which may alter the standard of care for infants in the U.S.
  • This reconsideration of vaccination protocols comes amid broader scrutiny of childhood vaccines and their safety, including recent discussions around the CDC's stance on vaccine links to autism. The ongoing debate highlights the complexities and challenges faced by health authorities in balancing public health recommendations with emerging concerns from parents and advocacy groups.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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