Without evidence, RFK Jr.’s vaccine panel tosses Heb B vaccine recommendation

In a controversial move, federal vaccine advisors appointed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have decided to withdraw the recommendation for newborns to receive the hepatitis B vaccine on their day of birth. This decision, made without any evidence indicating harm from the vaccine or benefits from delaying its administration, has provoked significant criticism from public health and medical experts. The 8-3 vote marks the third attempt by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to eliminate the longstanding recommendation, which has been in effect since 1991. Experts warn that this change could lead to an increase in hepatitis B infections among infants, potentially resulting in higher rates of chronic liver disease, liver cancer, and premature death. Cody Meissner, a pediatrician and voting member of the committee, expressed his deep concerns, stating, "We have heard that 'do no harm' is a moral imperative. We are doing harm by changing this recommendation." The recommendation for universal vaccination was instituted after previous efforts to vaccinate only at-risk infants led to a significant rise in infections, which dropped dramatically following the implementation of the birth dose. The panel had first attempted to revise the recommendation in September, yet psychiatrist Joseph Hibbeln raised critical questions about the lack of supporting data for such a change. The current proposal suggests postponing the vaccine until the first month of life, but Hibbeln noted that the committee had not adequately reviewed the risks and benefits of administering the vaccine at birth compared to a later date.