🔗 Share this article Key US Panel to Vote on Altering Newborn Hepatitis B Vaccine Advisory Following a postponement and a particularly heated gathering, a federal vaccine advisory panel was expected to vote on Friday on whether to change the long-held guideline that each baby be vaccinated against hepatitis B. Fiery Exchange and a Delayed Ballot The initial day of the conference on Thursday was characterized by intense argument over limiting availability to the hepatitis B vaccine for babies and a decision to postpone the decision by a day to allow panelists additional time to review the wording. The committee, which advises the CDC on vaccine use, had twice before postponed. “Is there any concrete proof of harm of giving this vaccination before 30 days? Or is this speculation?” inquired one committee member. In response, another member stated, “There is scant proof about the enduring danger.” Existing Recommendations and Potential Impact The injection is presently advised for each baby within 24 hours of delivery to prevent infection of hepatitis B, which can lead to significant hepatic injury. It has been administered to more than a billion persons for more than three decades. The meeting in Atlanta presented no fresh data of injuries resulting from the vaccine. Specialists note any modification to the current hepatitis B vaccine regimen could have major and extensive implications for infant and child health in the United States. Committee Makeup and New Appointments The consultative group can only make recommendations to the head of the CDC. The group's roster has experienced alterations this week, with the statement that the group's former head would depart for an official role and be substituted with a heart specialist who has been skeptical about other inoculations. The committee includes several immunization doubters who align with a goal to reform – and potentially, in some cases, eliminate – longstanding vaccination recommendations.