RFK Jr.'s Vaccine Panel May Recommend Delaying Hepatitis B Vaccination for Children

A prominent federal vaccine advisory panel, recently restructured with new members appointed by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is anticipated to vote on a significant change in hepatitis B vaccination policy. According to two former senior officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the panel is expected to recommend delaying the hepatitis B vaccine from the current practice of administering it at birth to instead giving it at age four.

Historically, the hepatitis B vaccine has been universally given to all newborns within 24 hours of birth for over three decades. This early vaccination has been remarkably successful in virtually eliminating hepatitis B among American children, a disease that can cause severe liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver cancer later in life. Delaying the vaccination risks exposing unvaccinated children to infection during vulnerable early years.

Demetre Daskalakis, the former director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, indicated that the upcoming discussion will focus explicitly on removing the birth dose and repositioning the vaccine at a later age, reflecting a priority of the current Secretary. The decision is scheduled for the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) meeting on September 18–19.

The rationale behind this proposed change revolves around the debate over whether universal newborn vaccination is necessary, particularly for infants born to mothers who are not known to be infected with hepatitis B. Some officials, citing recent discussions at the June ACIP meeting, suggest that the vaccine could be delayed unless the mother tests positive for hepatitis B or is at high risk.

Experts like pediatrician Eric Ball emphasize that vaccinating infants immediately after birth is a proven strategy to prevent the transmission of hepatitis B, especially considering the potential for mother-to-child transmission during childbirth. Waiting until age four could leave children vulnerable during critical early years.

The current vaccination schedule is supported by decades of success, significantly reducing hepatitis B cases among children to near-zero levels. However, recent discussions question whether universal early vaccination remains necessary given advances in testing and understanding of the virus's transmission modes. Some proposed alternatives include testing pregnant women more effectively to tailor vaccination strategies.

If the proposed delay is implemented, it could have wider implications. Health insurers might no longer be required to cover the vaccine at no cost, and children enrolled in the Vaccines for Children program could lose free access to the hepatitis B shot. This could increase barriers to vaccination for many families.

Additionally, some health experts warn that such a policy shift could reverse decades of progress, leading to more hepatitis B infections and future health complications like liver cancer. Advocates argue that early vaccination remains the best preventive measure, especially considering the virus’s potential to silently infect carriers for years without symptoms.

The debate underscores the importance of balancing scientific evidence, public health priorities, and individual protection in vaccination policy making. As the discussion continues, many health professionals and advocates remain committed to maintaining the current guidelines that prioritize early immunization to protect children from lifelong health risks.

For detailed updates, follow the upcoming ACIP meeting or visit https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-rfk-jr-vaccine-panel-delaying.html.