ACIP Vote Eliminates Universal Recommendation for Newborn Hep B Vaccine

This is a developing story.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) announced its vote to remove the universal recommendation that all newborns receive hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination, according to CNN Health.¹

"ACIP recommends individual-based decision-making, in consultation with a health care provider, for parents deciding when or if to give the HBV vaccine, including the birth dose," according to the CNN Health update. "Parents and health care providers should consider vaccine benefits, vaccine risks, and infection risks."

In the Friday vote, 8 ACIP members voted to abandon the recommendation while the remaining 3 voted not to.

This is yet another major update to the US' approach toward public health during US Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s tenure. After maintaining and practicing his anti-vaccine beliefs while in office, as well as firing and replacing all 17 ACIP members earlier this year, RFK Jr. is now looking to update the population's collective approach toward childhood vaccination.¹

REFERENCE

CDC advisers vote in support of major change to childhood vaccination. CNN Health. December 5, 2025. Accessed December 5, 2025. https://www.cnn.com/health/live-news/cdc-vaccine-meeting-hepatitis-b-12-05-25