Hepatitis B Vaccination Schedule Debate

December 4, 2025: Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s vaccine advisory panel postponed a vote on changing newborn hepatitis B timing.
Panel voted 6-3 to delay the decision until Friday in Atlanta, Georgia.
Kennedy replaced the 1991 hepatitis B recommendation committee with vaccine-skeptical members.
Panel members debated three ballot questions, with Dr. Cody Meissner requesting time to review wording.
Guidance would be sent to CDC director Jim O'Neill, despite criticism from public health experts.
Since 1991, hepatitis cases in children/teens dropped 99% to 2,200 annually.
Up to 90% of infants develop chronic hepatitis cases if not vaccinated.

Public Health | Vaccines | Health Policy

United States

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. | Jim O’Neill | Dr. Cody Meissner

1 month ago