Cody Meissner

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ACIP moves to end universal hepatitis B shots at birth

As of May 2026: Leading internal opponent of the policy change

The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted 8–3 on December 5, 2025 to end the recommendation that every U.S. newborn receive a hepatitis B shot within 24 hours of birth. The committee had been recently overhauled under HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.; acting CDC Director Jim O'Neill ratified the change on December 16, 2025.

Updated May 9

Notable Quotes

"We know vaccines are safe. The hepatitis B vaccine recommendation is very well established. We know it is safe, and we know it is very effective."

from ACIP moves to end universal hepatitis B shots at birth · Updated May 9

"Do no harm is a moral imperative. We are doing harm by changing this wording. And I vote no."

from ACIP moves to end universal hepatitis B shots at birth · Updated May 9