Title: CDC Advisers Considering Reversal of Newborn Hepatitis B Vaccine Recommendations – A Deep Dive into the Implications The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently reviewing its long-standing recommendation that every baby should receive a hepatitis B vaccination within 24 hours of birth. This decision comes after a group of advisors to the CDC expressed concerns about potential risks associated with administering the vaccine on day one, despite its proven success in reducing acute hepatitis B infection rates among children by 99% since the early 1990s. The hepatitis B virus can be transmitted from mother to child during birth and has no cure, leading to liver disease and early death if left untreated. The vaccine’s success in reducing cases of acute infection is undeniable; however, some skeptics argue that the benefits may not outweigh the potential risks associated with administering it on day one. Dr. Kirk Milhoan, a pediatric cardiologist and member of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), stated that giving the vaccine at birth increases the risk of neonatal fever, which may lead to additional interventions such as blood work to determine the cause. This debate is not new; it has been ongoing since Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fired all members of the ACIP in June and replaced them with his own appointees. Among these replacements was Dr. Milhoan, who recently became the new chair of the committee after replacing Martin Kuldorff, a biostatistician known for casting doubt on childhood vaccines like hepatitis B. Despite concerns about potential risks and skepticism surrounding its benefits, there is no evidence to suggest that the birth dose of the vaccine causes any short- or long-term health problems according to more than 400 studies reviewed. Dr. Sean O’Leary, a pediatric infectious disease expert and spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics, has never seen a serious reaction after administering thousands of babies with the hepatitis B vaccine. The implications of this decision are significant as it could potentially change current vaccination practices in the United States. If the CDC advisers decide to reverse their recommendation, parents may be hesitant to have their newborns vaccinated against hepatitis B due to concerns about potential risks and side effects. This could lead to an increase in acute hepatitis B infection rates among children if not properly managed. In conclusion, the decision by CDC advisers to review their long-standing recommendation for administering a hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth highlights the ongoing debate surrounding vaccination practices and potential risks associated with certain vaccines. While there is no concrete evidence suggesting that the benefits do not outweigh the risks, it remains crucial for healthcare professionals and policymakers to carefully consider all available data before making any changes to current guidelines.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/cdc-advisers-reverse-newborn-hepatitis-b-vaccine-recommendations-rcna246812)
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