On December 5, the CDC’s vaccine advisory group voted to end a decades-long recommendation to vaccinate newborns against hepatitis B at birth. The new guidelines, which have not yet been accepted by the CDC, state that the first dose should be delayed until at least 2 months of age for newborns whose mothers are not hepatitis B positive. The committee also recommended that infants receive blood tests for hepatitis B immunity after their first vaccine dose, before additional doses are given. Experts noted that such testing “will not show whether the person has long-term protection.” The vote—and what some observers called the “chaotic” meeting that preceded it—was criticized by medical and public health groups and health care providers, who stated that it was not evidence-based. Many social media users repeated the misconception that babies are not at risk from hepatitis B. Vaccine opponents also falsely claimed that the vaccines are unnecessary and contain unsafe ingredients. President Donald Trump expressed support for the vote and signed a memo on Friday ordering an overhaul of childhood vaccination schedules. Critics of the vote emphasized that the new guidelines may confuse parents or reduce vaccine access.
Recommendation
If adopted by the CDC, ACIP’s new guidelines may influence parents’ decisions about infant hepatitis B vaccination. Health communicators should use caution when addressing unsupported claims about vaccines to avoid repeating or amplifying false or misleading information. Debunking messaging may explain why babies receive hepatitis B vaccines at birth, noting that infants who contract the virus have a 90 percent chance of developing chronic hepatitis B and an increased risk of liver damage, liver cancer, and death. Explaining that major medical groups continue to strongly recommend hepatitis vaccination at birth is recommended, as is emphasizing the safety and effectiveness of newborn hepatitis B vaccination. Finally, health communicators may share evidence-based information about vaccines from trusted sources such as the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Vaccine Education Center and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Fact-checking sources: PBS News, AAP
Communication resources: Use this factsheet on hepatitis B and the hepatitis B vaccine for parents and caregivers
