Pediatricians reject CDC advisers’ guidance, plan to continue vaccinating all newborns against hepatitis B

Thursday, December 11, 2025 -Pediatricians across the U.S. are pushing back against recent guidance from CDC advisers, confirming that they will continue vaccinating all newborns against hepatitis B. 

Medical professionals emphasize the proven safety and effectiveness of the vaccine in preventing lifelong liver disease, citing decades of evidence supporting universal immunization at birth.

The disagreement arises after a panel suggested reconsidering the timing of the hepatitis B vaccine for certain low-risk infants. Pediatric associations argue that delaying or limiting vaccination could leave vulnerable newborns at risk, undermining decades of public health progress. Clinics nationwide are reaffirming their commitment to protect infants immediately after birth.

Experts stress that hepatitis B remains a serious public health threat, and early vaccination is a critical step in prevention. Pediatricians are calling on parents to trust established medical guidance and highlight that continuing the universal birth-dose strategy aligns with both safety data and global best practices.