CDC updates Hepatitis B vaccine guidance for infants

by · UPI

Dec. 17 (UPI) -- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced a shift to a personalized approach for hepatitis B vaccination.

The CDC's new policy change Tuesday allows parents of infants born to mothers who test negative for the virus to decide whether their newborns receive the vaccine, including the birth dose.

Following approval by acting CDC Director and Deputy Health Secretary Jim O'Neill, the CDC said it will revise its child immunization schedule to align with the latest recommendations via the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

"This recommendation reflects ACIP's rigorous review of the available evidence," O'Neill said in a statement.

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It was advised if an infant did not receive the birth dose, then the first dose should be given when they were at least two months old.

According to the CDC's immunization schedule, "shared clinical decision-making" involved personalized choices about vaccination.

The CDC claimed the approach will encourage parents and healthcare providers to weigh advantages and possible vaccine side effects along with the likelihood of infection.

But decisions when to start the hepatitis B vaccine series should be made collaboratively after factors are weighed, the CDC said.

CDC officials advised families should also take into account any higher risks of infection, such as living with someone who has hepatitis B or having frequent contact with people from regions where the disease is common.

Meanwhile, clinical guidance updates for hepatitis B vaccination will be issued.

Officials said the CDC was evaluating ACIP's suggestion that parents discuss serology testing with a doctor to decide if another hepatitis B shot is needed.

The current guidance for newborns of mothers who are hepatitis B positive or untested remain unchanged to administer both vaccine and immunoglobulin at birth.

"We are restoring the balance of informed consent to parents whose newborns face little risk of contracting hepatitis B," added O'Neill.

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