A panel of U.S. vaccine advisors has decided not to move forward with a proposed change to the hepatitis B vaccination schedule for newborns. This decision came during a meeting on Friday, where the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) reversed a previous vote regarding the vaccine. The committee had initially discussed eliminating the recommendation for infants to receive the hepatitis B vaccine at birth, a policy that has been in place for over three decades and has significantly reduced hepatitis B cases in the U.S.

The meeting began with chair Martin Kulldorff acknowledging the inexperience of the newly appointed panel members. "We are rookies," he stated, noting that most members were attending their first or second ACIP meeting. This lack of experience contributed to the need to revisit the vote from the previous day, which had been confusing.

On Thursday, the panel had debated the rationale for administering the hepatitis B vaccine at birth but postponed a vote until Friday. Instead, they voted to remove the combined measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine from the schedule for children under four years old. The decision to table the hepatitis B vaccine discussion was prompted by concerns raised by committee members about the safety and timing of the vaccine.

Dr. Robert Malone, an ACIP member, suggested postponing the vote indefinitely, citing ambiguity surrounding the vaccine's safety and effectiveness. The committee ultimately voted 11 to 1 to delay action on the hepatitis B vaccine, with Kulldorff as the only dissenting voice. Medical experts present at the meeting expressed relief at the decision to table the issue, emphasizing the importance of the current policy in reducing hepatitis B cases.

Dr. Amy Middleman, representing the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine, highlighted the need for the committee to evaluate the benefits and risks of vaccines using scientific evidence. She stated, "There's always some risk — there's a risk to walking across the street. The committee's scientific challenge is to determine whether the benefits outweigh the risks."

The panel's votes will require final approval from acting CDC director Jim O'Neill, who was appointed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. after the previous director was ousted. The meeting also included discussions on recommendations for the latest COVID-19 vaccines.

In addition to the hepatitis B vaccine discussion, the panel unanimously recommended universal hepatitis B testing for all pregnant women. This recommendation comes amid ongoing debates about vaccine policies under Kennedy's leadership, which has seen significant changes, including cuts to routine COVID-19 vaccinations for children and pregnant women.

The ACIP's recent meetings have revealed deep divisions over vaccination policies, with some members expressing skepticism about routine vaccines. Pediatrician Dr. Cody Meissner warned that delaying the birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine could increase risks for newborns, stating, "For the newborn hepatitis B vaccine, there is no doubt the protective benefits far outweigh any possible risks."

As the panel continues its discussions, tensions between the committee and the medical community have been evident, with some experts criticizing the process and the removal of medical group representatives from ACIP workgroups.