LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - The CDC’s vaccine advisory committee voted last week to change hepatitis B immunization guidance for newborns, recommending a delay in the first dose for babies born to mothers without hepatitis B.

The panel wants to push back the first dose until the baby is two months old, instead of within the first 24 hours of birth.

For more than three decades, doctors have recommended babies receive a hepatitis B vaccine as soon as they’re born.

Pediatricians like Dr. Elizabeth Hawse are questioning why this recommendation would be changed now.

Kentucky pediatrician expresses concerns

“Honestly anymore I’m not surprised, because the CDC website and the CDC in general is not something I’ve been able to depend on for information now for some number of months,” Hawse said.

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