Vaccine Advisory Panel Delays Vote on Newborn Hepatitis B Shot

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has postponed its vote on whether to change the recommendation for newborns to receive the hepatitis B vaccine at birth. This marks the third time the vote has been delayed, with disagreements among committee members stemming from accusations that presenters used selective data and speculation rather than solid scientific evidence.

Dr. Jason Goldman, a liaison from the American College of Physicians, criticized the committee's discussions, asserting that they were promoting an anti-vaccine agenda without adequate data. The committee was reconstituted by Health Secretary Robert F.

Kennedy Jr., who previously dismissed the original members and has expressed concerns about the volume and timing of vaccines administered to children. The new panel is tasked with reviewing the safety and necessity of vaccines, including the hepatitis B shot.