Some states are choosing not to abide by recent CDC guidance pertaining to hepatitis B vaccines.
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) said in a statement that it “continues to firmly recommend that all newborns receive a hepatitis B vaccine birth dose within 24 hours of delivery, regardless of the hepatitis B infection status of the birth parent, and that all children complete the full vaccination series within 18 months.”
“I strongly support the Rhode Island Department of Health’s choice to continue recommending universal Hepatitis B vaccination for all infants,” said Dr. Michael Koster, Vice President of the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. “The birth dose is a simple, effective way to protect newborns from a serious infection and promote lifelong health. Ensuring vaccine access at birth helps every baby, no matter their background, have the same opportunity to start life healthy. Strengthening access keeps our communities safe, resilient, and thriving.”
Alaska issued similar guidance, with health officials recommending a vaccine within 12 hours of birth to infants. “The birth dose HepB vaccine offers protection when infants are most vulnerable, helping to prevent lifelong infection and liver cancer,” a bulletin reads.
Last month, the CDC adopted a new policy allowing for individual-based decision-making for hepatitis B vaccinations for newborns. Parents may now choose whether to give their child the vaccine if the mother tests negative for the virus. For infants not receiving the birth dose, it is suggested that they be vaccinated no earlier than two months old.
