American Academy of Pediatrics Releases Updated Vaccine Guidance, Breaking With CDC

The CDC’s vaccine advisory panel has voted to revise its long-standing hepatitis B birth dose recommendation, proposing to delay the first dose until two months of age for infants born to mothers who test negative and to support individualized decision-making with clinicians.

The shift has prompted concern among many experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, which warns that removing a universal birth dose could increase infants’ risk for a virus that can cause chronic, lifelong illness. In parallel, the AAP has released its own updated, evidence-based immunization schedule with more explicit guidance on several pediatric vaccines. As vaccine policy evolves, communicators play a key role in explaining evidence, clarifying risk, and reinforcing the importance of routine immunization for population health. Read more from CBS and Parents.