The upcoming decision by a federal vaccine advisory group to potentially delay the timing of hepatitis B vaccination in infants has sparked concerns among experts. A report released recently suggests that delaying the administration of the vaccine would not enhance its effectiveness or safety but could lead to an increase in the number of children becoming chronically infected with hepatitis B, posing a significant risk of developing liver disease at a young age.
A separate study conducted by researchers from various U.S. universities attempted to quantify the potential impact of changing the vaccination policy. The study indicated that postponing the start of vaccination by two months could result in over 1,400 infants becoming chronically infected with hepatitis B in the first year following the change. This could potentially lead to 304 cases of liver cancer and 482 hepatitis B-related deaths among these children as they grow older.
The report, conducted by the University of Minnesota’s Vaccine Integrity Project, reviewed existing scientific data on the hepatitis B “birth dose” policy. The analysis examined the risks and benefits associated with administering the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth, as well as the potential consequences of delaying this initial dose. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on immunization policy, is expected to vote on this issue during their upcoming meeting.
The existing CDC recommendation entails three doses of the hepatitis B vaccine during early childhood, with the first dose administered at birth. This series of vaccinations provides at least 35 years of protection against hepatitis B, a virus that poses a greater risk if contracted during infancy. The evidence overwhelmingly supports maintaining the current universal birth dose recommendation, as delaying the vaccine could increase the number of preventable infections and pose long-term health risks to children.
Hepatitis B infection can lead to chronic liver diseases and premature death, with newborns and infants having a higher likelihood of developing chronic hepatitis B if infected. While pregnant individuals are advised to undergo hepatitis B testing during each pregnancy, not all receive proper testing or follow-up care if positive. The CDC’s recommendation in 1991 to administer the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine at birth significantly reduced hepatitis B infections among children in the U.S., emphasizing the importance of early vaccination.
Internationally, the World Health Organization has recommended a birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine since 2017, with a growing number of countries adopting this policy. Despite the clear benefits of early vaccination, some parents remain hesitant to vaccinate their babies against a virus primarily transmitted through sex or injection drug use. However, experts caution that delaying the birth dose could result in increased infections, severe health complications, and higher healthcare costs in the long run.
In conclusion, maintaining the current universal birth dose recommendation for the hepatitis B vaccine is crucial to preventing infections and safeguarding the health of children. Any potential changes to this policy could have detrimental effects on public health, necessitating careful consideration by the ACIP before making a decision.
