Health Minister Robert Kennedy Jr., known for his anti-vaccine views, scored a big win. He pushed to remove the recommendation for vaccinating all newborns against hepatitis B. Now, the vaccination committee, filled with Kennedy’s picks, suggests the vaccine only for babies born to mothers who have the virus. Parents and doctors will decide for other kids.
This change is based on theories that have been scientifically proven wrong, like the idea that aluminum in vaccines causes autism or allergies. Major US medical groups, like the AMA and AAP, quickly responded. They pointed out that universal vaccination since 1991 has cut hepatitis cases by 90%. The WHO still believes it’s vital to give the first dose right after birth.
The CDC, now led by someone without a scientific background, will make the final call. Experts warn that dropping the universal recommendation could lead to more cases and put kids at risk from preventable diseases. This decision is a major move in Kennedy’s larger campaign against vaccines, following changes to Covid vaccine guidelines and halting research on mRNA technologies.
