New research out today in JAMA Pediatrics raises urgent concerns about a recent federal vaccine policy shift that could have lasting consequences for children’s health.
Following a December vote by federal advisers to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., guidance tied to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention moved away from the long-standing recommendation that all newborns receive a hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth. Instead, the first dose may be delayed until at least two months for infants born to mothers who test negative.
Two new modeling studies suggest that change could come at a cost:
- Hundreds of additional infections among children born each year
- Increased risk of chronic disease, liver cancer, and preventable deaths
- At least $16 million in added lifetime health care costs for a single birth cohort
Public health experts say the findings underscore why the universal birth dose has been a cornerstone of prevention since 1991, contributing to a roughly 99% decline in pediatric hepatitis B infections.
Faculty experts at the George Washington University are available to offer insight. To schedule an interview with an expert, please contact Katelyn Deckelbaum, katelyn [dot] deckelbaum
gwu [dot] edu (katelyn[dot]deckelbaum[at]gwu[dot]edu).
Kelly Gebo is the dean of the GW Milken Institute School of Public Health. An infectious disease physician and epidemiologist, Dr. Gebo’s research has focused on disparities in access to care and outcomes among people affected by HIV, COVID-19, and other infectious diseases.
Sara Rosenbaum, is the Emeritus Professor of Health Policy and Management, and previously served as founding Chair of the Milken Institute School of Public Health Department of Health Policy at George Washington University. She is a nationally recognized expert on health care access for vulnerable populations.
MaryBeth Musumeci is an associate teaching professor in the Department of Health Policy and Management at GW’s Milken Institute School of Public Health. Her work concentrates on Medicaid for people with disabilities, including issues related to people dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, community integration, and long-term services and supports, and Medicaid demonstration waivers.
-GW-