Without evidence, RFK Jr.’s vaccine panel tosses hep B vaccine recommendation

Federal vaccine advisory committee, led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr, has made a significant decision without any concrete evidence to back it up. The panel unanimously voted to scrap the long-standing recommendation that all newborn babies should be vaccinated against hepatitis B on the day of birth.

Critics argue that this move will lead to an increase in infections among newborns, ultimately resulting in more cases of chronic liver disease, liver cancer, and premature death. Experts who opposed the change stated that there was no data supporting a delay in vaccination or evidence of harm from a birth dose.

The decision is particularly concerning as hepatitis B can be transmitted through contact with infected mothers during childbirth. Only about 50 percent of those infected are aware they carry the virus, making it difficult for new parents to protect their newborns.

Those who voted in favor of the change have no clear explanation for why two months was selected or the benefits of altering the recommendation. This move has sparked strong criticism from medical organizations and experts, including Sandra Adamson Fryhofer, a board member of the American Medical Association, who described it as "reckless" and an attempt to "disregard decades of public confidence in a proven, lifesaving vaccine."

The decision was made without any data comparing different vaccination timing or evidence of harm from a birth dose. The panel has also recommended testing a child's antibody levels after each dose of the three-dose hepatitis B series, which experts say is not supported by scientific evidence.

In essence, this move brings back memories of the infamous "Never Never Land" scenario where anything goes without any consequences, making it imperative for parents to take responsibility and make informed decisions about their children's health.

I'm so worried about this decision . I mean, hepatitis B is a serious virus that can have devastating effects on newborns, especially if the mom is infected. Delaying vaccination by two months could lead to more cases of infection and chronic liver disease... it just doesn't make sense to me . And what's with the lack of data supporting this change? I feel like we're setting ourselves up for a huge mess .

As a parent, I want to know that my child is protected from harm, not that I have to navigate some new and untested protocol . This decision feels reckless and irresponsible, and I'm appalled by the lack of concrete evidence behind it . Sandra Adamson Fryhofer said it best - this is an attempt to disregard decades of public confidence in a proven vaccine... I don't get why anyone would want to undo that .

I think we're going back to a time when medical decisions are made without much thought or consideration for the bigger picture . It's so important that parents have access to reliable, evidence-based information about their children's health. Otherwise, we're just playing with fire and risking our kids' lives .

I'm totally freaking out over this new development ! Scraping the recommendation for newborns getting vaccinated against hepatitis B on birth day? That's crazy talk! I've got a little cousin who just had her baby and is already worried about this. What if she doesn't get tested after each dose of the three-dose series like they're suggesting? My sister got vaccinated against hepatitis B when she was born and never had any issues... or so she thought

I'm all about informed decisions, but come on! Where's the data supporting this move? I need some solid evidence before I let my little ones take a risk. The fact that experts are calling it "reckless" and an attempt to disregard decades of public confidence in a proven lifesaving vaccine... That's just not okay, folks! We can't be making decisions like this without consulting the pros and having some solid science behind us .

It's times like these that make me want to take matters into my own hands... or rather, get my family and friends vaccinated ASAP Let's keep our little ones safe and healthy!

I'm low-key freaking out about this decision ! I mean, come on, folks, we're talking about newborn babies here - the most vulnerable members of our society. You can't just scrap a recommendation without solid evidence to back it up . 50% of those infected with hepatitis B aren't even aware they have the virus... how are new parents supposed to protect their little ones? This decision is like, what's next? Are we gonna tell people to stop washing their hands or something? It's reckless and irresponsible, if you ask me. We need experts who are all about doing what's best for our kids, not just following a personal agenda . I'm keeping an eye on this situation, and I hope the medical community steps in to correct this mistake ASAP

Ugh, what a nightmare ! I'm so worried about those newborns not being vaccinated on time. My cousin's friend had a baby who got infected with hepatitis B from their mom during delivery and it was really tough for the parents to deal with. The idea of not vaccinating at birth is just crazy talk . And now we're expected to believe that delaying vaccination by two months will be fine? No way, José! I mean, what's next? Not washing our hands before eating? Experts are right to call out the decision as reckless and irresponsible. Parents need guidance, not chaos!

Wow ! Can't believe they just scrapped a vaccine that's proven to save lives . I mean, what about all the kids who might get sick from hepatitis B because of this move? Those experts who opposed it had some valid points, though... like, where's the data to support delaying vaccination or even harming babies with a birth dose?

I'm literally shocked by this decision ... I mean what's going on with these vaccine committees? They just voted to change something that's been done for decades without even looking at the data ... 50% of infected moms don't even know they have the virus , how are new parents supposed to protect their babies then? And now they're saying it might lead to more infections and liver problems? That just seems crazy to me ... I've heard of doctors being skeptical about vaccines before, but this is on a whole different level ... Sandra Adamson Fryhofer's comment about it being "reckless" really puts it into perspective... what's next? Changing all the vaccination schedules for other diseases too?

I don't usually comment but... I'm really worried about this decision. Vaccines are a no-brainer and we've been lucky so far because of how well they work. Delaying the vaccination can lead to more cases of liver problems down the line, it just seems like common sense to me. Also, how is testing antibody levels after each dose supposed to help? It's all very confusing and I'm not sure what the benefits are here...

OMG I'm so worried about this new decision! Vaccines are literally lifesavers and we need all that protection for our newborns . Delaying the vaccination could lead to more cases of chronic liver disease, which is super scary . I know some people might be skeptical, but we have to rely on scientific evidence and experts in this field . This decision without concrete proof just doesn't sit right with me . Can we please get more info about the reasoning behind this change?

Ugh, can you believe this?! I mean, I get that they wanna shake things up, but come on! A bunch of doctors and experts just casually say "forget what we've always known" without even looking at the facts? It's like they're trying to recreate the Neverland scenario from my childhood cartoons - anything goes, no consequences . And don't even get me started on this whole 2-month delay thing... who comes up with that?!

I'm all for keeping things fresh and updating our knowledge, but we gotta do it right! This feels like a huge step backward to me. I mean, hepatitis B is no joke - it can be deadly if not caught early. And now, because of this reckless decision, more babies might be at risk? It's just too much for me.

I guess what I'm saying is... parents, don't let your kids walk around without protection! Take responsibility and get the facts straight. This ain't no time to play doctor (or in this case, un-doctor ). We gotta stay vigilant and keep our little ones safe .