Hep B Free Strives for Continued Hepatitis B Vaccination for Newborns Amid Federal Advisory Changes

Advocacy for Universal Hepatitis B Vaccination

San Francisco, Calif. – In a recent announcement, Hep B Free, previously known as SF Hep B Free - Bay Area, has called on hospitals, healthcare providers, and public health agencies to sustain the universal hepatitis B (Hep B) vaccination protocol for newborns. This plea comes in response to a federal advisory board's December 5, 2025, recommendation which leaned towards 'individualized decision-making' for infants born to mothers who test negative for hepatitis B.

The urgency of this advocacy is highlighted by the fact that newborns are particularly vulnerable to contracting the hepatitis B virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that all newborns receive their first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine within their first day of life and undergo a complete vaccination series. This stringent guideline has significantly contributed to America's success in reducing both acute and chronic hepatitis B infections among infants and children over the past two decades. By following this protocol, the nation has seen a remarkable decrease in risks associated with liver disease, liver cancer, and the lifelong challenges of living with an infectious disease.

Hep B Free emphasizes that while the recent advisory may suggest changes in approach, the essential safety, efficacy, and necessity of the newborn vaccine remain unchanged. The narrative surrounding the vaccine is the only aspect that has shifted; the public health imperatives stay intact. Richard So, the Executive Director of Hep B Free, stated, "Universal hepatitis B vaccination at birth is the gold standard. It safeguards infants born to approximately 15-20% of mothers each year who may not have undergone prenatal hepatitis B screening and who remain unaware of the potential risks of mother-to-child transmission."

He further elaborated that the vaccine does not only benefit those born to mothers with hepatitis B; it also provides protection for babies born to mothers without the virus from potential infection through exposure to the blood or bodily fluids of carrier individuals. The organization warns that any relaxation or alteration of the birth-dose recommendation poses risks to families and could reverse decades of progress made in public health.

Even though antiviral treatments for mothers can mitigate the risk of transmission, Hep B Free is clear that they do not replace the necessity of the newborn vaccination. Both interventions are crucial for ensuring the highest level of protection against perinatal hepatitis B transmission.

The group urges all birthing facilities, pediatric care providers, and public health departments across the Bay Area to uphold the practice of universal birth-dose vaccination. They stress the importance of re-engaging in catch-up vaccination efforts for both children and adults while continuing outreach initiatives geared towards communities disproportionately affected by hepatitis B.

"We cannot afford confusion. We cannot afford backsliding," the organization cautions. "The science is clear — the vaccine is effective and safe. Universal newborn hepatitis B immunization must remain the standard not only in San Francisco but throughout California."

This strong advocacy reflects a collective commitment to the health and safety of infants, aiming to safeguard the future against hepatitis B and its debilitating consequences.