In recent months new members of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) have taken steps that could delay the hepatitis birth dose administration to 1 month in the United States. At their September 18–19 meeting, ACIP chose to delay a vote to take this decision. In response, organizations such as Hepatitis B Foundation, together with partners such as the AAP and the AASLD, issued a joint statement urging ACIP to maintain the universal birth dose recommendation. You can read the full statement here. The next ACIP meeting is scheduled to be held on December 4th 2025, prompting urgent action from public health experts.

In light of these developments, the VHPB and a list of undersigned public health experts and organizations, have shared a letter with ACIP, expressing our strong support for maintaining the ACIP recommendation for universal hepatitis B vaccination of all newborns within 24 hours of birth.

The VHPB has been actively engaged in promoting evidence-based hepatitis B prevention and control strategies for over three decades, collaborating with public health authorities, academia, immunization programs, and international partners worldwide.

Our letter underscores the critical importance of sustaining universal newborn vaccination, highlighting scientific and public health evidence that demonstrates the vital role of the birth dose in preventing perinatal hepatitis B transmission and ensuring long-term protection against HBV-related disease. It also reflects the collective expertise of leaders in hepatology, infectious diseases, immunization policy, and public health from across Europe, North America, and beyond.

The full letter will be published here and on our LinkedIn page soon!