ACIP to vote on hepatitis B shot

Vaccine Recommendation Changes - The CDC's vaccine panel (ACIP) is scheduled to vote on key immunizations, potentially leading to significant changes in vaccine recommendations [1] - HHS Secretary Kennedy appointed new members to the ACIP, leading to controversy and debate regarding the committee's independence [2] - ACIP Chair emphasized the importance of open scientific debate, referencing a boycott by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) [2] MMRV Vaccine - ACIP will vote on whether to recommend against the combined measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine for infants and toddlers [3] - The CDC currently recommends separate MMR and varicella shots for young children due to a higher risk of febrile seizures with the combined vaccine [4] Hepatitis B Vaccine - The committee will vote on changes to the hepatitis B vaccination schedule for newborns [4] - Proposals include testing all pregnant women for hepatitis B infection and potentially delaying vaccination until one month of age for babies of mothers who test negative, while maintaining the option for earlier vaccination with doctor's permission [5]