New Jersey Stands Firm on Hepatitis B Vaccine for Newborns

New Jersey's health department is maintaining its stance on vaccinating all newborns with the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth. This decision is being made as a federal panel, led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., considers potential changes to the current guidelines.

States Unite for Public Health

Seven states, including New Jersey, have formed the Northeast Public Health Collaborative this year. Their mission is to establish their own vaccine policies, driven by concerns that federal vaccine policies might shift under Kennedy's leadership.

"We can shield babies from risks by vaccinating them right after birth." Jeff Brown, Acting State Health Commissioner

Brown emphasized that the hepatitis B vaccine has been instrumental in saving millions from chronic liver disease.

Federal Committee Deliberations

A federal committee is scheduled to discuss this issue on December 4th. They postponed a vote in September, considering a proposal to delay the first vaccine dose for babies born to mothers who test negative for hepatitis B.

The Importance of Hepatitis B Vaccination

Hepatitis B is a significant health concern, capable of spreading easily from mother to child. The CDC has recommended the first dose within 24 hours of birth since 1991, expanding the recommendation in 2018.

Known as the "silent infection", hepatitis B often presents with few symptoms but can lead to serious liver problems, including cirrhosis and cancer. From 1990 to 2019, cases of acute hepatitis B dropped by 99% among people aged 0 to 19.

Coalition of States

The coalition includes New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, with New York City's Health Department also participating. All members agree with the current guidelines, advocating for children to complete the full three-shot series within 18 months.