The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) expressed profound disappointment following the December 5, 2025 vote by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The committee decided to remove the universal recommendation for administering the hepatitis B vaccine at birth for infants born in the United States. This change reverses a significant public health measure that has been in effect since 1991.
The universal birth-dose recommendation has played a crucial role in reducing acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections among infants and young children. As a result, countless children have been spared the risk of becoming chronic carriers of the virus. The hepatitis B vaccine is recognized as safe and effective, serving as the most reliable method to prevent chronic HBV infection.
Concerns About Vaccine Access and Public Health
Infants born to mothers who are not HBV carriers still face risks due to potential exposure from infected household members, caregivers, or even shared personal items like toothbrushes. This underscores the necessity of universal vaccination. Brigid Groves, PharmD, MS, vice president of professional affairs at APhA, stated, “Pharmacists have a long history of helping to prevent disease transmission through vaccine recommendation and administration, including against hepatitis B. We remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting patients across their lifespan. The science is clear: the hepatitis B birth dose saves lives, and there is no new evidence to justify delaying or removing this critical protection.”
Statistics illustrate the severity of HBV infections: newborns infected with the virus have a 90% chance of becoming chronic carriers, and one in four infants who contract HBV at birth may die from related liver failure or liver cancer. Additionally, young children who contract HBV face a 20% to 50% chance of developing lifelong chronic infections. These serious outcomes, along with the intensive and costly treatment they necessitate, can be prevented through timely vaccination.
APhA’s Ongoing Advocacy for Immunization Policies
In light of these concerns, APhA advocates for the preservation of the established, evidence-based childhood immunization schedule, which includes the hepatitis B birth dose. The organization emphasizes the importance of hepatitis B vaccination extending into adulthood. The ACIP continues to recommend the vaccine series for all adults aged 19 to 59 years, older adults with risk factors, and any adult who requests vaccination. Hepatitis B vaccines are both safe and effective, with insurance coverage available for these immunizations.
APhA remains committed to advocating for evidence-based immunization policies that safeguard the health and safety of patients and communities across the nation. The organization serves as a vital voice in the pharmacy profession, supporting pharmacists, student pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians in optimizing medication use and enhancing patient health outcomes.
For more information on the American Pharmacists Association and its initiatives, visit www.pharmacist.com.
