The US-based Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) now recommends individual-based decision-making for hepatitis B vaccination in babies born to mothers who have tested negative for liver infection.
According to BBC, public health experts worry ACIP’s decision will raise unfounded safety concerns about the vaccine.
Up to 90% of those infected with hepatitis B in infancy will go on to develop chronic infection. Chronic hepatitis B can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, liver cancer and death. There is no cure for chronic hepatitis B.
Read the full article here: BBC: US panel votes to end recommending hepatitis B vaccine for all newborns
For stories of those affected by hepatitis B, visit BBC: They contracted hepatitis before the vaccine was given at birth – now the shot may be delayed again
Read more about hepatitis B disease, epidemiology, transmission and vaccination at MVEC：乙型肝炎