ACIP votes to update hepatitis B vaccine recommendation for infants

In the second meeting of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the committee voted to update its recommendation for the hepatitis B virus vaccine for infants born to HBs-Ag-negative women.¹

On Friday, December 5, 2025, the Committee voted on the following proposed recommendations.

The ACIP noted there is "no change to the vaccine recommendation for infants born to women who test HBsAg-positive or have an unknown HBsAg status - existing recommendation remains the same."

VOTE 1

"For infants born to HBs-Ag-negative women: ACIP recommends individual-based decision-making, in consultation with a health care provider, for parents deciding when or if to give the HBV vaccine, including the birth dose. Parents and health care providers should consider vaccine benefits, vaccine risks, and infection risks. For those not receiving the HBV birth dose, it is suggested that the initial dose is administered no earlier than 2 months of age. Y/N"

The committee voted as follows:

Yes - 8

No - 3

By this vote, this motion passed.

VOTE 2

"When evaluating the need for a subsequent HBV vaccine dose in children, parents should consult with health care providers to determine if a post-vaccination anti-HBs serology testing should be offered. Serology results should determine whether the established protective anti-HBs titer threshold of ≥10 mIU/mL has been achieved. The cost of this testing should be covered by insurance. Y/N"

The committee voted as follows:

Yes - 6

No - 4

Abstained - 1

By this vote, this motion passed.

This article will be updated as the December 5, 2025, ACIP meeting continues.

References:

1. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) - December 5, 2025 - Day 2 of 2. YouTube. Decemeber 5, 2025. https://www.youtube.com/live/kUgXRUpKal4