APhA, MDHHS Speak Out Against Hepatitis B Recommendation Change
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the American Pharmacists Association both voiced their opposition to the changes made to the hepatitis B vaccination recommendation by the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
MDHHS issued the following statement Friday:
Vaccines play a critical role in the prevention and control of infectious diseases and have led to the eradication of several diseases and significant reductions in illnesses and fatalities. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services strongly disagrees with the decision made by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices today to delay the hepatitis B birth dose and urges families and providers to follow the immunization schedules from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Nearly 1.6 million people in the United States are estimated to be chronically infected with hepatitis B virus, with about half not realizing they have the virus. Infection can be transmitted through casual contact with blood or certain body fluids, including through contact sports, sharing of towels, toothbrushes or razors and contaminated medical equipment. The hepatitis B virus causes 22,000 infections and 2,000 deaths annually across the U.S.
Hepatitis B attacks the liver, and about 90% of infants infected at birth develop chronic hepatitis B infection, with 1 in 4 of these children dying prematurely from liver disease. Proven to be safe and effective in its use over the past 20 years, since the universal hepatitis B vaccination at birth was adopted in 2002, hepatitis B disease among children and adolescents has virtually been eliminated. According to studies, delaying the birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine will lead to new infections and lifelong disease for tens of thousands of children.
In a separate statement, APhA said it was "deeply disappointed" in ACIP's decision:
The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) is deeply disappointed by today’s vote by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to remove the universal recommendation for administering the hepatitis B vaccine birth dose for infants born in the United States. This reversal rolls back a highly effective, evidence-based public health measure that has been in place since 1991.
Since the universal birth-dose recommendation was adopted, acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections in infants and young children have sharply decreased, preventing countless children from becoming chronic carriers. The hepatitis B vaccine is safe, effective, and the most reliable method to prevent chronic HBV infection. Infants born to mothers who are not HBV carriers remain at risk due to possible exposure from infected household members, caregivers, human bites, or shared personal items such as toothbrushes—making universal vaccination essential.
“Pharmacists have a long history of helping to prevent disease transmission through vaccine recommendation and administration, including against hepatitis B,” said Brigid Groves, PharmD, MS, vice president of professional affairs at APhA. “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.”
Newborns infected with HBV have a 90% likelihood of becoming chronic carriers, and one in four infants infected at birth will die from HBV-related liver failure or liver cancer. Young children who contract HBV face a 20% to 50% chance of developing lifelong chronic infection. These severe outcomes—and the costly, intensive treatment they require—are preventable through timely vaccination.
APhA strongly supports preserving the integrity of the established, evidence-based childhood immunization schedule, including the HepB birth dose that has consistently proven safe and effective.
APhA also underscores the importance of hepatitis B vaccination in adulthood. ACIP continues to recommend the vaccine series for all adults ages 19–59 years, adults 60 years and older with risk factors, and any adult who requests vaccination. Hepatitis B vaccines are safe, effective, and covered by insurance.
We will continue to advocate for evidence-based immunization policies and the health and safety of patients and communities nationwide.