New Jersey has reaffirmed its commitment to the hepatitis B vaccination for newborns, despite a recent recommendation from a panel appointed by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to alter existing guidelines. Governor Phil Murphy‘s administration announced on March 15, 2024, that all newborns will continue to receive the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth. This decision is in direct contrast to the advisory issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which suggested a significant policy shift.
The acting state Department of Health Commissioner Jeffrey A. Brown issued an executive directive maintaining the current vaccination policy. This directive follows recommendations from the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which proposed that parents should consider individual circumstances before deciding on vaccination, especially for infants born to mothers who test negative for the virus. The ACIP also recommended delaying the initial dose until the infant reaches at least two months of age, a marked departure from decades of established practice.
Historically, the CDC recommended administering the hepatitis B vaccine to infants within 12 hours of birth, particularly if their mothers were infected or their infection status was unclear. This guidance was broadened in 2018 to include all newborns receiving the vaccine within 24 hours, following evidence of a significant decline in hepatitis B cases. New Jersey’s health authorities have expressed concerns that the new recommendations could increase the risk of hepatitis B transmission among newborns.
Governor Murphy emphasized the importance of vaccination in safeguarding public health. He stated, “We know unequivocally that vaccines save lives.” Hepatitis B is a serious infection that can lead to chronic liver disease, liver failure, and even cancer. The American Academy of Pediatrics has highlighted that many individuals infected with the virus are unaware of their status, making the risk of transmission particularly high during birth and in early childhood.
Dr. Jose R. Romero, a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Committee on Infectious Diseases, expressed grave concerns about the potential consequences of delaying the birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine. He asserted that “delaying the birth dose would leave newborns unprotected during a critical window in their lives,” warning that children could face preventable deaths without timely vaccination. Romero criticized the ACIP’s decision-making process, claiming it lacked sufficient evidence and could undermine public confidence in vaccines.
New Jersey’s decision reflects a broader commitment to established vaccination guidelines, particularly those endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics. The state has also raised concerns about the implications of changing vaccine recommendations on insurance coverage. If the federal government alters its guidance, there is a risk that health insurance providers may perceive certain vaccines as optional, potentially impacting access for families.
According to the CDC, programs such as the Vaccines for Children Program and the Children’s Health Insurance Program will continue to provide coverage for the hepatitis B vaccine regardless of any changes in federal recommendations. Nonetheless, the ACIP’s recent vote, which passed with an 8-3 majority, aligns with Kennedy’s ongoing efforts to revise the childhood vaccination schedule in the United States.
Kennedy has previously expressed controversial views on vaccination, suggesting in a 2021 podcast interview that parents should reconsider vaccinating their children. This stance has drawn significant criticism from health leaders, including New Jersey’s officials and past CDC experts, who maintain that vaccines are crucial for preventing disease.
Acting Commissioner Brown concluded that “vaccines remain our most effective defense against preventable illnesses,” emphasizing that early vaccination protects children from long-term health complications and provides peace of mind for families.
As New Jersey moves forward with its vaccination policy, the state’s health leaders remain steadfast in their commitment to public health and the well-being of its youngest residents.
