AMA statement on CDC’s hepatitis B birth dose decision

Statement attributable to:
Sandra Adamson Fryhofer, MD
Trustee, American Medical Association

"Decades of scientific evidence shows that the birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine is essential to protecting all newborns from a serious, chronic infection that can lead to liver disease, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and even death. Rolling back this recommendation creates confusion and doubt about vaccines, reverses hard-won progress in preventing hepatitis B, and will undoubtedly result in completely preventable illness and death. Physicians continue to recommend the birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine for all newborns, and we encourage parents with questions about vaccines to talk to their physician."