RFK Jr.’s Revised Vaccine Schedule May Cause 83% Surge in Hepatitis B Infections

Recent modeling research indicates that proposed changes to the childhood vaccination schedule by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. could significantly increase the risk of hepatitis B infections among children. The study estimates that delaying or omitting the hepatitis B vaccine at birth might lead to a rise in chronic infections by 83% to as much as 225%, depending on vaccination rates.

In December 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shifted its guidelines, ending the recommendation for universal hepatitis B vaccination at birth for infants born to mothers who test negative for the virus. Instead, the CDC now advocates for individualized clinical decision-making regarding the vaccine’s administration. This change has raised concerns among public health experts who fear it could lead to a resurgence of preventable diseases.

According to the CDC, nearly 90% of infants who contract hepatitis B within their first year develop chronic infections, which can lead to serious health issues such as cirrhosis, liver failure, or even liver cancer. Despite the CDC’s new approach, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) continues to recommend that all newborns receive the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth.

A recent study published in the *Annals of Internal Medicine* suggests that postponing the hepatitis B vaccination until two months of age could increase chronic infections among infants by 19% under certain conditions. More concerning projections estimate that with shared decision-making and lower vaccination uptake, chronic infections could rise between 83% and 225% compared to universal vaccination at birth. The modeling suggests that by age 20, up to 1.8 million young adults could remain susceptible to hepatitis B if the birth dose is delayed, a drastic increase from the 232,000 expected under the former guidelines.

The change in the vaccination schedule stemmed from an 8-3 vote by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which determined that newborns from mothers who test negative for the virus face little risk of contracting hepatitis B. However, many experts argue this decision lacks scientific backing and could have dire public health implications.

Dr. Graham Tse, a pediatrician and chief medical officer at MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital, emphasized the importance of hepatitis B vaccination, stating that it has been proven safe and effective over decades. He expressed concern that the new guidelines could lead to lower vaccination rates, ultimately putting infants at greater risk for severe health outcomes.

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver and poses a greater risk to infants than adults. The potential for lifelong hepatitis B infection is significantly higher in newborns, highlighting the importance of early vaccination. Experts warn that delaying vaccination could leave infants unprotected, especially since maternal screening may not always detect infections.

While the CDC’s new policy offers more flexibility for some families, it could also result in decreased vaccination rates and increased chronic hepatitis B infections. Parents are encouraged to consult with their pediatricians about the benefits of timely vaccination, the risks associated with delays, and the overall vaccination schedule. An informed discussion with healthcare professionals can help families navigate these changes and make the best decisions for their children’s health.