Study finds ending routine hepatitis B shots at birth, as Kennedy recommended, could raise infections
The New York Times reported on Oct. 19 on a study of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s recommendation to end routine hepatitis B vaccination at birth. The Times said the study found the change would increase hepatitis B infections. The birth dose has been standard in the United States for decades. The Times reported the findings as modeling, not observed cases.
Babies infected with hepatitis B at birth are much more likely to develop chronic infection, which can lead to liver failure and cancer. The birth dose protects infants whose mothers' infection was missed in testing.
If you are expecting a baby, ask your doctor about the hepatitis B birth dose and about your own test results. Insurance coverage and hospital practice may change if federal guidance shifts.
Kennedy and supporters of his plan argue that testing mothers is enough and that newborns of uninfected mothers do not need an immediate shot.
The study's authors and many pediatricians say testing misses cases and that the shot is a safety net, so dropping it would cause preventable infections.
Confirmed: one study projects more infections. Not confirmed by a second outlet here: the exact numbers. Watch whether federal vaccine advisers act on the recommendation.
DailyDrop U.S. No. 16 · October 20, 2026