CDC advisers ease Hep B birth‑dose mandate
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, to recommend that not all newborns require a hepatitis B vaccination at birth, allowing deferral in certain low‑risk cases (such as when the mother tests negative for hepatitis B surface antigen). The change, pending formal CDC adoption, would require Minnesota hospitals and clinics to update newborn vaccination protocols in coordination with the Minnesota Department of Health.
📊 Relevant Data
In 2023, the age-adjusted hepatitis B-related death rate was 2.20 per 100,000 among non-Hispanic Asian, Native Hawaiian, or Other Pacific Islander persons, compared to 0.26 per 100,000 among non-Hispanic White persons.
In 2023, the age-adjusted hepatitis B-related death rate was 0.71 per 100,000 among non-Hispanic Black persons, compared to 0.26 per 100,000 among non-Hispanic White persons.
In 2023, the rate of newly reported chronic hepatitis B cases was 18.9 per 100,000 among non-Hispanic Asian/Pacific Islander persons, compared to 1.9 per 100,000 among non-Hispanic White persons.
Table 2.6 – Chronic Hepatitis B: Case Rates by Demographics — CDC
In 2023, the rate of newly reported chronic hepatitis B cases was 9.5 per 100,000 among non-Hispanic Black persons, compared to 1.9 per 100,000 among non-Hispanic White persons.
Table 2.6 – Chronic Hepatitis B: Case Rates by Demographics — CDC
The overall prevalence of hepatitis B in the WHO Western Pacific Region is about 6.2%, and nearly 70% of Asian Americans were born outside of the United States.
People Born Outside of the United States and Viral Hepatitis — CDC
The efficacy of the hepatitis B vaccine alone in preventing perinatal transmission is approximately 75%.
📌 Key Facts
- ACIP recommendation issued Dec. 5, 2025
- Guidance permits deferring hepatitis B birth dose in defined low‑risk situations
- Minnesota hospitals and MDH would align protocols once CDC formally adopts the recommendation
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