The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (“ACIP”) develops recommendations for how vaccinations are used to control disease in the United States. Earlier this month, the ACIP voted 8-3 to narrow the CDC’s guidance on newborn hepatitis B vaccination administration. Hepatitis B is an infection that causes inflammation in the liver. When chronic, the infection can lead to liver cancer, liver failure, or cirrhosis, which is the serious scarring of the liver. The ACIP’s vote is being closely scrutinized and the decision will likely lead to changes in clinical practice.
