New York health officials have announced that they will not alter the state's hepatitis B vaccine guidance following a recent recommendation from a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advisory panel. The panel voted to discontinue its recommendation for a routine first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine administered to all newborns, citing a significant decline in the prevalence of hepatitis B among newborns in the United States.

Prior to this change, the CDC had long recommended the initial hepatitis B dose shortly after birth as a crucial preventative measure against the virus, which can cause serious liver damage and long-term health complications. New York's current vaccination guidelines will remain unchanged, according to state health officials, who emphasized that the state's protocols are based on a comprehensive evaluation of local disease trends and public health needs. While the CDC's recommendation shifts the focus, New York's health department continues to prioritize safeguarding the public from hepatitis B infection through existing strategies.

The ACIP's vote doesn't eliminate the hepatitis B vaccine entirely. It simply removes the universal recommendation for newborns. The vaccine remains available and recommended for individuals at higher risk of infection, including those with family history of hepatitis B, healthcare workers, and individuals engaging in behaviors that increase their risk of exposure. The CDC will publish its updated recommendations in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) in the coming weeks. State health officials will continue to monitor the CDC's guidance and assess its potential implications for New York's vaccination policies.