1A The CDC, RFK Jr., And Childhood Vaccine Schedules
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Dec 11, 2025 
Michael Osterholm is a seasoned professor and director at the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, while Angela Rasmussen is a virologist and journal co-editor specializing in vaccines. They discuss the recent CDC decision to reassess newborn hepatitis B vaccinations, exploring the risks of delayed immunization. The guests highlight how changing policies could jeopardize public health, particularly for underserved communities, and emphasize the importance of sustaining vaccine confidence amidst shifting recommendations.
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Birth-Dose Recommendation Changed
- ACIP voted to end a universal newborn hepatitis B recommendation after 30+ years, shifting to individual-based decision-making.
- Michael Osterholm warns this change creates confusion and may reduce uptake despite vaccine availability.
Ask For The Birth Dose
- Parents can still obtain the birth-dose hepatitis B vaccine by asking their clinician if it's not offered.
- Michael Osterholm urges parents to request the shot proactively at delivery.
Hepatitis B Is Highly Durable
- Hepatitis B is a durable DNA virus that can remain infectious and transmit in households beyond sexual/drug routes.
- Angela Rasmussen stresses chronic infection can be asymptomatic and later cause liver cancer.