AMA Trustee Calls CDC Vaccine Vote ‘Reckless’ in Urgent Plea

UPDATE: A trustee of the American Medical Association (AMA) has just condemned a recent vote by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) panel, demanding immediate action against what he calls a “reckless” change to hepatitis B vaccine guidance. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted on August 24, 2023, to modify the birth-dose recommendation for the hepatitis B vaccine, a move that has sparked widespread concern among health professionals.

IMPACT: This decision could significantly affect vaccination rates for newborns, potentially endangering their health. The AMA trustee’s strong words emphasize the urgent need for the CDC to reconsider its stance, stating that the vote “undermines the critical importance of early vaccination.”

The ACIP’s recommendation aimed to adjust the timing of the hepatitis B vaccine for infants, which the AMA argues could lead to increased risks of viral infections. The trustee’s comments reflect a growing unease among healthcare providers about the implications of this decision.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection that can lead to chronic disease and puts individuals at risk for liver failure and cancer. The CDC has long endorsed the administration of the hepatitis B vaccine within the first 24 hours of birth to ensure maximum protection.

NEXT STEPS: Health advocates are urging the CDC to reject the ACIP’s recommendations as they gather support for a petition to maintain the current vaccination guidelines. As discussions continue, the AMA and other health organizations are preparing to mobilize their resources to safeguard public health.

This developing story highlights the ongoing tensions between public health recommendations and the imperative to ensure the safety and well-being of the most vulnerable populations—our infants. Stay tuned for more updates as this situation unfolds.