Scott Gottlieb Discusses Controversial Vaccine Policy Changes
Former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb expressed strong concerns regarding recent decisions made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) during an interview on the program “Face the Nation” with Margaret Brennan on December 7, 2025. These decisions involve a significant shift in public health policy concerning the administration of the Hepatitis B vaccine to newborns.
CDC’s Major Policy Shift
The American Academy of Pediatrics has voiced alarm following the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voting 8-3 to delay the first dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine until a child is two months old, instead of administering it within 24 hours of birth. Gottlieb emphasized the critical importance of the birth dose, noting that approximately 90% of newborns who contract the virus during delivery will develop chronic infections, with a substantial risk of severe health outcomes, including death.
“By giving this birth dose and subsequent inoculations, we can almost eliminate the chance that a newborn contracts Hepatitis B,” Gottlieb stated, highlighting that the vaccine is nearly 99% effective in preventing chronic infection.
Many healthcare professionals and organizations are concerned about the implications of this new policy. Gottlieb noted that while some argue Hepatitis B is only transmitted through sexual contact or contaminated needles, this is a misconception. Many mothers do not get tested for the virus during pregnancy, and false negatives can occur, potentially exposing newborns to the virus.
Concerns Over Public Health Decisions
The discussion also touched on broader implications for vaccination practices in the United States. Gottlieb criticized the current leadership of the ACIP, suggesting that many members are anti-vaccine activists who may not be making decisions based on scientific evidence. He warned that this shift could undermine public trust in vaccination programs.
“This is a big unforced error… what we’re seeing right now is as a group, it’s being degraded,” Gottlieb stated, referring to the ACIP’s credibility.
Gottlieb further noted that approximately 600 state laws rely on ACIP recommendations, and 17 states have already enacted legislation indicating they will no longer follow ACIP guidelines. Insurers are also shifting their focus to recommendations from more established bodies, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics.
In addition to the Hepatitis B vaccine changes, Gottlieb addressed the recent sell-off in biotech stocks following reports that the FDA would alter its approval process for vaccines. He expressed concern that new policies could impede the development of future vaccines by requiring extensive studies rather than allowing for well-validated immuno-bridging studies that have historically facilitated timely vaccine updates.
Gottlieb’s remarks reflect a growing apprehension among former FDA officials and public health experts regarding the future of immunization practices in the United States. With 12 former FDA commissioners voicing their concerns, the credibility of vaccine regulations is under scrutiny.
As public health policy evolves, the implications of these decisions on vaccination rates and public health outcomes remain to be seen. The ongoing debate underscores the critical balance between safety and accessibility in healthcare.
In conclusion, as the dialogue around vaccination continues, Gottlieb’s insights highlight the urgent need for evidence-based decision-making in public health policy to protect the most vulnerable populations.
