New guidelines for hepatitis B vaccines

A 22 News follow-up now. A long-held guidance for newborn hepatitis B vaccines has been changed following a recent vote. 22 News reporter Nick Gansenis is live in studio with everything you need to know about the new recommendation and if it will have an effect on your insurance. >> Kaylee Julia, an 8 to3 vote decided to lift the old recommendation that a newborn receive the hepatitis B vaccination at birth. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s vaccination advisory committee suggested that if an infant's mother tested negative for hepatitis B, the parent should consult a physician and decide for themselves if the baby needs a shot at birth. If the newborn doesn't get the vaccine at birth, the panel suggests it shouldn't be administered until at least 2 months old. Now, if the baby's parents still want to get their child to get the vaccination at birth, there's still a possibility that public health experts say that this vote and discussion will create unnecessary fear and confusion surrounding the vaccine. In terms of insurance coverage for those who want the shot administered within the first 24 hours of birth, it's still expected that it will be covered. Hepatitis B can cause cancer and severe liver disease. There isn't a hepatitis B vaccine mandate in the US, but most states require children to be vaccinated against it before they start school. In response to the changes, Massachusetts Governor Mara Healey signed legislation allowing the Department of Health to create their own guidelines. This will include the childhood vaccine program and the state will continue to recommend the hepatitis B vaccine at birth for all newborns. working for you. Nick Antonus, 22 News.