Former US President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed a significant vote by a key advisory panel of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) concerning infant vaccination protocols. The panel moved to end its longstanding recommendation for administering the Hepatitis B vaccine to all newborn babies.
Trump's Public Endorsement on Social Media
On December 6, 2025, Donald Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to commend the decision. He characterised the panel's vote as a "very good decision" to terminate the universal recommendation. In his post, Trump argued that the vast majority of infants face "no risk" of contracting Hepatitis B, a disease he noted is primarily transmitted through sexual contact or the use of contaminated needles.
Details of the CDC Panel's Decision
The advisory committee, which guides the CDC on immunisation practices, voted to alter its stance on the Hepatitis B vaccine for newborns. The previous guideline advocated for the vaccine to be given shortly after birth as a standard preventive measure. The rationale behind the original recommendation included:
- Protecting infants from potential transmission from mothers who are carriers but untested.
- Providing early life immunity against a virus that can cause chronic liver disease.
- Ensuring protection in cases where children might be exposed later through contact with infected individuals.
The panel's new position, however, aligns with the argument that universal vaccination may not be necessary for a population deemed at minimal immediate risk.
Potential Implications and Public Health Debate
This development is poised to ignite a substantial debate within the public health community in the United States and globally. Proponents of the change may view it as a move towards more targeted, risk-based vaccination. Conversely, critics are likely to warn that it could lead to:
- A decrease in overall vaccination coverage.
- Increased vulnerability in infants born to mothers with undiagnosed Hepatitis B infection.
- Potential for future outbreaks as herd immunity wanes.
The CDC has not yet issued an official update to its immunisation schedule based on this advisory vote. The final decision and any updated guidelines from the federal health agency are awaited. This move, championed by a influential political figure like Trump, places childhood vaccination policies firmly in the spotlight of national discourse.
