Northeast Public Health Collaborative upholds hepatitis B vaccine birth dose recommendation

Northeast Public Health Collaborative recommends all newborns receive a hepatitis B vaccine birth dose, and all children complete the full vaccination within 18 months, according to a press release. The Collaborative is a regional public health coalition that was formed after the federal Food and Drug Administration released guidelines limiting vaccine access and eligibility. The coalition includes New Jersey, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New York state, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. The Collaborative’s recommendations align with the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The multi-state health coalition released guidance after advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention voted to recommend delaying the vaccine for newborns using disputed data on safety risks.

From New Jersey Department of Health.