Yes, it is very disappointing to hear this… But it does reflect a common sentiment (one which I’ve even heard from colleagues in the scientific sector).
The hepatitis B foundation (@chari.cohen) has put out a media release response: Universal Infant Vaccine Birth Dose Saves Thousands of Lives: A response from the Hepatitis B Foundation » Hepatitis B Foundation
I think we can all do our little bit by having conversations in our network and making change locally. There are some resources for this: Hep B Birth Dose Media Toolkit » Hepatitis B Foundation
Hope this helps,
Thomas
What a big BS this guy RFK is . Both my sons have Hep B due to vertical transmission . All my grandchildren had been vaccinated and are free of Hep B
It is more than a disappointment. His vaccine advice is contrary to established science. We must fight RFK and his vaccine policy strongly and forcefully, it is our duty and right.
I think RFK Jr. has a point. What is the point in vaccinating newborn babies against hepatitis B if their mother is not a hepatitis B carrier? It would make much more sense to vaccinate more adults who are probably at greater risk of contracting the virus sexually.
The point of vaccinating children is to prevent any infection. Infants are more vulnerable to HBV than adults. 1 out 10 adults exposed to HBV will develop a chronic infection, but in infants/children that is 9 out of 10. That is why birth dose vaccines are recommended. We have been vaccinating children since the 1990s and have saved many babies and children from this illness. If we lose this, we will begin to see an increase in HBV cases among children as it happens in countries that don’t have a birth dose or lack vaccination programs. Something we all must consider. Do we protect the 90 percent of children or 10 percent of adults? We must do both.
Hi @Barry,
As mentioned by @Bansah1, the risk of chronic infection is high in young people and the mothers are not the only potential source: there are other children, surgeries, blood donations, etc. The vaccine has been shown to be safe, it is one of the most frequently given vaccinations.
I guess you could think about it this way: we don’t only make speeders wear seatbelts, we make it mandatory for everyone for everyone’s safety. Anyone, no matter where they are positioned in life and society, has some risk of being exposed to HBV.
Thomas