At Pediatric Health Care Associates (PHCA), we know that many families are hearing about recent changes to the CDC website about vaccines and autism, as well as a new vote by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) about the timing of the hepatitis B vaccine at birth. Even though the wording on some CDC pages has changed, the science has not. Decades of careful research from around the world show no link between vaccines and autism. National physician groups, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Medical Association, and many others, continue to strongly support vaccines as safe and effective ways to protect children from serious diseases.
Recently, the ACIP voted to remove the long-standing recommendation that all newborns receive a hepatitis B vaccine dose at birth, instead suggesting waiting until 2 months of age for babies whose mothers test negative for hepatitis B. This decision has faced widespread criticism from pediatric and public health experts because hepatitis B can be transmitted by people with no symptoms, and early infection can cause lifelong liver disease and cancer. Here in Massachusetts, our public health leaders have rejected this change. They have stated that our state will continue to recommend the hepatitis B birth dose for all newborns and that insurers will continue to cover it because it is safe, effective, and saves lives.
PHCA stands firmly with the American Academy of Pediatrics, other national medical groups, and Massachusetts public health leaders. We will continue to follow the routine childhood vaccine schedule recommended by the AAP, including the hepatitis B birth dose. We know these announcements can be confusing and even upsetting, and we are here to listen. If you have questions or worries about vaccines, autism, or the hepatitis B birth dose, please talk with your child’s clinician. We are always happy to discuss the evidence and help you make the best choices for your child. We will continue to be your partners in providing compassionate and comprehensive care to your family.