The Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) panel of vaccine advisors made the controversial decision last week to scratch the universal hepatitis B birth dose from childhood vaccine recommendations.
In an 8-3 vote, the federal committee ended the recommendation that all newborn babies be immunized at birth against hepatitis B — a highly contagious virus linked to severe liver disease, cancer, and even death.
What this means for the health of Santa Barbara County, and the nation, is yet to be seen, but experts worry about future implications…