On December 5, 2025, the New York State Department of Health stated that its hepatitis B vaccination guidelines for infants and children will remain the same. This announcement followed new recommendations from the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) released earlier that day. The Department said that all newborns in New York will continue to receive a hepatitis B vaccine birth dose, and the full vaccine series should be completed in infancy, as per existing state policy.
State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said the birth dose is an important part of preventive care for infants. He stated that the vaccine is safe and effective, and that every baby in New York should receive the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth. For infants born to mothers with hepatitis B, the dose should be given within 12 hours. Dr. McDonald said that following these practices is important for public health and that New York’s approach will not change.
The ACIP made two main recommendations. The first allows parents and healthcare providers to decide on the timing of the birth dose for infants born to mothers without hepatitis B, with the option to delay it until two months of age. The second recommendation concerns optional post-vaccination antibody testing to confirm immunity, with insurance expected to cover the cost. ACIP also voted to continue access to hepatitis B vaccines through the federal Vaccines for Children program, which does not change New York’s policies…