Norristown, Pennsylvania – December 9, 2025 – Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted for withdrawal last week issued a long-standing recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to vaccinate newborns against hepatitis B.
Following the vote Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro released a statement reaffirming Pennsylvania’s commitment to supporting medical experts and continuing to strongly encourage the administration of the hepatitis B vaccine to infants.
In response to developments regarding guidelines for vaccination of newborns against hepatitis B, Senator Amanda Cappelletti, JD, MPH (D-17, Montgomery/Delaware),issued the following statement:
“As a mother who is expecting her second daughter in a few tiny months, I am extremely dismayed and disheartened by the decision made last week that will undoubtedly jeopardize the well-being of thousands of newborns. I have a degree in public health and I can say that for me and my husband there is absolutely no doubt: proven vaccines that keep our baby sheltered and hearty are a must.
We know that over nearly 30 years of routinely vaccinating newborns against hepatitis B, cases among people 19 years of age and younger have declined by 99%. The numbers don’t lie. However, the Secretary of Health and Human Services RKF tends to do this, especially when it comes to the effectiveness of sheltered and effective vaccinations.
I will not stand idly by while he and unqualified federal government officials continue to deliberately sow distrust and confusion regarding trusted public health guidance. She is irresponsible to the American people and morally corrupt.
Governor Shapiro has made it clear that the Commonwealth stands behind medical experts and trusted public health guidance. I am grateful for his ongoing commitment to the health and well-being of every Pennsylvanian. I will continue to fight with him and my Democratic colleagues in Harrisburg to protect access to vaccines and ensure clear research and guidance that we can all trust for information about our health.”
Read more about Pennsylvania’s commitment to protecting access to public health guidance.
Learn more about Senator Cappelletti’s legislative initiatives that prioritize public health.
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