A US vaccine advisory panel voted 8-3 to end the long-standing rule of giving the hepatitis B vaccine to all newborns. Now, babies will only get the vaccine at birth if their mothers test positive for hepatitis B. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (Acip) supports "individual-based decision-making" for babies born to mothers who test negative for the infection. The CDC will decide the final recommendation. The move follows Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr's replacement of all Acip members with vaccine critics. The US has recommended the hepatitis B vaccine at birth since 1991, helping prevent an estimated 90,000 deaths. After the vote, President Donald Trump asked health officials to review all childhood vaccination rules and consider changing the US schedule if other countries’ approaches are better. He said some countries recommend fewer vaccines. Some vaccine experts strongly opposed the change. Dr Cody Meissner said, "The hepatitis B vaccine recommendation is very well established. We know it's safe and we know it's very effective." He warned the change could lead to more infections. The new guidance suggests starting the vaccine at two months if not given at birth—a point many opposed. The panel still recommends birth doses for babies with hepatitis B-positive mothers. Hepatitis B spreads through bodily fluids and can cause serious liver diseases. Babies born to infected mothers are at high risk of chronic infection. Critics worry this vote might raise false safety concerns and decrease vaccination rates. Some doctors stress that not all pregnant people get reliable hepatitis B tests, risking missed infections. Kennedy and his allies claim the vaccine is unnecessary for newborns unless the mother tests positive, questioning vaccine safety. However, experts note the virus can spread through shared personal items. Republican Senator Bill Cassidy criticized the change, calling it a "mistake" and affirming the vaccine's safety. Maryland's health officials urged continued birth vaccination, following American Academy of Pediatrics’ advice. The decision has sparked debate on vaccine policies amid growing scrutiny and changes in US health leadership.