The Association for Prevention Teaching and Research (APTR) is deeply alarmed by the recent actions of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to reverse long-standing, science-based recommendations for the hepatitis B vaccine in infants. For decades, the infant Hepatitis B vaccination policy has dramatically reduced childhood infections, lowering the burden of hepatitis B–related morbidity and mortality.

The decision to weaken or alter these recommendations disregards an extensive body of evidence demonstrating the effectiveness and public health impact of early childhood vaccination. Any rollback of universal infant Hepatitis B vaccination will predictably result in increased rates of preventable infection among children, with adolescents and adults. Such a policy shift threatens the progress made over multiple generations of immunization practice and places communities at unnecessary and avoidable risk.

APTR serves on the ACIP as an institutional liaison and has long advocated for policy decisions grounded in rigorous scientific evidence, transparent deliberation, and a clear commitment to protecting population health. We will continue to press for evidence-based decision-making and to oppose changes that undermine proven preventive strategies. APTR stands with public health professionals, clinicians, educators, and partner organizations in urging the ACIP to prioritize science, safeguard public trust, and uphold the standards that have long guided national immunization policy.