The Peru Gazette

Birth Doses for all Newborns and School Immunization Requirements Remain the Same in New York State

News Release, ALBANY, N.Y. (December 5, 2025) – The New York State Department of Health today reaffirmed that the long-standing hepatitis B vaccination recommendations for infants and children remain unchanged in New York State after two votes taken by the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) earlier today. These national advisory votes do not alter New York’s evidence-based recommendations, which continue to include a hepatitis B vaccine birth dose for every newborn, without delay, as well as completion of the full vaccine series in infancy.

Department Reaffirms Longstanding Practices

“Newborn hepatitis B vaccination is a cornerstone of preventive care for infants, and our recommendations in New York State have not changed,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. “The birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine is safe, effective and essential. We continue to recommend that every baby receive this vaccine within 24 hours of delivery, and that infants born to a person with hepatitis B receive it within 12 hours. These practices save lives, and New York remains committed to evidence-based policies that protect our most vulnerable residents.”

Today’s national advisory votes were unnecessary changes and may have tragic consequences in some areas of the nation if doctors choose to stop giving newborns the standard hepatitis B preventive birth dose. However, New York has the best doctors anywhere and their practices will remain unchanged due to evidence-based clinical practices and their commitment to protecting their patients and public health. Thanks to Governor Hochul, New York will continue to do the right thing.

Summary of ACIP Votes

ACIP approved two votes regarding hepatitis B vaccination. The exact adopted language for Vote #1 and Vote #2 is included below. ACIP also passed a third procedural vote related to continued access to hepatitis B vaccine doses through the federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. This technical vote does not affect New York’s recommendations or requirements.

1. Birth Dose Recommendation (Vote #1 – Exact Language)
   For infants born to HBsAg-negative women: ACIP recommends individual-based decision-making, in consultation with a health care provider, for parents deciding when or if to give the HBV vaccine, including the birth dose. Parents and health care providers should consider vaccine benefits, vaccine risks, and infection risks. For those not receiving the HBV birth dose, it is suggested that the initial dose is administered no earlier than 2 months of age.
2. Optional Post-Vaccination Antibody Testing (Vote #2 – Exact Language)
   When evaluating the need for a subsequent HBV vaccine dose in children, parents should consult with health care providers to determine if a post-vaccination anti-HBs serology testing should be offered. Serology results should determine whether the established protective anti-HBs titer threshold of ≥10 mIU/mL has been achieved. The cost of this testing should be covered by insurance.

No Impact on New York State Policy or Requirements

These votes do not change any requirements or recommendations in New York State, including:

• Newborn Care:
  New York continues to recommend a birth dose within 24 hours for all newborns, and a birth dose and within 12 hours for infants born to a birthing parent who tests positive or whose hepatitis B status is unknown.
• Completion of the Vaccine Series:
  All children should complete the full hepatitis B vaccine series by 18 months of age, or earlier when clinically indicated.
• School Immunization Requirements:
  Students must show proof of immunity to hepatitis B to attend school in New York State. The Department emphasizes that completing the full vaccine series is the most reliable and effective way to provide long-term protection. However, proof of vaccination or a positive blood test for hepatitis B surface antibody are both acceptable for school entry.

At the same time, while New York regulations require proof of immunity through either vaccination of positive titer, relying on post-vaccination blood testing after each dose would require multiple laboratory visits, repeated blood draws, and long wait times for results, making it impractical for most families. For this reason, most providers recommend – and most parents choose – vaccination rather than repeated blood testing for their children.

New York State continues to support the long-standing standard of care practice of providing patients with information on the risks and benefits of all vaccines.

Hepatitis B Vaccine Remains a Critical Safety Net

Hepatitis B vaccination along with hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) is safe, effective and vital for newborn protection, especially when screening of the birthing parent is unavailable or when errors occur. Infants are at the greatest risk for developing chronic hepatitis B infection if exposed at birth. The birth dose provides a crucial safety net that has dramatically reduced infant infections over the past several decades.