Cassidy Raises Alarm Over Hepatitis B Vaccine Schedule Changes

Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana and chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, has expressed significant concerns regarding a potential alteration to the hepatitis B vaccine schedule for infants. This discussion comes as a key advisory panel prepares to convene in early December 2023.

During an appearance on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,” Cassidy emphasized the importance of maintaining effective vaccination practices. He stated, “I’m a doctor. I have seen people die from vaccine-preventable disease. I want to make America healthy, and you don’t start by stopping recommendations that have made us substantially healthier.”

Impact of the Hepatitis B Vaccine

Highlighting the success of the current vaccination strategy, Cassidy noted that the administration of the hepatitis B vaccine at birth has contributed to a 20,000 decrease in the incidence of chronic hepatitis B over the past two decades. “The vaccine is safe. It has been established,” he asserted, criticizing any movement to revise the vaccination schedule as potentially misguided.

“This is policy by people who don’t understand the epidemiology of hepatitis B, or who have grown comfortable with the fact that we’ve been so successful with our recommendation,” he added, raising concerns that complacency could threaten public health.

The Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP), which provides guidance to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding vaccine recommendations, is expected to meet on December 4-5, 2023. The agenda includes discussions on the hepatitis B vaccine, and the committee may vote on potential recommendations.

Previous Committee Actions and Controversies

In September 2023, the ACIP voted to postpone a decision regarding changes to the pediatric hepatitis B vaccine schedule. Cassidy has been vocal about his concerns regarding the committee’s direction, particularly after Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, announced that he would be replacing all committee members, a move Cassidy previously criticized.

Earlier this year, Cassidy called for a delay of the vaccine advisory committee meeting following these personnel changes. His apprehensions reflect a growing tension between the committee’s new direction and established public health practices.

When asked if he regretted his vote to confirm Kennedy as Secretary, Cassidy replied, “You live life forward. Let the day’s own troubles be sufficient for the day.” He acknowledged that while he and Kennedy do not always agree, he appreciates the attention Kennedy has brought to various health issues, including the impact of ultra-processed foods.

As the ACIP meeting approaches, Cassidy’s remarks underscore the critical nature of maintaining effective vaccination policies, particularly in light of public health achievements in preventing diseases like hepatitis B.