Acting N.J. Health Commissioner Jeff Brown has signed an executive directive protecting the birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine.
The action comes amid discussions at the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) meeting of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Dec. 4-5, 2025, regarding when to administer the first dose.
With the executive directive, the New Jersey Department of Health continues to recommend that newborns and children receive the hepatitis B vaccine based on clear, scientific and evidence-based recommendations from trusted medical professionals, specifically the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), as well as consensus guidance by the Northeast Public Health Collaborative.
The N.J. Department of Health also recommends that health care providers in the state follow the dosing schedules for the administration of the hepatitis B vaccine to newborns and children as established by the AAP.
“Updated recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices would weaken our ability to protect public health and stop the transmission of preventable disease. We know unequivocally that vaccines save lives,” said Governor Phil Murphy.
“Since 1991, millions of newborns have received the birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine, which has proven to be one of the most effective childhood immunizations in preventing infections and deaths. In New Jersey, we are continuing to trust the science that has saved countless newborns from adverse health outcomes.”
Before the universal hepatitis B infant vaccination recommendation in 1991, approximately 18,000 children in the U.S. were infected each year before they reached the age of 10. Half of these infections were from mother to child during birth; the other half were from other exposures. This underscores the critical importance of vaccination at birth.
Starting the hepatitis B vaccine at birth provides the best protection when the child is most vulnerable to chronic infection. Following implementation of the routine birth dose, the U.S. saw a 95% decrease in infant infections.
In addition, the hepatitis B vaccine has prevented 90,100 childhood deaths in the U.S. since 1994, making it one of the most effective childhood immunizations for the prevention of deaths.
“New Jersey continues to recommend hepatitis B vaccination for all newborns within 24 hours of birth. For over 30 years, this approach has nearly eliminated hepatitis B in American children, preventing a disease that can cause lifelong liver damage, cirrhosis and cancer,” said Acting Health Commissioner Brown.
“Through this executive directive, I reaffirm our commitment to protecting children and families in New Jersey with science-backed health guidance. We will continue to follow evidence-based recommendations that have kept our communities safe for decades.”
Along with the executive directive, the hepatitis B vaccine continues to be recommended in New Jersey for:
- All pregnant adults who are not yet vaccinated.
- Anyone under 60 years of age who has not yet received the vaccine.
- Adults 60+ years at increased risk of exposure to hepatitis B who were not previously vaccinated. Adults 60+ who are not at increased risk and are not vaccinated may choose to get one if they want protection.
