Trump advises parents on hepatitis B vaccine. Here's why doctors say he's wrong

Maria Godoy

September 25, 2025 / 11:13 am

It's unusual for presidents to give out medical advice. But in a White House press briefing earlier this week, President Trump questioned the wisdom of vaccinating all newborns against hepatitis B.

"There's no reason to give a baby that's almost just born hepatitis B [vaccine," Trump said. "So I would say wait until the baby is 12 years old."

But pediatricians say this message is wrong.

"It would be extremely dangerous and it's a totally irresponsible suggestion," says Dr. Andrew Pavia , a professor of pediatrics and medicine with the University of Utah and a pediatric and adult infectious disease specialist.

Hepatitis B is a virus that attacks the liver

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