Barbara Rodriguez

Interim Health and Caregiving Reporter

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A vaccine that helps prevent liver disease is back in the spotlight as a federal advisory panel considers delaying the first shot for infants.

The hepatitis B vaccine is a multi-dose series typically first administered at birth and then through the first months of infancy. The vaccine is safe and effective — it’s credited with preventing millions of infections since its addition to the childhood vaccine schedule .

But the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or ACIP, is expected this week to reconsider how soon infants receive the first vaccine shot. The panel considered delaying the newborn shot in a September meeting , but held off.

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