There is no data supporting a delay and no evidence of harm from a birth dose.

Public health experts warn any delay to the newborn dose of the hepatitis B vaccine could threaten decades of progress.

The current recommendation for babies to receive a hepatitis B shot within 24 hours of birth is credited with driving down infections in kids by 99%.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s vaccine panel on Thursday delayed a vote on the hepatitis B vaccine for newborns.

Public health officials warned that the decision by advisers picked by RFK Jr. will result in more infants being infected and experiencing lifelong liver diseases.

The influential advisory panel voted to no longer universally recommend the first dose of the hep B vaccine for newborns within 24 hours of birth.

Some public health experts expressed concerns the recommendation could lead to an increase in hepatitis B infections in babies.

There is no data supporting a delay and no evidence of harm from a birth dose.