A federal vaccine advisory committee voted to end the long‑standing recommendation that all newborns receive the hepatitis B vaccine at birth, changing guidance to limit the birth dose to infants whose mothers test positive or whose maternal status is unknown. The panel’s membership was appointed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and the decision drew sharp criticism from public‑health experts and medical societies. Several state health departments and professional organizations signaled they will continue recommending the birth dose, and the CDC acting director will decide whether to accept the panel’s advice. The shift could affect university medical centers, pediatric clinics, and campus health policies that follow federal guidance. For university health directors and medical school administrators, the decision raises immediate operational questions about maternal testing protocols, newborn immunization workflows and insurance coverage for any changed practices. Clarification: the advisory committee’s recommendation does not automatically change CDC policy until adopted by the agency’s director.