December 5, 2025
(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) — Today, Robert F. Kennedy’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to change the hepatitis B vaccination schedule and requirements for newborns. 314 Action President Shaughnessy Naughton released the following statement:
“Today’s vote is a complete violation of scientific and medical standards—and a betrayal to future generations. One in four children who develop chronic hepatitis B will die. Despite vaccines being one of our greatest medical advancements, RFK Jr. and his unqualified committee are determined to take us back to the Dark Ages.
“For nearly 40 years, the hepatitis B vaccine has given newborns a 98% immunity from the virus, with almost zero adverse effects and protection lasting at least 30 years. This committee clearly doesn’t care about the health and safety of American children, cherry-picking data and ignoring the scientific method to advance their anti-vax agenda.
“Make no mistake, this decision will destroy public health for generations to come. RFK Jr.’s continued weaponization of public health agencies is sparking a new wave of doctors, scientists and health professionals to step up to run for office. It’s why we launched Guardians of Public Health, our new $25 million recruitment campaign to elect 100 new doctors, nurses, and health care professionals. 314 Action is working with a record number of candidates running for office in 2026 to fight back against RFK Jr.’s health crisis.
“We cannot allow rolling back vaccine protections to be our new normal.”
314 Action is the only national organization working to recruit, train and elect Democratic scientists across all levels of government—from the Senate down to local school boards. The organization is powered by a grassroots community of over six million people supporting scientists and health care professionals who will use science and facts to address the most urgent issues facing our generation.
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