Michigan’s chief doctor has advised colleagues to ignore advice from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regarding the timing of vaccines.
CDC is a Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) agency, which is overseen by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. This week, CDC acting director Jim O’Neill altered a federal policy about when the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine should be administered.
But Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan’s chief medical executive, said those in Michigan should follow different advice instead, calling it “well-evidence and based on rigorous review.”
Newsweek reached out to the HSS by email to comment on this story outside of normal business hours.
Why It Matters
Kennedy, who assumed the HHS leadership role in February, has been met with growing disapproval for his views and his handling of the department.
If this backlash continues, especially among experts in the health care field, it could weaken the public’s trust and confidence in him and his agenda.
It could also affect President Donald Trump’s trust in him, though he has thus far indicated his full support of Kennedy.
What To Know
The CDC voted in December to delay the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine by at least two months for babies if they are born to women who test negative for the virus. Previously, federal health authorities recommended that a first dose of the vaccine should be given to all babies within 24 hours of delivery. The virus can be transmitted through sex or shared needles, but it can also pass from an infected mother to her baby.
Bagdasarian wrote in her recommendation that people should follow different advice: “As of December 18, 2025, health care providers in Michigan should refer to the children’s vaccine schedules produced by the American Academy of Pediatrics or the American Academy of Family Physicians, when determining which vaccines their patients should receive and the timing for their administration.”
She added that the findings from these groups are “well-evidenced and based on rigorous review.
“Employing these schedules will contribute to the advancement of the health of Michigan’s residents and prevent severe, potentially fatal, negative outcomes. I encourage health care providers, health care systems, and health care payers to limit barriers to vaccine access where possible.”
Other experts have raised concerns about the policy change. Sandra Adamson Fryhofer, MD, a trustee at the American Medical Association said in statement: “Decades of scientific evidence shows that the birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine is essential to protecting all newborns from a serious, chronic infection that can lead to liver disease, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and even death. Rolling back this recommendation creates confusion and doubt about vaccines, reverses hard-won progress in preventing hepatitis B, and will undoubtedly result in completely preventable illness and death. Physicians continue to recommend the birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine for all newborns, and we encourage parents with questions about vaccines to talk to their physician.”
It comes as Kennedy faces other pressure over his decisions. CDC fired 600 employees in August and the White House dismissed CDC Chief Dr. Susan Monarez and replaced her with Kennedy’s deputy O’Neill, sparking anger from health officials and lawmakers.
Kennedy, who previously ran an anti-vaccine group and campaigned on ending vaccine mandates, also angered health officials when he canceled $500 million in funding for mRNA vaccines.
And a Michigan House Democrat said earlier this month that she had introduced articles of impeachment against Kennedy, though it is unlikely to succeed given the GOP’s majority in the House and Senate.
What People Are Saying
CDC acting director Jim O’Neill said in a statement: “We are restoring the balance of informed consent to parents whose newborns face little risk of contracting hepatitis B.”
President Donald Trump said in September about Kennedy: “It’s not your standard talk. I would say that, and that has to do with medical and vaccines. But if you look at what’s going on in the world with health, and look at this country also with regard to health—I like the fact that he’s different.”
What Happens Next
Bagdasarian wrote of her recommendation: “This standing recommendation remains in effect until rescinded.”
About the Author
