The decision by North Dakota’s health authorities to cease recommending hepatitis B vaccinations for newborns has drawn sharp criticism from medical professionals. This move, spearheaded by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has raised concerns about the potential resurgence of preventable diseases in the state.
For decades, the U.S. government has advocated for the vaccination of newborns against hepatitis B, a virus that can lead to severe liver complications, including permanent damage, liver cancer, and death. The effectiveness of the vaccine is underscored by the drastic decline in cases; in the 1980s, North Dakota reported approximately 16,000 hepatitis B cases, but this number has plummeted to just 10 or 20 in recent years.
Dr. Stephen McDonough, a former pediatrician and public health officer in North Dakota, explained the significant impact of the hepatitis B vaccine. “There have been no cases of hepatitis B in North Dakota over the last three years,” he noted. The state was also a pioneer in immunizations, achieving remarkable success in eradicating diseases such as measles. In the early 1990s, North Dakota boasted a vaccination rate that kept it free of measles during a nationwide outbreak.
The recent reversal is alarming, according to McDonough. He described the decision to end the hepatitis B vaccination recommendation as “a terrible decision” that could undermine public health. “Hopefully, it will be ignored by doctors, parents, and insurance companies,” he stated, expressing concern that this change could lead to a decline in immunization rates and, consequently, an increase in serious health issues.
While the new panel of vaccine advisers appointed by Kennedy has been criticized for their lack of experience, McDonough emphasized the importance of vaccinations in preventing diseases. “We know from experience that babies got sick and died from hepatitis B,” he said. He fears that this decision may signal a broader trend of rejecting proven vaccines, which could result in a resurgence of illnesses that were once under control.
The situation in North Dakota illustrates a worrying trend. Once the only state without measles cases, North Dakota has seen a troubling increase in measles infections, now holding the highest rate of cases in the nation as of 2025. “It’s very sad to see illnesses that disappeared start to come back, especially when they’re preventable,” McDonough remarked.
McDonough’s apprehension is compounded by his past experiences. “Before we had vaccines, I saw children die from meningitis and whooping cough,” he recalled. The effectiveness of vaccines in saving lives is a cornerstone of public health, and he is troubled by the growing vaccine skepticism fueled by influential figures like Kennedy.
The decision to abandon the hepatitis B vaccination recommendation has sparked a debate about the role of science in public health policy. “I have a real problem with powerful people doing a disservice to the country and North Dakota children,” McDonough concluded. As parents and medical professionals grapple with these changes, the implications for public health in North Dakota remain uncertain.
