Hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination rates among infants in the USA have fallen by more than 10 percentage points in the last two years. Following a steady increase for six years, peaking above 80% in February 2023, rates dropped to approximately 70% by August 2025.
HBV is a liver-attacking viral infection, primarily transmitted from mother to child during birth. Infants infected in their first year face a 90% risk of chronic infection, leading to liver disease and cancer.
Researchers analyzed over 12 million infants, finding monthly vaccination rates dropped from a January 2017 level of about 67% to the August 2025 figure. This decline coincides with heightened public discourse surrounding childhood vaccination in July 2023.
While a routine HBV vaccination for all newborns was recommended against by CDC vaccine advisers in December 2025, it remains advised for infants with HBV-positive mothers or unknown status. Policy shifts may further influence these trends.