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Tag: hepatitis B vaccine

  • Legislative Roundup: Shapiro urges CDC Advisory Committee to protect access to vaccines

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    Sep. 21—Ahead of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) September meeting, the Shapiro Administration urged members of ACIP to take decisive, scientifically-informed action to protect vaccine access in Pennsylvania and ensure parents and individuals maintain the freedom to make health care decisions for themselves and their children.

    This is just the latest step Gov. Josh Shapiro has taken to ensure Pennsylvanians have the freedom to make their own health care choices, after he called on the State Board of Pharmacy earlier this month to protect COVID vaccine access for those most in need and provide clarity for Pennsylvanians, many of whom were left confused and frustrated after the Trump Administration upended COVID vaccine access across the country.

    At this week’s meeting, ACIP members will consider a wide range of immunization topics, including discussions on:

    —COVID-19 vaccines

    —Hepatitis B vaccine

    —Measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (MMRV) vaccine

    —Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

    The agenda is also likely to include recommendation votes for these vaccines as well as Vaccines for Children (VFC) program votes.

    If ACIP were to abandon its recommendations for safe and effective vaccines, it could become much harder for individuals who actively seek vaccinations to obtain them because the lack of a recommendation often translates into lack of insurance coverage, limited provider availability, and patient and provider confusion.

    In the public comment, the Shapiro Administration urges ACIP to recommend these vaccines to all populations indicated in prior ACIP recommendations in order to facilitate timely insurance coverage, minimize consumer and health care provider confusion, and ensure that individuals who wish to receive vaccines can do so without barriers.

    Clear, consistent recommendations help to align payers, providers, and public health systems and result in widely available access to vaccinations.

    In the letter, the Administration strongly urges ACIP to uphold its recommendations for vaccines that have demonstrated irrefutable public health benefit, in some cases for generations.

    It’s important to note that ACIP’s vaccine recommendations do not impose a vaccine mandate or requirement on Pennsylvanians in any way — rather, it protects their right to choose what’s best for them. However, if ACIP withdraws its recommendation, that could directly restrict choice.

    The governor said proper immunization is one of the most powerful and cost-effective tools for preventing serious illnesses, reducing hospitalizations, and protecting those who are most vulnerable to severe illness.

    Vaccines not only safeguard individuals but also strengthen the resilience of entire communities — keeping children in school, parents in the workforce, and health care systems from being overwhelmed during seasonal surges. Consistent and science-driven recommendations from ACIP are therefore essential to preserving both individual autonomy and collective well-being.

    September is ‘National Preparedness Month’

    The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) this week announced Shapiro’s proclamation that September 2025, is National Preparedness Month in the Commonwealth, and Sept. 19, 2025, was designated as Emergency Management Coordinators Day to recognize the important work that county and municipal coordinators perform daily to keep Pennsylvania communities safe and ready.

    “National Preparedness Month is a reminder that readiness is a responsibility at every level, from individuals and families to entire communities,” said PEMA Director Randy Padfield. “Our county and local emergency management coordinators are often the unsung heroes of community readiness. They work tirelessly, often behind the scenes and without recognition, to ensure plans are in place, resources are available, and residents are protected when disaster strikes. Their dedication is a cornerstone of keeping Pennsylvanians safe.”

    County and local officials across the Commonwealth are echoing the need for individual preparedness as we shine a spotlight on the topic for National Preparedness Month.

    The selfless service of your neighbors, the local and county EMC’s across Pennsylvania’s 2,560 municipalities and 67 counties is being recognized. These dedicated coordinators are required to be proficient in emergency management practices and take countless hours of training to do so.

    All Pennsylvanians are encouraged to visit Ready PA to learn how to be informed, be prepared, and be involved as a way to celebrate National Preparedness Month.

    Also, residents across the Commonwealth are encouraged to reach out to their local municipal and county officials to learn how they can use their skills to volunteer or support their emergency management programs to keep their communities safe and ready.

    State launches weekly fall foliage report

    Pennsylvania residents and visitors will get a new way to plan their autumn adventures this fall as the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is launching a redesigned weekly fall foliage report on Sept. 25, featuring regional updates, photos, and expert tips to help people experience the Commonwealth’s vibrant seasonal landscapes.

    The updated report, posted every Thursday during peak foliage season on DCNR’s website, will feature a fresh design, dedicated pages for each week, and detailed information by region. DCNR experts will also be available to provide regional insights and answer questions throughout the fall.

    “Whether you’re camping in one of Pennsylvania’s 124 state parks, hiking through our 2.2 million acres of state forests, or taking a scenic drive, fall is one of the best times to experience the outdoors,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “This new report will give people the tools they need to plan trips and discover new activities across the Commonwealth.”

    Visitors can also explore Pennsylvania’s fall offerings through — Pennsylvania: The Great American Getaway — a statewide campaign highlighting public lands, scenic drives, festivals, pick-your-own farms, and family-friendly autumn activities.

    Fall foliage typically peaks in October, and DCNR’s weekly reports will feature updated photos and tips on the best places to see the colors. This season, visitors can also enjoy the newly reopened the Skywalk at Kinzua Bridge State Park in the Pennsylvania Wilds.

    Fall is a major driver of Pennsylvania’s tourism industry, which generated $83.9 billion in economic impact, supported more than 514,000 jobs, and welcomed 201.6 million visitors in 2024, according to a new Pennsylvania Tourism Office report. The industry grew by $7 billion from 2023 to 2024, creating 30,000 additional jobs across the Commonwealth.

    Walsh to host veterans recognition event

    State Rep. Jamie Walsh, R-Ross Township, will host a Veterans Recognition Event and Expo for Luzerne County veterans on Saturday, Nov. 1, in conjunction with Misericordia University.

    “Our veterans and their family members have sacrificed a great deal for our country, and this is one small way in which we can honor them,” said Rep. Walsh. “The vendors present that day will also have a lot of helpful information to share targeted specifically for veterans and their family members.”

    The event will include a recognition ceremony along with dozens of vendors offering programs and services for veterans and their family members. Light refreshments will be served.

    It will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lemmond Theater and Insalaco Hall, Misericordia University, 301 Lake St., Dallas.

    Registration is required for this event, and veterans can each bring one guest.

    RSVP by Oct. 24 by calling 570-675-6000 or going to www.RepWalsh.com.

    Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.

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  • LIVE: Former CDC chief Susan Monarez testifies RFK Jr. fired her over vaccine science

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    Former Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Susan Monarez testified before senators on Wednesday that Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fired her after she refused to endorse forthcoming vaccine recommendations without reviewing scientific evidence to support the guidance.Watch a livestream of the hearing in the video player above.Monarez was ousted just 29 days into the job, over disagreement with her boss on vaccine policies.Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, who chairs the powerful health committee Monarez is appearing before, expressed skepticism over the explanations Kennedy has given over her firing. He carefully praised President Donald Trump for his commitment to promoting health among Americans but made it clear he was befuddled by Monarez’s removal. He noted that senators had just approved Monarez’s confirmation with Kennedy praising her “unimpeachable scientific credentials.”“Like, what happened?” Cassidy said. “Did we fail? Was there something we should have done differently?”Monarez said in her testimony that Kennedy gave her an ultimatum: “Preapprove” new vaccine recommendations from an advisory CDC panel that Kennedy has stocked with some medical experts who doubt vaccine safety or be fired. That panel is expected to vote on new vaccine recommendations later this week. He also demanded Monarez fire high-ranking, career CDC officials without cause, she said.“He said if I was unwilling to do both, I should resign. I responded that I could not preapprove recommendations without reviewing the evidence, and I had no basis for firing,” Monarez told senators. “He said he had already spoken with the White House several times.”The senate hearing will focus on the impact the turmoil at the nation’s leading public health agency, which is responsible for making vaccine recommendations to the public, will have on children’s health. It will also undoubtedly serve as an opportunity for Monarez and former Chief Medical Officer Debra Houry, who was also testifying before the committee, to respond to a number of Kennedy’s contentious claims about their final days at the agency.Kennedy has denied Monarez’s accusations that he ordered “rubber-stamped” vaccine recommendations.He has described Monarez as admitting to him that she is “untrustworthy,” a claim Monarez has denied through her attorney. He did, however, acknowledge during a testy Senate hearing earlier this month that he ordered Monarez to fire several top officials at the CDC.The Senate hearing is taking place just a day before the vaccine panel starts its two-day session in Atlanta to discuss shots against COVID-19, hepatitis B and chickenpox. It’s unclear how the panel might vote on the recommendations, though members have raised doubts about whether hepatitis B shots administered to newborns are necessary and have suggested COVID-19 recommendations should be more restricted.The CDC director must endorse those recommendations before they become official. Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill, now serving as the CDC’s acting director, will be responsible for that.Monarez and Houry are expected to face tense questions from Republicans over the CDC’s vaccine recommendations and COVID-19 policies. Democrats, meanwhile, are likely to seek more information on Kennedy’s approach to vaccines.The health committee’s hearing will be overseen by Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, a physician who cast a key vote for Kennedy’s confirmation. He has expressed concern about “serious allegations” at the CDC and has called for oversight, without blaming Kennedy.

    WASHINGTON —

    Former Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Susan Monarez testified before senators on Wednesday that Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fired her after she refused to endorse forthcoming vaccine recommendations without reviewing scientific evidence to support the guidance.

    Watch a livestream of the hearing in the video player above.

    Monarez was ousted just 29 days into the job, over disagreement with her boss on vaccine policies.

    Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, who chairs the powerful health committee Monarez is appearing before, expressed skepticism over the explanations Kennedy has given over her firing. He carefully praised President Donald Trump for his commitment to promoting health among Americans but made it clear he was befuddled by Monarez’s removal. He noted that senators had just approved Monarez’s confirmation with Kennedy praising her “unimpeachable scientific credentials.”

    “Like, what happened?” Cassidy said. “Did we fail? Was there something we should have done differently?”

    Monarez said in her testimony that Kennedy gave her an ultimatum: “Preapprove” new vaccine recommendations from an advisory CDC panel that Kennedy has stocked with some medical experts who doubt vaccine safety or be fired. That panel is expected to vote on new vaccine recommendations later this week. He also demanded Monarez fire high-ranking, career CDC officials without cause, she said.

    “He said if I was unwilling to do both, I should resign. I responded that I could not preapprove recommendations without reviewing the evidence, and I had no basis for firing,” Monarez told senators. “He said he had already spoken with the White House several times.”

    The senate hearing will focus on the impact the turmoil at the nation’s leading public health agency, which is responsible for making vaccine recommendations to the public, will have on children’s health. It will also undoubtedly serve as an opportunity for Monarez and former Chief Medical Officer Debra Houry, who was also testifying before the committee, to respond to a number of Kennedy’s contentious claims about their final days at the agency.

    Kennedy has denied Monarez’s accusations that he ordered “rubber-stamped” vaccine recommendations.

    He has described Monarez as admitting to him that she is “untrustworthy,” a claim Monarez has denied through her attorney. He did, however, acknowledge during a testy Senate hearing earlier this month that he ordered Monarez to fire several top officials at the CDC.

    The Senate hearing is taking place just a day before the vaccine panel starts its two-day session in Atlanta to discuss shots against COVID-19, hepatitis B and chickenpox. It’s unclear how the panel might vote on the recommendations, though members have raised doubts about whether hepatitis B shots administered to newborns are necessary and have suggested COVID-19 recommendations should be more restricted.

    The CDC director must endorse those recommendations before they become official. Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill, now serving as the CDC’s acting director, will be responsible for that.

    Monarez and Houry are expected to face tense questions from Republicans over the CDC’s vaccine recommendations and COVID-19 policies. Democrats, meanwhile, are likely to seek more information on Kennedy’s approach to vaccines.

    The health committee’s hearing will be overseen by Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, a physician who cast a key vote for Kennedy’s confirmation. He has expressed concern about “serious allegations” at the CDC and has called for oversight, without blaming Kennedy.

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  • Physicians for Informed Consent (PIC) Releases New Educational Documents Assessing Risks of Hepatitis B Compared to Risks of the Hepatitis B Vaccine

    Physicians for Informed Consent (PIC) Releases New Educational Documents Assessing Risks of Hepatitis B Compared to Risks of the Hepatitis B Vaccine

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    Documents show hepatitis B vaccine is not proven safer than hepatitis B for normal-risk children

    Press Release
    –

    Sep 13, 2022


    NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., September 13, 2022 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Physicians for Informed Consent (PIC) has released two new educational documents: Hepatitis B – Disease Information Statement (DIS) “Hepatitis B: What Parents Need to Know“ and Hepatitis B – Vaccine Risk Statement (VRS) “Hepatitis B Vaccine: Is It Safer Than Hepatitis B?“ Developed from data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Center for Health Statistics, the documents assist readers in assessing the risks of hepatitis B compared to the risks of the hepatitis B vaccine, so they can engage in making an informed vaccine decision.

    “New parents need to know that if their infants are normal-risk, which 99% of newborns are, then the chance of them getting fatal hepatitis B is 0.00001% or one in seven million — a prevaccine statistic,” said PIC founder and President Dr. Shira Miller. “They also need to know that all hepatitis B vaccines include the neurotoxin aluminum — which means there’s a 100% guarantee their infant will be exposed to aluminum if they get injected with a hepatitis B vaccine. And finally, they need to know that for newborns specifically, because of their low body weight, it appears that the amount of aluminum in hepatitis B vaccines exceeds the maximum safety levels established by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.”

    Packed with relevant scientific information, the documents answer numerous important questions, including: 

    • What is hepatitis B? 
    • What are side effects of the hepatitis B vaccine?
    • Is the hepatitis B vaccine safer than hepatitis B?

    The documents present key facts and figures that are essential for informed decision-making. For example:

    • An unvaccinated normal-risk child has a 1 in 7,000,000 (or 0.00001%) chance of contracting fatal hepatitis B annually. 
    • About 50% of hepatitis B-vaccinated children lose their immunity by age 5, and the vaccine has not made a measurable impact on the prevalence of chronic hepatitis B infection. 
    • Seizures may occur in about 1 in 1,300 children vaccinated with the hepatitis B vaccine.
    • The hepatitis B vaccine contains an amount of aluminum that’s 75 times greater than the maximum safe level of aluminum in the bloodstream per day for a 7.3-pound infant.
    • The Institute of Medicine (IOM) found that evidence is inadequate to rule out the possibility that hepatitis B vaccination leads to more than two dozen neurological and autoimmune disorders.

    The Physicians for Informed Consent documents demonstrate that the hepatitis B vaccine is not proven to be safer than hepatitis B for normal-risk children. Parents and healthcare providers are encouraged to read these new documents to make an informed risk-benefit calculation.

    To read the documents, visit physiciansforinformedconsent.org/hepatitis-b.

    Press Contact:
    info@picphysicians.org
    925-642-6651

    Source: Physicians for Informed Consent

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