The vote was postponed after members agreed more time was needed to review data on safety, effectiveness, and timing. All 12 members voted to delay. The decision maintains the recommendation that all infants receive a hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth-a measure introduced in 1991 and credited with reducing hepatitis B infection among children by 99% between 1990 and 2019. ACIP also voted Friday to recommend universal hepatitis B screening for pregnant women. CDC epidemiologist Dr. Adam Langer told the panel that "the sooner that the hepatitis B vaccine is provided after birth, the greater its effectiveness in preventing perinatal transmission."