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Issue 1,848: December 10, 2025

Top Stories
* Immunize​.org summarizes ACIP’s December 4–5 meeting changing recommendations on use of hepatitis B vaccine in infants born to HBsAg-negative mothers
* Statements from professional healthcare organizations following the December 2025 ACIP meeting
* AAP releases new Fact Checked resources to address common vaccine misconceptions with facts and supporting evidence
* Immunize​.org updates “Questions and Answers” resource on meningococcal disease and vaccines
* Immunize​.org updates its timely patient handout, “What If You Don’t Vaccinate Your Child?”
* Infection-control societies announce joint Healthcare Infection Prevention Advisory Group
* Respiratory virus activity is increasing while vaccination rates are increasingly uneven. Don’t wait on influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 vaccinations.
* Vaccines in the news


Immunize​.org Website and Clinical Resources
* Recap: Immunize​.org updates "Ask the Experts: COVID-19" questions and answers section for the 2025–26 season
* Recap: Immunize​.org updates its "Vaccines A–Z: COVID-19" web page
* Recap: Immunize​.org updates three “Questions and Answers” resources on measles, mumps, and rubella


Featured Resources
* NEW! Immunize​.org's elegant "Vaccination Saves Lives" blue enamel pins make wonderful holiday gifts or workplace recognitions.
* Help Immunize​.org reach more vaccinators through your social media networks. Follow us and share our posts on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn!


Notable Publications
* Vaccine Integrity Project publishes an independent evidence review of the safety, effectiveness, and public health impact of universal HepB vaccination at birth
* “The Role and Safety of Aluminum Adjuvants in Childhood Vaccines” published in Pediatrics
* “Human-to-Human Rabies Transmission via Solid Organ Transplantation from a Donor with Undiagnosed Rabies—United States, October 2024–February 2025” published in MMWR
* “Effectiveness of 2023–2024 COVID-19 Vaccines in Children in the United States” published in Pediatrics


Upcoming Events
* Today! Virtual: Register for Immunize​.org Website Office Hours. Join a 30-minute discussion about image library, webinars, videos, and social media content on December 10 at 4:00 p.m. (ET) or December 11 at 12:00 p.m. (ET). Recorded sessions archived.


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Top Stories
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Immunize​.org summarizes ACIP’s December 4–5 meeting changing recommendations on use of hepatitis B vaccine in infants born to HBsAg-negative mothers

CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met on December 4–5 ([link removed]) to consider changes to recommendations on hepatitis B vaccination (HepB), as well as to discuss the recommended child/adolescent immunization schedule and vaccine adjuvants.

Committee Background
Martin Kulldorff, ACIP chair for the June and September 2025 meetings, is now the chief science officer with HHS. The new ACIP chair, Kirk Milhoan, attended remotely while traveling, so the vice chair led the meeting.

ACIP now consists of 11 voting members. They were described further in IZ Express following ACIP’s September 2025 meeting ([link removed]). Representatives of the liaison organizations and CDC subject matter experts may comment during meetings when invited but no longer participate as members of ACIP work groups. The child/adolescent schedule work group that evaluated the HepB schedule for this meeting consisted of four ACIP members, two consultants (a U.S. general pediatrician and global health physician from Denmark), and the ex officio representative from FDA. The standardized Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) process ([link removed]) for evaluating the quality of evidence considered by work groups was not used, nor was the standard Evidence to Recommendations framework ([link removed]) normally followed to evaluate the benefits
and risks of a proposed recommendation.

Vote summary
There were three votes at this meeting:
* ACIP voted that the infant HepB vaccination series, beginning with a birth dose of HepB, be changed from a routine recommendation to individual-based decision-making (also known as shared clinical decision-making) for children born to mothers known to be hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) negative (i.e., not actively infected with HBV)

* ACIP voted to suggest that parents ask their healthcare provider about drawing blood from their infant to test for hepatitis B antibody levels before administering each dose in the 3-dose HepB series

* ACIP voted to align the Vaccines for Children (VFC) resolution to match the new recommendations; the alignment does not change access to HepB vaccine for eligible infants and children

Additional details and exact wording of the votes are provided below.

Meeting Materials
Presentation slides ([link removed]) from the meeting are available online and may be downloaded. Video recordings of the ACIP’s December 4 session ([link removed]) and December 5 session ([link removed]) are archived on YouTube.

HepB Birth Dose (vote)

Background
An estimated 2.4 million people in the United States are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV), half of whom are unaware of their infection. HBV is transmitted through contact with infected blood or body fluids or through contact with environmental surfaces contaminated by even microscopic amounts of infected blood or body fluids. The virus can remain viable on surfaces for up to 7 days after leaving the body.

Babies born to HBV-infected mothers have up to an 85% chance of acquiring HBV infection without intervention. Babies also can be infected by exposure to the virus from the blood or body fluids of another person, such as an infected household contact, caregiver, or another child. If a baby is infected, regardless of the source of infection, the likelihood of developing chronic infection is about 90%. All chronically infected people need a lifetime of medical monitoring and care for their condition; about 25% of those chronically infected die prematurely due to liver disease or cancer.

Screening of mothers for HBsAg during pregnancy is routinely recommended, but about 15% of U.S. mothers are not screened before delivery, often because of limited or no prenatal care. Mothers with unknown status and mothers known to be infected are recommended to receive hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) and a birth dose of HepB (within 24 hours) to reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission by approximately 94%. A dose of HepB alone within 24 hours of birth reduces the risk of infection by about 75%.

CDC has recommended routine infant HepB immunization since 1991. In 2021, CDC estimated that almost 18,000 infants were born to HBV-infected mothers in the United States.

Discussion
ACIP members heard several presentations related to modification of the longstanding hepatitis B recommendations.

A presentation on the burden of hepatitis disease was made by Cynthia Nevison, a climate and autism researcher who is now a CDC contractor. Mark Blaxill, MBA, now working in the office of the CDC director, gave a presentation on HepB vaccine safety. No specific evidence of harm from HepB vaccination was presented, beyond the documented extremely rare incidence of acute allergic reactions. No evidence was provided that delaying HepB vaccination would improve safety. Delaying the first dose of HepB would not prevent unrecognized mother-to-child transmission, a principal benefit of the birth dose. As part of the discussion, ACIP liaisons reiterated the success of the HepB vaccination program, resulting in a 99% reduction in acute HepB disease among children and teens. As a result of decades of high levels of effective HepB vaccination coverage, it is not possible to estimate the risk of transmission of HBV to an unvaccinated infant born to an uninfected mother, but the risk is likely very low.

Some voting members during the discussion period took the position that the low immediate risk to infants born to uninfected mothers justified not routinely vaccinating all infants. Others, including liaisons, noted that the current program dramatically reduced the lifetime incidence of HBV infection among people of all ages who were vaccinated during infancy and, in the absence of evidence of harm from HepB vaccination, changes were not indicated and would increase the risk of unprotected infant exposure to HBV and the consequences of chronic lifelong infection.

Questions about durability of protection from infant HepB immunization were addressed. The CDC Division of Viral Hepatitis representative and a voting member of ACIP each noted that there had not been any reports of acute hepatitis B illness or chronic infection in any person who was successfully fully immunized against hepatitis B at any time before exposure, with data from population studies in Alaska showing protection at least 35 years from the time of vaccination.

There was less discussion of the second vote related to recommending that parents discuss with their healthcare providers whether to draw blood to check for antibody levels between the doses of HepB vaccine and to consider stopping the series if the antibody concentration was at least 10 mIU/mL, considered a protective level. Members and liaisons noted that such testing would not necessarily be covered by insurance, despite an ACIP recommendation that it ought to be. Such testing would necessitate additional medical visits and invasive procedures; further, the presence of maternal antibodies in the first months of life could produce misleading results. Studies have not verified whether a protective antibody titer after an incomplete series of one or two doses would reliably confer the same durable, potentially lifelong protection from HBV illness and chronic infection that a complete 3-dose series is demonstrated to provide.

Representatives from the VFC program and the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) provided brief presentations indicating the costs associated with complete hepatitis B vaccination of infants, including the birth dose, would continue to be covered by VFC, Medicaid, state children’s health insurance plans (CHIP), and private insurance if the proposed recommendations were passed.

Votes
ACIP voted on the following recommendations related to use of hepatitis B vaccine in infants:

Vote 1 (8 yes, 3 no)
For infants born to HBsAg-negative women: ACIP recommends individual-based decision-making, in consultation with a health care provider, for parents deciding when or if to give the HBV vaccine, including the birth dose.* Parents and health care providers should consider vaccine benefits, vaccine risks, and infection risks. For those not receiving the HBV birth dose, it is suggested that the initial dose is administered no earlier than 2 months of age.

*Parents and health care providers should also consider whether there are risks, for example, such as a household member is HBsAg-positive or when there is frequent contact with persons who have emigrated from areas where hepatitis B is common.

Vote 2 (6 yes, 4 no, 1 abstain)
When evaluating the need for a subsequent HBV vaccine dose in children, parents should consult with health care providers to determine if a post-vaccination anti-HBs serology testing should be offered. Serology results should determine whether the established protective anti-HBs titer threshold of > 10 mlU/mL has been achieved. The cost of this testing should be covered by insurance.

VFC Vote (8 yes, 3 abstain)
ACIP updated the VFC resolution for prevention of hepatitis B to match the updated ACIP recommendations.

Additional notes on votes

Vote 1
The entire HepB vaccine series, not just the timing of dose 1, is recommended using individual-based decision making (shared-clinical decision making) in children whose mothers tested negative for HBV infection during pregnancy. These changes will not alter VFC access or insurance coverage for those who choose the birth dose and completion of the series as previously recommended.

Vote 2
The vote language only suggests that parents consult with a healthcare provider about blood draws and checks of antibody levels before the hepatitis B vaccine series is complete. These additional steps are not routinely recommended, and the vote language does not recommend that healthcare providers initiate such a discussion. In addition to the issues described earlier concerning the lack of studies of the duration of protection following 1 or 2 doses of a 3-dose HepB series, the vote of ACIP to recommend that insurance cover infant blood draws for antibody level checks is not binding. By federal law, ACIP recommendations trigger insurance coverage for vaccinations only.

Next steps
The ACIP votes do not become official until they are accepted by the acting CDC director. The December 5, 2025, HHS press release announcing the ACIP votes ([link removed]) does not constitute official acceptance of the recommendations.

Additional presentations

Andrew Siri, a lawyer specializing in vaccine injury lawsuits, provided his perspective on the evolution of the child/adolescent vaccine schedule in the United States. Tracy Beth Hoeg, FDA ex officio representative to ACIP and acting director of FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, presented information comparing the recommended vaccine schedules in the United States with those in other selected developed countries, with a focus on Denmark, which currently routinely recommends childhood protection against fewer diseases than the United States. Denmark has a population of approximately 6 million people with a universal healthcare system. The United States has a heterogeneous population of over 330 million with different disease epidemiology and does not have a universal healthcare system.

The meeting concluded with a brief overview of vaccine adjuvants (ingredients in many vaccines that help them produce an effective immune response) and consideration of whether a dedicated ACIP work group on the topic of adjuvants should be established in the future.

Next meeting
The ACIP website currently states the next ACIP meeting will be held on February 25–26, 2026. Information about past and future ACIP meetings may be found on the ACIP website ([link removed]).

Related Links
* CDC: ACIP main page ([link removed]) for content from previous meetings, as well as information about future meetings

* CDC: ACIP Presentation Slides ([link removed]) : December 4–5 Meeting web page

* HHS: ACIP Recommends Individual-Based Decision-Making for Hepatitis B Vaccine for Infants Born to Women Who Test Negative for the Virus ([link removed])

* Vaccine Integrity Project and Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP): Universal Hepatitis B Vaccination at Birth – Safety, Effectiveness, and Public Health Impact ([link removed])

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Statements from professional healthcare organizations following the December 2025 ACIP meeting

Several professional membership organizations representing healthcare providers and public health professionals issued statements following the conclusion of the December 2025 ACIP meeting. Their statements may be accessed by clicking on the links below.

* American Association of Immunologists ([link removed])

* American Academy of Pediatrics ([link removed])

* American Medical Association ([link removed])

* American Nurses Association ([link removed])

* American Pharmacists Association ([link removed])

* American Public Health Association ([link removed])

* California Medical Association ([link removed])

* Infectious Diseases Society of America ([link removed]) (cosigned with 44 other health organizations)

* National Association of County and City Health Officials ([link removed])

* National Medical Association ([link removed])

* Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society ([link removed])

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AAP releases new Fact Checked resources to address common vaccine misconceptions with facts and supporting evidence

AAP released two new resources in its Fact Checked series ([link removed]) to help address common vaccine misconceptions:

* Fact Checked: U.S. Vaccine Recommendations Are Appropriate for Children in the United States ([link removed])

* Fact Checked: Febrile Seizures Do Not Cause Brain Damage or Long-Term Health Effects ([link removed])

Each resource in the series includes key facts, an evidence snapshot, background on why this topic matters, and quotes from experts.
[link removed]

Additional vaccination topics covered in the Fact Checked series ([link removed]) include:
* Receiving Multiple Vaccines Does Not Overwhelm a Child’s Immune System
* Aluminum in Vaccines Strengthen Immune Responses, Do Not Cause Autism, Serious Health Issues
* Acetaminophen Is Safe for Children When Taken as Directed, No Link to Autism
* Vaccines: Safe and Effective, No Link to Autism
* Children’s Health, Not Financial Incentives, Guides Pediatricians’ Immunization Recommendations
* Extensive Research Shows Thimerosal Is Safe
* Hepatitis B Vaccine Given to Newborns Reduces Risk of Chronic Infection
* There Is No Link Between Vaccines and Sudden Infant Death
* Vaccines Do Not Contain Fetal Cells, Thimerosal
* Childhood Vaccines Are Carefully Studied—Including with Placebos—to Ensure They’re Safe and Effective
* DTaP Vaccine Stops Spread of Whooping Cough
* Vitamin A Does Not Prevent Measles
* Immunizations Are Essential for Public Health and Child Safety
* Budesonide and Clarithromycin: Unproven and Risky
* The Measles Vaccine Is Safe and Effective

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Immunize​.org updates “Questions and Answers” resource on meningococcal disease and vaccines

Immunize​.org updated its 4-page Meningococcal: Questions and Answers ([link removed]) resource. Penmenvy (GSK) is a combination MenABCWY vaccine licensed and recommended beginning at age 10 years as an option when vaccination against both MenACWY and Bexsero (MenB, GSK) are indicated at the same visit. The indications for Penmenvy are the same as Penbraya (Pfizer), the MenABCWY product designed to be used in series with Pfizer’s MenB product, Trumenba.

Related Links
* Immunize​.org: Vaccines A–Z: Meningococcal ACWY ([link removed]) main page
* Immunize​.org: Vaccines A–Z: Meningococcal B ([link removed]) main page
* Immunize​.org: Clinical Resources A–Z ([link removed]) main page, where you can filter by topic, vaccine, language, or other criteria

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Immunize​.org updates its timely patient handout, “What If You Don’t Vaccinate Your Child?”

Immunize​.org updated its handout for parents, What If You Don’t Vaccinate Your Child? ([link removed]) This 1-page document describes the consequences of not vaccinating.

Changes include updated references, hyperlinks, and disease statistics, along with the addition of Immunize​.org's LetsGetRealAboutVaccines.org ([link removed]) website.

Related Links
* Immunize​.org: Vaccine Confidence & Addressing Concerns ([link removed]) main page
* Immunize​.org: Clinical Resources A–Z ([link removed]) main page, where you can filter by topic, vaccine, language, or other criteria

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Infection-control societies announce joint Healthcare Infection Prevention Advisory Group

The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) announced a new collaborative initiative, the Healthcare Infection Prevention Advisory Group (HIPAG) ([link removed]), to address infection prevention priorities of national importance. A portion of the press release appears below.

The elimination of the CDC’s Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC) has created gaps in coordinated, multidisciplinary alignment on infection prevention and control and antimicrobial stewardship issues, raising concerns, about potential variation and inconsistencies in organizational policies and clinical practice. HIPAG was established to help fill these gaps and ensure continuity by offering timely, evidence-informed advisory expertise that supports the needs of participating organizations and the broader healthcare community.

This initiative reflects a shared commitment to enhancing transparency, inclusivity, and scientific rigor in national infection prevention discussions.

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Respiratory virus activity is increasing while vaccination rates are increasingly uneven. Don’t wait on influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 vaccinations.

The United States is now in respiratory virus season. Respiratory virus activity currently is low but gradually increasing. Holiday gatherings provide plenty of opportunities for virus transmission.

Nationally, for the week ending December 5 ([link removed]):
* Seasonal influenza activity is increasing. The largest increases are among children and young adults and in northeastern and mountain west areas
* RSV activity in many southeastern, southern, and mid-Atlantic states is increasing
* COVID-19 activity is low

Level of Respiratory Illness Activity
CDC monitors respiratory illness activity using an acute respiratory illness (ARI) metric. The ARI metric measures emergency department visits for a wide range of causes of acute respiratory illness, with or without fever, including the common cold, as well as influenza, RSV, and COVID-19. It offers a more complete picture than the influenza-like illness (ILI) metric used in past seasons.

Wastewater Map
Wastewater monitoring helps to indicate changes in viral activity in communities. Use CDC’s Wastewater Map ([link removed]) to see influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 viral activity levels by state.

Emergency Department Visits for Viral Respiratory Illness
The illustration below shows the proportion of emergency department visits (ranging from 0 to 10 percent) associated with COVID-19, influenza, and RSV. The horizontal axis shows trends from October 2024 into November 2025 for the three diseases.

Other CDC Respiratory Illness Resources
* CDC's Respiratory Illness Data Channel ([link removed]) shows state and county level data on respiratory viral activity, associated ED visits, and presence in wastewater.

* CDC’s 2025–2026 Respiratory Disease Season Outlook ([link removed]) , updated every 2 months, is based on historical trends, expert opinion, and scenario modeling results. At present, CDC expects the upcoming fall and winter respiratory disease season to be similar to last season.

* CDC's Weekly Flu Vaccination Dashboard ([link removed]) shows vaccination rates by age group. Examples include:

+ Adults 18+ Flu Vaccination Coverage ([link removed]) figures show that as of November 22, vaccination rates were similar to last year at this same time (39% vs. 37%, respectively).

+ Adults 18+ Flu Vaccinations Administered (IQVIA) ([link removed]) figures show that as of November 8, an estimated 27.2 million doses of flu vaccine were administered in community pharmacies (about 2.2 million fewer than by this same time last year) and an estimated 14.3 million doses were administered in physicians' medical offices (about 1.0 million fewer than by this time point last year).

Related Links
* CDC: Weekly National Flu Vaccination Dashboard ([link removed]) main page
* CDC: FluView ([link removed]) main page
* CDC: RESP-NET ([link removed]) main page
* CDC: FluVaxView ([link removed]) main page

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Vaccines in the news

These recent articles convey the potential risks of vaccine-preventable diseases and the importance of vaccination.
* NBC Chicago: Pritzker Signs Bill to Expand Vaccine Access in Illinois amid Federal Rollbacks ([link removed]) (12/2/25)

* NPR: FDA to Raise Hurdles for Vaccines, Faulting COVID Shots for 10 Kids’ Deaths ([link removed]) (11/29/25)

* AAP: Third Kentucky Infant Dies of Pertussis; Disease Rates Elevated Nationwide ([link removed]) (11/25/25)

* White House: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Begins Process to Align U.S. Core Childhood Vaccine Recommendations with Best Practices from Peer, Developed Countries ([link removed]) (12/5/25)

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Immunize​.org Website and Clinical Resources
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Recap: Immunize​.org updates "Ask the Experts: COVID-19" questions and answers section for the 2025–26 season

Immunize​.org revised its Ask the Experts: COVID-19 ([link removed]) section, updating all content for the 2025–26 COVID-19 season, based upon the CDC interim clinical considerations published on November 4, 2025. Hyperlinks were updated or deleted as needed. Links to 2025–26 season COVID-19 vaccination recommendations from professional medical societies were added.

Three new questions were added:
* Where can I find conditions that have been shown to increase the risk of severe COVID-19 illness? ([link removed])

* What is the difference between Spikevax and mNexspike by Moderna? ([link removed])

* When giving COVID-19 vaccine is use of a Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) required? ([link removed])

Immunize​.org’s Ask the Experts ([link removed]) main page leads you to 30 web pages on various topics with more than 1,300 common or challenging questions and answers about vaccines and their administration. Immunize​.org’s team of experts includes Kelly L. Moore, MD, MPH (team lead); Carolyn B. Bridges, MD, FACP; Iyabode Beysolow, MD, MPH; and Jane Zucker, MD, MSc.

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Recap: Immunize​.org updates its "Vaccines A–Z: COVID-19" web page

The Immunize​.org Vaccines A–Z: COVID-19 ([link removed]) main page was updated for the 2025–26 COVID-19 season, including links to Immunize​.org’s new standing orders templates for COVID-19 vaccines. This page connects you to all COVID-19 vaccine content from Immunize​.org, in addition to key links from governmental and nongovernmental organizations.

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Recap: Immunize​.org updates three “Questions and Answers” resources on measles, mumps, and rubella

Immunize​.org updated links and content in three of its "Questions and Answers" resources:
* Measles: Questions and Answers ([link removed])
* Mumps: Questions and Answers ([link removed])
* Rubella: Questions and Answers ([link removed])

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Featured Resources
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NEW! Immunize​.org's elegant "Vaccination Saves Lives" blue enamel pins make wonderful holiday gifts or workplace recognitions.

Immunize​.org is pleased to introduce our newest lapel pin. Our 2025 “Vaccination Saves Lives” pins ([link removed]) are meaningful gifts for people who understand that lives are not saved by vaccines on a shelf, but by the act of vaccination. The pin makes a refined statement in rich blue enamel with gold lettering and edges, measuring 1.65" x 0.75".

Select the design that best suits how you plan to use your pin:
* Double stick-through posts ([link removed]): Two posts slide through fabric and are held securely by either rubber or locking-metal backings. Both types of backing are provided in the package.

* New! Magnetic clasp ([link removed]): Hold the pin firmly in place without piercing clothing.

Be first in your office to wear these elegant new pins on clothing, white coats, backpacks, or tote bags to remind everyone you meet of the value of vaccination.

Click here for "Vaccination Saves Lives" pin pricing ([link removed]) and ordering information.

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Help Immunize​.org reach more vaccinators through your social media networks. Follow us and share our posts on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn!

Immunize​.org offers a social media program to highlight our educational resources for a widespread audience of vaccinators. Our social media channels now feature our most popular printable resources and Ask the Experts questions, as well as announcements important to frontline vaccinators. Please view and share our newest feature, the Ask the Experts Video Series ([link removed]).

Like, follow, and share Immunize​.org’s social media accounts and encourage colleagues and others interested in vaccination to do likewise:
* Facebook at ImmunizeOrg ([link removed])
* Instagram at ImmunizeOrg ([link removed])
* LinkedIn at Immunize.org ([link removed])
* YouTube at ImmunizeOrg ([link removed])

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Notable Publications
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Vaccine Integrity Project publishes an independent evidence review of the safety, effectiveness, and public health impact of universal HepB vaccination at birth

The Vaccine Integrity Project ([link removed]) assembled a team of experts in epidemiology, infectious diseases, and evidence review to look at the safety, effectiveness, and public health impact of universal HepB vaccination at birth ([link removed]) to compare current recommendations with a delayed first HepB vaccine dose at one month or more after birth. A portion of the executive summary appears below.

Given the long-term protection provided by the hepatitis B vaccine, the birth dose was also key in reducing HBV transmission, disease, and death in the US overall. . . .

Results of randomized trials, large national safety monitoring programs, and long-term follow-up studies consistently demonstrate that the hepatitis B vaccine is safe regardless of vaccine timing. No safety benefits were identified for a delayed first dose versus vaccination at birth. . . .

More than 17,000 infants are born annually
[in the United States] to women with HBV, yet 18% of pregnant women do not receive hepatitis B testing, and only 35% of women who test positive receive all recommended follow-up care. Delaying the first dose leaves infants vulnerable to both undiagnosed maternal infection and HBV exposure after birth.

Visit the Vaccine Integrity Project ([link removed]) home page to access these tools and other resources.

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“The Role and Safety of Aluminum Adjuvants in Childhood Vaccines” published in Pediatrics

In its December 3 issue, Pediatrics published Role and Safety of Aluminum Adjuvants in Childhood Vaccines ([link removed]).

Key points discussed in the article include:
* Aluminum salts are known to enhance immune responses to vaccination while being well-tolerated

* Pharmacokinetic studies show that aluminum released from intramuscular vaccines is slowly absorbed and efficiently cleared by the kidneys

* Large studies found no association between aluminum in vaccines and autism spectrum disorder, neurotoxicity, allergic disease, or autoimmune disease

* The evidence strongly supports the safety of aluminum adjuvants and their necessity in certain vaccines

* Aluminum-containing vaccines provide clear benefits, with risks largely limited to transient local reactions and no systemic toxicity signal in large studies

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“Human-to-Human Rabies Transmission via Solid Organ Transplantation from a Donor with Undiagnosed Rabies—United States, October 2024–February 2025” published in MMWR

CDC published Human-to-Human Rabies Transmission via Solid Organ Transplantation from a Donor with Undiagnosed Rabies—United States, October 2024–February 2025 ([link removed]) on December 4 in MMWR. A portion of the summary appears below.

Although rabies virus is typically transmitted through bites or scratches from an infected animal, human-to-human transmission has occurred through organ and tissue transplantation. Rabies is almost always fatal without postexposure prophylaxis (PEP). . . .

In February 2025, CDC confirmed a fatal rabies case in a patient who had received a transplanted kidney from a deceased donor with undiagnosed rabies. Three cornea recipients from the same donor underwent graft removal, received PEP, and remained asymptomatic. Risk assessments for 357 of 370 (96%) possible contacts were completed, 46 (13%) of whom were recommended to receive PEP. . . .

This was the fourth transplant-transmitted rabies event in the United States since 1978. Early public health consultation might help prevent donation of rabies-infected organs and tissue. PEP assessment should be considered when potential rabies exposures are identified in donors.

Access the MMWR article in HTML ([link removed]) or PDF ([link removed]).

Related Link
* CDC: MMWR main page ([link removed]) providing access to the MMWR family of publications

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“Effectiveness of 2023–2024 COVID-19 Vaccines in Children in the United States” published in Pediatrics

In its November 13 issue, Pediatrics published Effectiveness of 2023–2024 COVID-19 Vaccines in Children in the United States ([link removed]). A portion of the discussion section appears below.

Within the VISION population, 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccines provided children with substantial protection against COVID-19-associated ED/UC [emergency department/urgent care] encounters. Like estimates of COVID-19 VE [vaccine effectiveness] in other age groups and from previous seasons, we observed evidence of waning protection over time. . . .

Receipt of a 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccine dose afforded immunocompetent children aged 9 months to 17 years additional protection against COVID-19–associated ED/UC encounters. Using several multisite networks, CDC continues to monitor the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines to inform policy decisions.

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Upcoming Events
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Today! Virtual: Register for Immunize​.org Website Office Hours. Join a 30-minute discussion about image library, webinars, videos, and social media content on December 10 at 4:00 p.m. (ET) or December 11 at 12:00 p.m. (ET). Recorded sessions archived.

To learn simple tips and tricks for using our websites efficiently, please register for our next set of Website Office Hours on Wednesday, December 10, at 4:00 p.m. (ET) ([link removed]) or Thursday, December 11, at 12:00 p.m. (ET) ([link removed]). The same content will be covered in both sessions.

We will open each 30-minute session with a short, live demonstration on navigating our image library, webinars, videos, social media (YouTube) website sections. You can submit questions when you register or live on Zoom during the session.

Register today for Immunize​.org Website Office Hours (content is the same for both):
* Wednesday, December 10, at 4:00 p.m. (ET) ([link removed])
* Thursday, December 11, at 12:00 p.m. (ET) ([link removed])

The archive of previous Website Office Hours content ([link removed]) is posted at Immunize​.org’s "Webinars & Videos" page.

Mark your calendar ([link removed]) for future Immunize​.org Website Office Hours.

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For more upcoming events, visit our Calendar of Events ([link removed]).

Editorial Information
Editor-in-Chief
Kelly L. Moore, MD, MPH

Managing Editor
John D. Gräbenstein, RPh, PhD

Associate Editor
Sharon G. Humiston, MD, MPH

Writer/Publication Coordinator
Taryn Chapman, MS
Courtnay Londo, MA

Style and Copy Editor
Marian Deegan, JD

Web Edition Managers
Arkady Shakhnovich
Jermaine Royes

Contributing Writer
Laurel H. Wood, MPA

Technical Reviewer
Kayla Ohlde

About IZ Express
Immunize​.org welcomes redistribution of this issue of IZ Express or selected articles.

When you do so, please add a note that Immunize​.org is the source of the material and provide a link to this issue. ([link removed])

IZ Express is supported in part by Grant No. NH23IP922654 from the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, CDC. Its contents are solely the responsibility of Immunize​.org and do not necessarily represent the official views of CDC.

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