Dr. Baruch Blumberg, a federal scientist, identified the virus behind the infection in 1965. He won the Nobel Prize for the discovery, which led to tests and vaccines. The first hepatitis B vaccine was licensed in the U.S. in 1981.

Hepatitis B vaccines given at birth have essentially eliminated the disease in kids. A vote this week could upend that success.

The nation's top vaccine advisory panel is expected to debate on Thursday whether to delay the first dose of the hepatitis B shot.

The hepatitis B vaccine has emerged as the latest flashpoint as Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. continues to cast doubt on the safety of vaccines. The vaccine is routinely given to babies shortly after birth because hepatitis B — an incurable ...

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s panel of federal vaccine advisors is set to discuss and potentially vote on changing the hepatitis B vaccine schedule for infants when they next meet on Dec. 4. According to a Federal Register ...

Hepatitis B is a potentially fatal liver disease. It spreads through contact with bodily fluids, and certain groups including health care workers and IV drug users are at higher risk. Anyone can be infected. Babies can be infected during childbirth or ...

The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is among the leading global causes of acute viral hepatitis. Molecular studies of HEV strains have identified four main genotypes. Genotypes 1 and 2 are limited to humans and are transmitted through contaminated water in ...

The new chair of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices said the panel plans to vote to end universal hepatitis B vaccination at birth and to scrutinize if childhood shots cause allergies.