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.

A federal vaccine advisory committee this week is expected to discuss whether newborns should still get the hepatitis B vaccine — the first shot found to prevent cancer.

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 presence of hepatitis B surface antibodies in the blood indicates a person is recovering from a hepatitis B virus infection. It means that their immunity to HBV is increasing. By testing a person’s blood, a doctor can detect the presence of hepatitis ...

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s vaccine advisers will vote this week on whether to delay hepatitis B shots for most American children, the new chair of the committee said, a move that would be the most consequential change since the health secretary began remaking vaccine policy.

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.