The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention adopted new Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations that end the universal hepatitis B birth‑dose policy that had been in place for decades. The updated guidance makes the decision to vaccinate newborns at birth an individual clinical choice based on maternal testing and infant risk factors, rather than an across‑the‑board requirement. Health officials and clinicians noted the shift will change neonatal vaccination workflows and could require clearer maternal screening protocols to ensure infants at risk still receive immediate protection. Public‑health leaders emphasized communication to obstetric and neonatal teams to prevent lapses. Clarification: the birth‑dose recommendation had aimed to reduce perinatal and early infant HBV transmission by vaccinating at delivery; the new guidance emphasizes targeted administration tied to maternal HBV status.