The Maryland Department of Health is stressing the importance of a full hepatitis B vaccination schedule for newborns. The message follows last week’s decision by the CDC vaccine advisory panel to remove the recommendation. Maryland Health Secretary Dr. Meena Seshamani says the change by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices will lead to worse health outcomes for Maryland newborns. She says the hepatitis B vaccine has been tested extensively for safety and efficacy for decades, and when administered within 24 hours of birth, is highly effective in preventing newborn infection. Dr. Seshamani says delaying the vaccine or not completing the full series has no known safety benefits for children.