Controversial vaccine trial clears way in Guinea-Bissau, withholds hepatitis B shots

· Health

A controversial research trial that will withhold hepatitis B vaccines from some African newborns was given approval to move forward this week. The trial, led by Danish researchers, is a central part of the vaccine vision of Robert F Kennedy Jr, the US health secretary. A recommended dose of hepatitis B vaccine will be withheld from thousands of newborns in Guinea-Bissau. Critics have raised ethical concerns about denying newborns a recommended vaccine.

Why it matters：The trial tests the boundaries of vaccine research ethics and reflects the influence of vaccine-skeptic views in global health policy.

Key points

  • The trial will withhold hepatitis B vaccines from some newborns.
  • It is led by Danish researchers in Guinea-Bissau.
  • It is central to RFK Jr's vaccine vision.

Sources (original reporting)

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