Former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb expressed serious concerns regarding recent changes to U.S. public health policy during an interview on “Face the Nation” with Margaret Brennan on December 7, 2025. The discussion centered around a controversial decision made by the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel, ACIP, which voted to delay the administration of the Hepatitis B vaccine for newborns from within 24 hours of birth to two months of age. The American Academy of Pediatrics has voiced its alarm over this significant policy change.
Dr. Scott Gottlieb emphasized the critical importance of the birth dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine, stating that 90% of newborns who become infected during delivery will develop chronic infections. This shift in policy could lead to an estimated 1,400 infants contracting the virus in the first year alone, with a quarter of those potentially facing life-threatening consequences. He highlighted that the vaccine is almost 99% effective at preventing chronic infection when administered at birth.
Brennan pointed out that the President of the United States described the change as beneficial, claiming that Hepatitis B is primarily transmitted through sexual contact or dirty needles. Gottlieb challenged this assertion, noting that many mothers are not tested for the virus during pregnancy, leading to risks for newborns. He stressed that the 2% false negative rate in testing could translate to approximately 1,000 babies being born with Hepatitis B each year.
The interview also touched on broader scrutiny of vaccination policies under the Trump administration, particularly following the appointment of ACIP members who are skeptical of vaccines. Gottlieb criticized this development, stating that the committee has been compromised by anti-vaccine activists, undermining its previous credibility. He warned that approximately 600 state laws have been tied to ACIP recommendations, and some states have begun to pass legislation rejecting these decisions.
The conversation then shifted to the implications of a recent FDA announcement regarding vaccine approval processes. Gottlieb noted that a sell-off in biotech stocks occurred after reports indicated the FDA would now require comprehensive studies for vaccine approvals. He expressed concern that a memo from Dr. Vinay Prasad, the head of the FDA’s biologics center, suggested a move away from immuno-bridging studies that have historically allowed for the timely update of vaccines like the flu shot. Gottlieb argued that such changes could hinder the development of future vaccines.
In response to statements from former FDA commissioners regarding potential links between COVID-19 vaccinations and deaths, Gottlieb clarified that such claims should not influence policy changes without thorough investigations. He urged for transparency in the analysis of reported cases and for the FDA to make its data public to restore trust.
As the interview concluded, Brennan indicated that the HHS plans to release more information on vaccine-related data in the future. Gottlieb’s insights underscore the ongoing debates surrounding vaccine policy and public health, highlighting the need for careful consideration in protecting vulnerable populations.