Australia's leading hepatitis researchers and clinicians have released a joint statement reaffirming that national guidance remains unchanged and supporting advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) confirming the importance and safety of administering the hepatitis B vaccine at birth.

All medically stable newborns who meet the weight threshold should receive their first dose within 24 hours of birth.

The statement follows international attention after a U.S. advisory panel recommended reversing its long-standing advice that infants receive the hepatitis B vaccine at birth.