A top-level vaccine panel in the United States government has voted to peel back guidance that newborn babies should receive a vaccine to shield against hepatitis B, a virus that can cause chronic liver problems.

On Friday, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted eight to three to rescind the medical advice, which has helped make hepatitis B vaccines a routine part of post-natal care. 

Instead, ACIP approved new guidance that encourages parents who have no history of hepatitis B infection to speak with their healthcare provider about whether to administer the vaccine to their infants.