Even the drug companies give heed

From Merck's information about their Hepatitis B vaccine Recombivax HB:

CONTRAINDICATIONS
Hypersensitivity to yeast or any component of the vaccine.

From GlaxoSmithKline's information about their Hep B vaccine Engerix-B:

CONTRAINDICATIONS
Hypersensitivity to any component of the vaccine, including yeast, is a contraindication.

Recommended vaccination schedule for the Hepatitis B vaccine: birth, one-two months after birth, between six and 18 months later for a total of 3 shots by 18 months of age.

Note regarding food allergies from Dr. Alan Greene (www.drgreene.org), of which yeast/wheat is among the top 5 most commonly diagnosed food allergies: "Delaying the introduction of solid foods until the latter part of the acceptable window [12 months of age] may prevent some allergies. Delaying particularly allergic foods even long can further reduce the risk of allergies."

If both Merck and GSK indicate that a yeast allergy is a contraindication of their vaccines and if almost all pediatricians and sources on raising healthy babies indicate that certain foods such as cow's milk, eggs, peanuts, yeast, etc. should not be given to infants before one year of age, why do we administer the Hepatitis B vaccine two and likely three times before a child is one year old?

Furthermore, GSK fact sheet on Energix-B goes on to say:

Prior to immunization, the patient's medical history should be reviewed. The physician should review the patient's immunization history for possible vaccine sensitivity, previous vaccination-related adverse reactions, and occurrence of any adverse event–related symptoms and/or signs in order to determine the existence of any contraindication to immunization with ENGERIX-B and to allow an assessment of benefits and risks.

How many day old infants do you know that have a revealing medical history, a record of vaccine sensitivity or signs that they might be allergic to yeast? When we routinely adminster the Hepatitis B vaccine to children on the day of their birth we are gambling with their health. If nothing else, delaying vaccination should be pursued to allow both parents and doctors to determine over time and with development if there are added risks to the child before they are vaccinated, not to mention the fact that their immune systems and brains will have time to do what they were designed to do rather than fight against foreign invaders (but that's another post in and of itself).

For more information about the controversy surrounding the Hepatitis B vaccine read the following articles:
-Mindless Vaccination Bureaucracy by Michael Belkin
-Michael Belkin: Testimony to Congress, Tuesday, May 18,1999
-Shots in the Dark: Who should decide which vaccinations children receive? by Sue A. Blevins