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FDA Deliberates Approval of Moderna's mRNA Flu Vaccine Amid Coverage Uncertainty for Seniors

FDA Deliberates Approval of Moderna's mRNA Flu Vaccine Amid Coverage Uncertainty for Seniors

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently evaluating the approval of Moderna's mRNA-based flu vaccine, mFlusiva, which could become the first of its kind in the U.S. This vaccine, designed to offer enhanced protection against influenza, particularly targets adults aged 50 and older. The FDA's decision is anticipated soon, following a unanimous recommendation from an advisory committee. However, the vaccine's availability and coverage, especially for seniors, remain uncertain due to regulatory and insurance challenges. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has not yet issued guidance on the vaccine, and its coverage under the Affordable Care Act is not guaranteed without such a recommendation.
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US Senate confirms Schwartz as CDC director

US Senate confirms Schwartz as CDC director

By Ahmed Aboulenein WASHINGTON, Aug 5 (Reuters) - The U.S. Senate on Wednesday confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as director of the U.S. CDC, handing the Trump administration a rare win after repeated failed attempts to fill top health posts. Schwartz, U.S.
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Moderna Begins Ebola Vaccine Trial as FDA Decision on Flu Shot Looms

Moderna Begins Ebola Vaccine Trial as FDA Decision on Flu Shot Looms

Moderna has initiated a Phase 1 clinical trial for its experimental Ebola vaccine targeting the Bundibugyo strain. The trial, conducted in Canada, will assess the vaccine's safety and immune response in 80 adults. This development comes as the U.S. FDA is set to decide on Moderna's seasonal influenza vaccine for adults aged 50 and older. The Ebola vaccine trial is supported by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, which has committed up to $50 million for early development.
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Walmart exclusive nut butter recalled due to salmonella risk

Walmart exclusive nut butter recalled due to salmonella risk

Walmart shoppers in 19 states are being urged to check their pantries after testing detected salmonella in jars of a retailer-exclusive pistachio spread. Botticelli Foods is recalling one lot of bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter because it may be contaminated with salmonella, according to an ...
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RFK Jr. Criticizes Fauci and Revives Vaccine Misinformation in CNN Interview

RFK Jr. Criticizes Fauci and Revives Vaccine Misinformation in CNN Interview

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appeared on CNN's 'State of the Union' with Dana Bash, where he criticized Dr. Anthony Fauci and revived debunked claims about vaccines. Kennedy attributed the blame for pandemic lockdowns to Fauci, while defending President Trump, who was in office at the pandemic's onset. Kennedy's comments come after Fauci's recent congressional hearing, where he invoked his Fifth Amendment rights. Kennedy's stance reflects a growing division over public health authority, as he challenges mainstream scientific consensus on vaccines and public health measures. His remarks coincide with a resurgence of measles in the U.S., attributed to vaccine misinformation.
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Over 400 State Vaccine Bills Introduced, Nine Become Law Amidst Ongoing Debate

Over 400 State Vaccine Bills Introduced, Nine Become Law Amidst Ongoing Debate

State legislatures across the U.S. introduced more than 400 vaccine-related bills over the past year, with only nine becoming law. These bills addressed various aspects of the vaccination system, including school and daycare requirements, legal protections for those declining vaccination, and specific restrictions on mRNA and COVID-19 vaccines. Despite the high volume of proposals, no state eliminated its core childhood immunization requirements. The legislative session saw a mix of efforts to both weaken and strengthen vaccination rules, reflecting ongoing debates over vaccine mandates and public health policies.
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Exclusive-Sysco has stopped buying iceberg lettuce from Mexico amid US cyclosporiasis outbreak, CEO says

Exclusive-Sysco has stopped buying iceberg lettuce from Mexico amid US cyclosporiasis outbreak, CEO says

By Tom Polansek CHICAGO, Aug 4 (Reuters) - Sysco, the biggest U.S. food distributor, has stopped buying iceberg lettuce from Mexico due to the U.S. cyclosporiasis outbreak, CEO Kevin Hourican said on Tuesday. 
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Mexican jalapenos tied to Salmonella outbreak in 27 US states

Mexican jalapenos tied to Salmonella outbreak in 27 US states

By Abu Sultan and Mrinmay Dey Aug 5 (Reuters) - U.S. health officials are investigating a Salmonella outbreak linked to Mexican jalapeno peppers that has sickened 345 people in 27 states, prompting supplier Coast Citrus Distributors to recall peppers sent to restaurants including Chipotle Mexican
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GOP Senator Challenges CNN Host on Vaccine Discussion

GOP Senator Challenges CNN Host on Vaccine Discussion

During a Senate Finance Committee hearing, Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin challenged CNN host Kasie Hunt on the topic of vaccines for children. Mullin questioned the number of vaccines administered to children now compared to 1980, highlighting concerns about the increase in chronic illnesses and autism. The discussion reflects ongoing debates about vaccine safety and public health policies, with Mullin emphasizing the need for scrutiny and questioning of current practices.
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US FDA approves Takeda's sleep disorder pill

US FDA approves Takeda's sleep disorder pill

Aug 5 (Reuters) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Takeda Pharmaceuticals' oral drug for narcolepsy, the health regulator said on Wednesday, backing the first treatment that targets all the symptoms of the rare sleep disorder.
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Study Finds No Link Between MMR Vaccination Before Age 2 and Autism

Study Finds No Link Between MMR Vaccination Before Age 2 and Autism

A comprehensive national study involving over 2.5 million children has found no association between receiving the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine before the age of 2 and the development of autism. Conducted by researchers from the University of Washington, the study utilized the Cosmos electronic health record database to track children from January 2015 through December 2024. The findings reinforce existing evidence supporting the safety of the MMR vaccine, countering persistent concerns about its potential link to autism. The study comes amid a record-breaking year for measles in the United States, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting 2,371 cases, primarily among unvaccinated individuals.
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HHS Decertifies Organ Donation Organization Over Safety Failures

HHS Decertifies Organ Donation Organization Over Safety Failures

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has decertified a regional organ procurement organization, Network for Hope, due to persistent patient safety failures. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the decision, citing serious deficiencies in nearly 30% of reviewed cases. The organization, serving parts of Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, and West Virginia, failed to address repeated warnings and corrective action plans. The decertification reflects the federal government's commitment to ensuring the safety and ethical standards of the organ donation system, which is critical for the over 103,000 Americans waiting for transplants.