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US health secretary Kennedy launches new push on vaccine injuries

US health secretary Kennedy launches new push on vaccine injuries

By Ahmed Aboulenein WASHINGTON, Oct 8 (Reuters) - US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. this week launched an agency-wide effort to study and document any health problems reported after vaccination, the Department of Health and Human Services said on Thursday.
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Department of Health and Human Services Streamlines Procurement with PACT Initiative

Department of Health and Human Services Streamlines Procurement with PACT Initiative

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched the Procurement Alignment and Collaboration Task Force (PACT) to streamline its acquisition processes. This initiative, led by Jennifer Johnson, HHS's deputy assistant secretary for acquisitions and senior procurement executive, aims to centralize and consolidate common IT and professional services purchases through a shared-services model. In less than a year, PACT has moved nearly 5,000 contracts into a new shared-services organization. The primary goals of PACT are to reduce the number of tools and systems used by the acquisition workforce and to protect mission-specialized procurements by keeping them close to the programs they support. Johnson emphasized a deliberate approach, focusing on consolidating 'lower-hanging fruit' such as laptops, mobile phones, IT licenses, and administrative support, while ensuring critical work like National Institutes of Health research contracts and Indian Health Service medical supplies remain with speciali...
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Social Security Administration Ends Flexible Work Schedules, Prompting Union Clash

Social Security Administration Ends Flexible Work Schedules, Prompting Union Clash

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced the termination of flexible work schedules for its employees, effective November 16. This decision follows an earlier restriction in July on advanced annual or sick leave. Flexible work schedules allowed SSA employees to work longer hours over fewer days, such as four 10-hour days or a compressed schedule over a two-week period, while still completing the same total hours as those on a standard five-day workweek. The SSA justified this change by stating that a consistent five-day workweek strengthens its ability to deliver public service, even for employees not directly interacting with the public. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), representing SSA workers, has filed a national grievance, arguing that this unilateral decision violates their contract and will negatively impact employees who rely on these schedules for medical appointments or family care. The union contends that the SSA's portrayal of an agency overwhelmed by altern...
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Cuban Mother Seeks Caregiver Compensation for Disabled Son, Díaz-Canel Promises Solution

Cuban Mother Seeks Caregiver Compensation for Disabled Son, Díaz-Canel Promises Solution

A Cuban mother, Yudith Monteagudo, appealed on the radio program "Criterio Compartido" for recognition and compensation as a caregiver for her son with a severe disability, prompting Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel to promise a solution. Monteagudo's son has an intellectual disability, which has worsened due to recent health issues, including a leg amputation due to diabetes and a hematological condition. Despite Cuban legislation, approved in February and published in April, that provides for compensation for families caring for children with severe disabilities, Monteagudo was reportedly told by municipal authorities that she could not be her son's caregiver. The regulation recognizes family care as paid work with labor rights and social security coverage, funded by the State Budget. However, its practical application faces bureaucratic obstacles, requiring certification from municipal Public Health and authorization from the Municipal Directorate of Labor and Social Security. Díaz-Canel responded to her ...
ReutersReuters
New York governor plans to seek federal help to tackle measles outbreak

New York governor plans to seek federal help to tackle measles outbreak

By Siddhi Mahatole and Sahil Pandey Oct 7 (Reuters) - New York Governor Kathy Hochul will seek federal assistance to tackle the measles outbreak in the state, including support from the US Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, her spokesperson
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New Research Highlights Benefits of 'Exercise Snacks' for Daily Well-being

New Research Highlights Benefits of 'Exercise Snacks' for Daily Well-being

New Research Highlights Benefits of 'Exercise Snacks' for Daily Well-being
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CDC Recommends Annual Flu Vaccination for All Ages, Emphasizes Individualized COVID-19 and RSV Vaccine Decisions

CDC Recommends Annual Flu Vaccination for All Ages, Emphasizes Individualized COVID-19 and RSV Vaccine Decisions

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to recommend annual seasonal flu vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older, with few exceptions. Flu vaccines are updated each season to target the influenza viruses expected to circulate. For most adults, September and October are considered optimal times for vaccination, though it can continue throughout the flu season. For adults aged 65 and older, the CDC preferentially recommends higher-dose, recombinant, or adjuvanted flu vaccines when available, due to their increased risk of serious complications. Regarding COVID-19, current CDC guidance emphasizes individual-based decision-making for vaccination, considering factors such as age, previous vaccination history, and risk of severe illness. This individualized approach also applies to adults aged 65 and older, as well as those aged 6 months through 64 years, with greater potential benefit for individuals with increased risk factors for severe COVID-19. For Respiratory Syncytial Virus...
The Columbus DispatchThe Columbus Dispatch
Ohio measles cases increase 400% from last year in latest ODH update

Ohio measles cases increase 400% from last year in latest ODH update

Another county in Ohio is reporting measles cases as Ohio's measles outbreak continues, with cases exceeding 2025 numbers by 406%.
USA TodayUSA Today
Food recalls, 'crunchy moms' how the MAHA movement is changing

Food recalls, 'crunchy moms' how the MAHA movement is changing

Food recalls and FDA cuts are testing faith in RFK Jr.’s "Make America Healthy Again" movement, as some moms stay loyal while others push back.
ReutersReuters
Kennedy offers federal support to New York over measles outbreak

Kennedy offers federal support to New York over measles outbreak

Oct 7 (Reuters) - New York Governor Kathy Hochul spoke with U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Tuesday, and he offered federal support as the state responds to a measles outbreak, the Department of Health and Human Services said on Wednesday.
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Pharma lobby sues Trump administration over Medicare drug price cuts

Pharma lobby sues Trump administration over Medicare drug price cuts

By Michael Erman Oct 7 (Reuters) - The pharmaceutical industry's top lobby group on Wednesday sued to invalidate the Trump administration's efforts to benchmark US drug prices to lower costs overseas in the Medicare health insurance program, arguing that it is an illegal government overreach.
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Pharmaceutical lobby sues Trump administration over most-favored-nation pricing

Pharmaceutical lobby sues Trump administration over most-favored-nation pricing

By Michael Erman Oct 7 (Reuters) - The pharmaceutical industry's top lobby group on Wednesday sued to invalidate one piece of the Trump administration's efforts to benchmark US drug prices to lower costs overseas in the Medicare health insurance program, arguing that it is an illegal overreach by