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RFK Jr.’s Vaccine Panel Hepatitis B Baby Shot Vote

by Victoria Sterling -Business Editor
written by Victoria Sterling -Business Editor

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RFK Jr.’s Vaccine Panel to Vote on Hepatitis ‌B Birth Dose​ – Potential impact and Analysis


RFK Jr.’s Vaccine Panel to Vote on Hepatitis B Birth Dose – Potential Impact ‍and Analysis

What’s Happening: A Potential Shift in‌ Vaccination Policy

Health and Human ⁤Services ​Secretary Robert ‌F. Kennedy Jr.’s hand-picked vaccine committee, the advisory Committee on Immunization Practices ⁢(ACIP), is scheduled to vote on Thursday, December 5, 2025, on whether to alter the longstanding recommendation that all newborns receive a hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth.

The committee postponed a vote in ⁣September, ‌citing the‌ need for⁣ further discussion.⁣ The outcome of this ⁤vote is uncertain, but it could involve ⁣delaying or ​even eliminating the “birth dose” of the hepatitis B vaccine.

Why This Matters: The Risks of​ Reducing

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Health

Updated COVID-19 Vaccines: How Individuals Can Decide

by Dr. Jennifer Chen
written by Dr. Jennifer Chen

COVID-19 Vaccine Update – Fall 2024

Here’s a breakdown of the current situation regarding updated COVID-19 vaccines, insurance coverage, and access points, based on the provided text:

Key Points:

* Drugstores are prepared to deliver updated COVID-19 vaccines this fall.
* Despite a government advisory committee not specifically recommending the shots, insurers plan to continue covering them.
* Individuals can still make the decision to get vaccinated.

1. Vaccine Recommendations

* CDC Advisory Committee: Vaccine advisors picked by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. declined to specifically recommend the updated COVID-19 shots.
* Individual Decision: The committee stated individuals can make their own decisions about getting vaccinated.
* CDC Director Approval: The committee’s recommendations require sign-off from the CDC director, which is typically adopted.

2. Insurance Coverage

The good news is that coverage is expected to continue, despite the change in recommendations. Here’s a detailed look:

* Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): States the committee vote “provides for immunization coverage through all payment mechanisms.”
* Covered Programs: This includes:
* Medicaid
* Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
* Commercial coverage (through health insurance marketplaces)
* Vaccines for Children (VFC) program (covers roughly half of childhood vaccinations)
* America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP): Members (all major insurers except unitedhealthcare) will continue to cover the shots at no cost to patients through 2026.
* UnitedHealthcare: Will continue to cover the vaccine at no cost for its standard commercial coverage.
* Large Employers: Will make their own decisions regarding vaccine coverage.They might potentially be motivated to continue coverage to avoid expensive hospital bills.

3. Vaccine Access & Locations

Location Percentage of Adults Receiving Shots
Pharmacies ~66%
doctors’ Offices ~30%

* Improved Access: Access has improved after initial difficulties with appointment availability.
* Drugstore Chains: CVS and other chains report being stocked with the latest vaccines.
* Timing: Many people seek vaccinations in late summer/early fall to prepare for winter surges.

4. Additional Information

* VFC Program: Normally automatically covers CDC-recommended vaccines.
* Previous Access Issues: there was a “clunky start” to the vaccine season, with some people needing to travel to other states for appointments.

Crucial Note: While coverage is expected to continue, it’s always best to check with your specific insurance provider to confirm your coverage details.

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Health

Ebola Deaths in Congo: 31 of 38 Cases Fatal

by Dr. Jennifer Chen
written by Dr. Jennifer Chen

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Ebola Vaccine delivery to Bulape Faces Challenges, New Batches‌ Arriving

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Additional Ebola vaccine ⁢doses approved by the International Coordinating Group on vaccine Provision (ICG) are ⁣scheduled to arrive ‍in Bulape, Nigeria, between Friday and Sunday, according to Sheillah Nsasiirwe, Health Emergency⁣ Officer for immunization at the World Health Organization (WHO) Africa. this comes as the ⁣WHO reported ‌that, as of ⁢Thursday, september 12, 2024,⁣ 31 out⁣ of‌ 38‍ confirmed Ebola cases have been fatal.Reuters reported on the outbreak and the vaccine efforts.

Nsasiirwe explained that the ⁢vaccination campaign has ⁢been slower than anticipated due to logistical hurdles in accessing affected areas, causing delays in vaccine transport. WHO officials have been forced ⁢to‌ deliver the ⁣vaccines in smaller batches‌ because⁢ of ⁢insufficient cold chain storage infrastructure in Bulape.
‌

Challenges to Vaccine distribution

‍ ⁣ The lack of adequate storage infrastructure presents a significant obstacle to a rapid and effective​ vaccination campaign. ebola vaccines⁢ require ⁢strict ​temperature control to maintain thier potency. Delivering vaccines in small batches,while ensuring they remain within the⁣ required temperature range,is a complex and time-consuming process. This ‌is ⁢especially challenging in remote or tough-to-reach areas.
‌ ⁢

The International Coordinating Group on Vaccine provision (ICG) plays a crucial role in allocating Ebola vaccines globally. The ICG was established in‌ 2005 to manage and coordinate the provision of ‌vaccines ⁤and immunization-related supplies in the event of an outbreak or epidemic. The World⁤ Health Organization‍ provides details on the ICG’s ⁣function.

Ebola Outbreak in Nigeria: Current Status

⁣ ⁢As​ of September 12, 2024, Nigeria has confirmed ⁣38 Ebola cases, with 31 resulting in death, representing a case fatality rate of approximately ‍81.6%. ⁤The ⁢outbreak was first reported in August 2024. Africanews provides ongoing coverage of the outbreak.
⁤

Date Confirmed Cases Deaths Case Fatality Rate (%)
September 12, 2024 38 31 81.6
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Health

APhA Advocacy Expands Vaccine Access for Pharmacists

by Dr. Jennifer Chen
written by Dr. Jennifer Chen

Okay, here’s a draft article ⁣based on​ the provided text, aiming for⁣ extensive journalism, SEO optimization, and ‌adherence to all⁤ specified guidelines. Its designed to be ‍an evergreen resource, anchored to the current⁣ date for context but focused on ongoing relevance.

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APhA Champions Pharmacist-Administered Immunizations: Expanding‍ Scope of Practice and Ensuring‍ Accuracy

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Updated September 1, 2024, 18:07:11 ⁣UTC

The Evolving⁤ Landscape of Pharmacist Immunizations

Pharmacists are‌ increasingly vital in‍ delivering⁤ vaccinations,but navigating the changing landscape‌ of vaccine schedules and varying state‍ regulations‌ presents ongoing challenges. The American Pharmacists association (APhA) ​is at the ⁣forefront of addressing these issues, focusing on both advocacy for expanded practice authority and providing pharmacists with the resources needed to‌ deliver ‌accurate immunization information.

Recent updates to vaccine ‍schedules have become‍ more frequent, demanding ‍that pharmacists ⁤remain continuously informed. According to Allison Hill, PharmD, RPh, ⁣pharmacists must be prepared to answer patient questions ⁢almost instantly after‍ new⁣ recommendations are released by bodies like the Advisory Committee ‌on Immunization ‌practices (ACIP). APhA is ⁤committed to providing timely updates to its‍ members and⁣ the profession.

APhA’s Advocacy Efforts: A State-by-State ⁢Approach

One of the primary‌ hurdles to widespread pharmacist-administered vaccinations is the inconsistency⁤ of regulations across states. Currently, every state has​ different vaccine ⁢authorities ‌for pharmacists, creating complexity in practice. APhA actively collaborates with national and state pharmacy organizations to protect and expand ⁢the scope of practice for pharmacists, ⁣technicians,​ and students regarding ⁢vaccine administration.

This expansion takes⁣ various forms, including:

  • Statewide Protocols: Establishing standardized procedures for⁣ pharmacists ⁤to administer vaccines.
  • Standing Orders: Allowing⁤ pharmacists to vaccinate based ⁢on pre-approved criteria ⁢without⁢ individual physician prescriptions.
  • Independent Authority: Granting ⁤pharmacists ‌the‍ authority⁢ to administer a broader range of vaccines without ‍requiring any specific agreement.

In 2024, APhA partnered with other national pharmacy organizations to disseminate information on vaccine policy changes.A ⁣recent ⁢example is the ​”All Pharmacy Town ​Hall,” available on​ the APhA YouTube channel, which addressed vaccine policy, practice concerns, and‌ implementation challenges. *(Replace⁢ `YOUR_YOUTUBE_VIDEO_ID` with​ the⁤ actual video ID)*

resources for accurate Immunization Information

Beyond advocacy, APhA provides⁣ pharmacists⁢ with essential resources to ensure they can deliver accurate and up-to-date immunization information to patients.‍ These resources include:

  • timely ‌Updates: ​ Regular communications regarding ACIP recommendations and changes to vaccine schedules.
  • Continuing ⁣Education: Opportunities for pharmacists ​to ⁣enhance their knowledge of immunizations.
  • Practice Resources: ‍Tools and guidance for ​implementing immunization ‍services in pharmacy‍ settings.

Maintaining ⁣accurate⁤ information is crucial, as‌ patients ‌frequently ⁣seek clarification on new recommendations immediately after they are announced.Pharmacists are often the first point ⁢of contact for patients with questions about vaccines, making their role in public ⁢health ​education paramount.

The Impact of Expanded Vaccine Authority: A Look at ⁤the data

expanding ⁤pharmacists’ ability to administer vaccines has ⁢demonstrably increased vaccination rates. While comprehensive national data is still being

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