The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has revised its childhood vaccine recommendations, reducing the number of diseases children should be vaccinated against from 17 to 11, in a move praised by President Trump. The new guidelines, resulting from an executive order to align with other developed countries, categorize vaccines into those universally recommended, those based on risk factors, and those left to parental and doctor discretion, including Covid-19, influenza, and rotavirus. This overhaul, spearheaded by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has been met with strong criticism from the American Academy of Pediatrics and other medical professionals who cite concerns over the potential for increased confusion and harm to children. Furthermore, this change has already led to previous adjustments regarding the hepatitis B vaccine schedule, which have been condemned as dangerous.
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The CDC has released data showing a surge in flu cases, with hospital admissions and reported illnesses rising rapidly. This increase is largely attributed to a new strain, subclade K of influenza A(H3N2), which may be evading immune defenses. While the vaccine may not be a perfect match, it is still the best protection, and the CDC is encouraging vaccinations. Additional preventative measures, such as mask-wearing and social distancing, are also recommended to help slow the spread of the virus.
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John Weiser, a 14-year CDC veteran, was terminated from his position as the head of the Medical Monitoring Project due to his refusal to comply with new requirements to report accomplishments through an AI-driven system. Before his termination, Weiser also observed the erasure of transgender data from surveillance reports under the Trump administration, a move he actively resisted by refusing to remove data about opioid misuse among transgender people from a research paper. Despite the end of funding for the Medical Monitoring Project, Weiser ultimately resigned, citing concerns about scientific integrity and the harm caused by decisions to comply with policies that undermined the CDC’s core mission. Weiser’s departure reflects a broader concern about the erosion of scientific principles within the agency due to political pressures.
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As influenza activity increases in the US, health officials are urging widespread vaccination and the use of antiviral medications, particularly as a concerning new variant circulates and pediatric deaths reach record highs. The CDC is monitoring the H3N2 virus subclade K and has highlighted policy changes in vaccine recommendations. Last year’s flu season was exceptionally severe, with a high number of hospitalizations, especially among children, where vaccine effectiveness ranged from 63% to 78% in preventing hospitalization. Despite early indications suggesting the new variant could impact vaccine effectiveness, health officials emphasize vaccination remains critical.
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In a rare instance, a Michigan man died of rabies after receiving a kidney transplant from an Idaho man who succumbed to the disease. The donor was scratched by a skunk while protecting a kitten. Following the recipient’s death and a review of the donor’s medical history, authorities discovered the skunk encounter and later confirmed the donor’s rabies infection through kidney biopsies. This led to a “likely three-step transmission chain” from a bat to a skunk to the donor and finally, to the recipient. The CDC has reported that this is only the fourth recorded transplant-transmitted rabies event in the U.S. since 1978.
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CDC adviser: Newborn vaccine rollback ‘wasn’t based on data’ is a statement that really cuts to the core of some serious concerns. The whole notion that a key decision, one that directly impacts the health and well-being of newborns, was made without relying on solid, factual evidence is alarming, to say the least. It suggests that something other than data, something less reliable, was the driving force behind this change in policy. That’s a huge problem.
Now, we’re talking about the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the CDC. This is the agency we look to for guidance on public health, the one we expect to make decisions based on the best available scientific research.… Continue reading
Sweden to cut development aid to five countries, divert money to Ukraine. It’s really something, isn’t it? Sweden has decided to reallocate its development aid, trimming support to five countries and directing those funds towards Ukraine. The countries affected are Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Mozambique, Liberia, and Bolivia. The reasoning behind this is multifaceted, and it seems to be resonating with a lot of people, myself included.
It makes a certain kind of sense, especially considering the global landscape. The situation in Ukraine is dire, a conflict on Europe’s doorstep that demands attention and resources. The fact that the nations having their aid cut either abstained or didn’t vote at all on a UN resolution condemning the abduction of Ukrainian children is also a key factor.… Continue reading
Under the direction of newly appointed Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the CDC has been instructed to alter its website, promoting vaccine skepticism by suggesting a possible link between vaccines and autism. This directly contradicts the agency’s previous statements and Kennedy’s prior assurances. The change undermines the CDC’s credibility and the government’s role as a trusted source of health information, potentially leading to increased illness and even death. To address this issue, the article calls for the impeachment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
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More than 25,000 cases of whooping cough recorded this year, higher than pre-pandemic levels: CDC, and it’s a sobering reality. This resurgence of a preventable disease is a stark reminder of the importance of public health measures, especially vaccination. It’s hard not to feel a sense of frustration when you consider that we have the tools to protect ourselves and our children from whooping cough, yet we’re seeing these numbers climb.
It’s almost unbelievable that we’re still grappling with a disease that has a readily available vaccine. The fact that the rise in cases is, at least in part, attributable to vaccine hesitancy is just heartbreaking.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood