
New Trump vaccine policy might limit access to your future COVID shots: 10 points
Live Events
(You can now subscribe to our
(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel
The US Food and Drug Administration is changing the way it approves Covid-19 vaccines for Americans. The FDA has announced that it will only recommend COVID-19 vaccines for adults 65 and older and people at risk for severe illness.The agency is changing the type of evidence it will accept from vaccine manufacturers to approve updated Covid-19 shots, Dr. Vinay Prasad, the new director of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, and FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary said in an editorial published Tuesday in the New England Journal of Medicine.-The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Tuesday that it will limit access to seasonal Covid-19 boosters for healthy Americans under 65. Critics said the move will make access difficult for people who are not high risk but want to be vaccinated against the disease.-The new strategy would continue the current vaccine approval process for people ages 65 and older and younger people with health problems that put them at high risk, according to an article published Tuesday in The New England Journal of Medicine.-Top FDA officials have introduced a new framework for approving COVID-19 vaccines. Under this plan, booster shots will be made available to Americans aged 65 and older, as well as to adults and children over 6 months old who have at least one condition that heightens their risk of developing severe COVID-19.-The FDA framework, published Tuesday in the New England Journal of Medicine, urges companies to conduct large, lengthy studies before tweaked vaccines can be approved for healthier people, reports news agency AP. It is in contrary from the previous federal policy recommending an annual COVID shot for all Americans six months and older.-Vinay Prasad, the controversial director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, described the new approach as a 'reasonable compromise' that will allow vaccinations in high-risk groups to continue while generating new data about whether they still benefit healthier people.-The nation's leading pediatrics group said FDA's approach will limit options for parents and their children. 'If the vaccine were no longer available or covered by insurance, it will take the choice away from families who wish to protect their children from COVID-19, especially among families already facing barriers to care,' said Dr. Sean O'Leary of the American Academy of Pediatrics -According to provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 47,000 Americans died from causes related to COVID-19 last year. In two-thirds of those cases, the virus was identified as the primary cause of death, while in the remaining cases, it was a contributing factor.-The new FDA approach is the culmination of a series of recent steps under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. scrutinizing the use of COVID shots and raising questions about the broader availability of vaccines. It was released two days ahead of the first meeting of FDA's outside vaccine experts under Trump.-Last week, the FDA granted full approval to Novavax's COVID-19 vaccine, but with significant restrictions on eligibility — restrictions that were echoed in Tuesday's guidance. The decision followed an intervention by Trump-appointed officials, who overruled FDA scientists' initial plans to approve the vaccine without limitations.-For years, federal health officials have advised most Americans to anticipate yearly COVID-19 vaccine updates, much like the annual flu shot. As with flu vaccines, the FDA has so far approved updated COVID vaccines as long as they provide immune protection comparable to the prior year's formulation.(With inputs from AP)
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
10 early Parkinson's signs you might be missing — revealed after Ozzy Osbourne's tragic death
What are the most common early signs of Parkinson's? Live Events Here are 10 early Parkinson's warning signs you shouldn't ignore: What makes early detection so important for this disease? FAQs (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel The world mourns the death of rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, who died at the age of 76 after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. Ozzy, also known as the Prince of Darkness, revealed the condition's hidden symptoms through his public journey. His story now sheds light on warning signs that many people continue to Osbourne's death has left a void in the music industry, as well as renewed focus on Parkinson's disease, which he bravely battled for years. Diagnosed after a fall at his Los Angeles home, the rock icon lived with a progressive neurological condition that gradually robbed him of his mobility, independence, and, eventually, his ability to tributes pour in, his journey is bringing attention to the lesser-known early symptoms of Parkinson's disease, many of which go unnoticed until it's too late, as per a report by The US disease is frequently associated with tremors and stiffness, but its initial symptoms can be much more the world mourns the passing of rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, his battle with Parkinson's disease shines a spotlight on the early symptoms that are often overlooked. Parkinson's is a progressive neurological disorder, and catching it early can make a significant difference in managing the condition.A diminished or total loss of smell, especially of familiar foods or scents, can occur years before other symptoms appear. It's one of the most common early signs, yet often dismissed or misattributed to allergies or restless leg syndrome, frequent nighttime awakenings, and even sleep apnea are common in early Parkinson's. Many people also report acting out dreams physically during REM sleep, which is a red flag.A noticeable change in handwriting, especially if it becomes smaller or more cramped—is another early symptom. It's caused by muscle stiffness and slowed movement, which affects motor or frequent urination, especially at night, and ongoing constipation are often early signs. These symptoms result from changes in the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily sadness, hopelessness, or a sense of emotional emptiness may develop early—even before motor symptoms. It's more than situational sadness and is thought to stem from chemical imbalances in the of fear, worry, or nervousness that seem excessive or without cause are common in the early stages. Physical symptoms may include a racing heart, dizziness, sweating, or difficulty tiredness that doesn't go away with rest can hit even in the early stages. This type of fatigue can fluctuate daily and is believed to result from both brain chemistry changes and disrupted often associated with later stages, mild shaking or tremors, especially in the hands, can appear early. These usually start on one side of the body and may worsen with stress or activities start to take longer. You may notice a slight shuffle in your walk, slower arm movements, or difficulty with tasks like buttoning a shirt or writing a in the arms, legs, or neck, especially if it's persistent and doesn't go away with movement, can be an early red flag. It may make it harder to get out of bed or move you or someone you know is experiencing several of these signs, it's worth talking to a doctor. Early detection of Parkinson's can improve long-term outcomes, and Ozzy Osbourne's public battle has helped countless others recognize the importance of staying alert to these subtle but serious 166,000 people in the UK have Parkinson's disease, and the number of cases around the world is expected to double by 2050. It's the neurological condition that is growing the fastest in the world. Getting a diagnosis early can lead to earlier treatment, a better quality of life, and more time before symptoms that make life difficult start to show helped bring attention to this hard-to-understand illness by being honest about his problems. His legacy now includes not only his famous music but also the work he did to raise awareness about Parkinson's disease. His story might encourage others to get help sooner and better manage their may include loss of smell, fatigue, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and smaller While most people are diagnosed after 50, some develop symptoms in their 40s or earlier.


Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
'Blood clots surge like never before…': McCullough drops COVID vaccine bombshell at Senate hearing - The Economic Times Video
The U.S. Senate's Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations held a crucial hearing titled "The Corruption of Science and Federal Health Agencies: How Health Officials Downplayed and Hid Myocarditis and Other Adverse Events Associated with the COVID-19 Vaccines." Top medical experts and legal voices testified, including Dr. Peter McCullough, Dr. Jordan Vaughn, Dr. James Thorp, Dr. Joel Wallskog, Attorney Aaron Siri and Hawaii Governor Josh Green. Dr. McCullough presented findings from a large autopsy series, stating that in 73.9% of examined post-vaccine deaths, mRNA COVID vaccines were considered the likely cause, a claim that has sparked intense debate in the medical community.
&w=3840&q=100)

Business Standard
5 hours ago
- Business Standard
US bans flu shots with thimerosal in RFK Jr led vaccine policy shift
The United States will stop distributing all influenza vaccines that contain mercury-based preservative thimerosal, marking the latest move by US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to reshape vaccine policy. Last month, a vaccine panel with members handpicked by Kennedy voted in favor of Americans receiving seasonal flu shots that are free from thimerosal, despite decades of studies showing no related safety issues. About 5 per cent of flu shots given in the US in the last flu season were multi-dose vials that contained the preservative, which was largely phased out decades ago. Anti-vaccine groups have for decades linked thimerosal to autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders, and Kennedy wrote a book in 2014 in which he advocated for "the immediate removal of mercury" from vaccines. The FDA on its website says "there was no evidence that thimerosal in vaccines was dangerous," and that the decision to remove it previously was a precautionary measure to decrease overall exposure to mercury among young infants. One of the panelists, who voted against the recommendation, had pointed out that the risk of not receiving the influenza vaccine because it contains thimerosal is greater than any known risks of the preservative. CSL's Afluria, and Flucelvax and Sanofi's Fluzone include thimerosal in multi-dose versions, according to the FDA's website. Kennedy accepted the panel's recommendation, the Department of Health and Human Services said on Wednesday, in the absence of the CDC director, who typically signs off on them before they are implemented. President Donald Trump's nominee for the CDC director, Susan Monarez, is yet to be confirmed by the US Senate. Other recommendations made by the panel, known as the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices, at a meeting in June are still under review, the HHS said. Vaccine manufacturers have confirmed that they have the capacity to replace multi-dose vials containing the preservative, ensuring that supplies will not be interrupted, HHS said. Sanofi said it acknowledges the new policy and will have sufficient supply of the flu vaccine this season. CSL did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.