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NDTV
08-07-2025
- Health
- NDTV
US Medical Groups Sue Health Secretary Over Covid-19 Vaccine Change
Washington: Several leading medical groups filed suit against US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Monday, accusing him of endangering public health with new Covid-19 vaccine recommendations. At the end of May, Kennedy announced via social media that federal authorities would no longer recommend Covid-19 vaccines for children and pregnant women, resulting in blowback from health experts. In the lawsuit, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American College of Physicians (ACP) and other leading medical groups are calling on the court to stop Kennedy's "unilateral, unscientific" directive and restore the Covid-19 vaccine to immunization schedules. "It is really unconscionable to take away a parent's ability and choice to protect their children through vaccination," said Tina Tan, a pediatrician and president of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, one of the plaintiffs. Since taking office, Kennedy -- who spent decades spreading vaccine misinformation before becoming President Donald Trump's top health official -- has worked to overhaul American vaccination policies. In June, he fired all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and appointed his own panelists, under the banner of "Make America Healthy Again." Monday's complaint also highlighted the controversial new appointees to ACIP. "We are on a dangerous path," warned Susan Kressly of the AAP, denouncing what she described as misinformation spread by Kennedy while citing the concerns of her peers and parents of patients. "Pediatricians cannot stay silent as the system we rely on to support life-saving vaccines is chiseled away piece by piece, with Secretary Kennedy leading efforts to sow doubt and distrust in the American success story of vaccines," Kressly said. The problem isn't limited to parents and children, as misinformation about vaccines undermines a long-standing trust between doctor and patient. Increasingly, medical professionals are finding that adult patients are "hesitant to get their vaccines. They are not trusting the system anymore," said Jason Goldman, president of the ACP. The issue of vaccines extends beyond Covid-19 in the US. Johns Hopkins University released a count Monday finding the US has recorded its worst measles epidemic in more than 30 years, with 1,277 cases confirmed since the beginning of 2025, and illness recorded in 40 of 50 states. The total US figure is the highest since 1992. The joint complaint was filed in Massachusetts, a northeastern US state. Federal health officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment from AFP.
New Straits Times
07-07-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Medical groups sue US health secretary over Covid-19 vaccine change
WASHINGTON: Several leading medical groups filed suit against US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Monday, accusing him of endangering public health with new Covid-19 vaccine recommendations. At the end of May, Kennedy announced via social media that federal authorities would no longer recommend Covid-19 vaccines for children and pregnant women, resulting in blowback from health experts. In the lawsuit, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American College of Physicians (ACP) and other leading medical groups are calling on the court to stop Kennedy's "unilateral, unscientific" directive and restore the Covid-19 vaccine to immunisation schedules. "It is really unconscionable to take away a parent's ability and choice to protect their children through vaccination," said Tina Tan, a paediatrician and president of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, one of the plaintiffs. Since taking office, Kennedy – who spent decades spreading vaccine misinformation before becoming President Donald Trump's top health official – has worked to overhaul American vaccination policies. In June, he fired all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunisation Practices (ACIP) and appointed his own panellists, under the banner of "Make America Healthy Again." Monday's complaint also highlighted the controversial new appointees to ACIP. "We are on a dangerous path," warned Susan Kressly of the AAP, denouncing what she described as misinformation spread by Kennedy while citing the concerns of her peers and parents of patients. "Paediatricians cannot stay silent as the system we rely on to support life-saving vaccines is chiselled away piece by piece, with Secretary Kennedy leading efforts to sow doubt and distrust in the American success story of vaccines," Kressly said. The problem isn't limited to parents and children, as misinformation about vaccines undermines a long-standing trust between doctor and patient. Increasingly, medical professionals are finding that adult patients are "hesitant to get their vaccines. They are not trusting the system anymore," said Jason Goldman, president of the ACP. The issue of vaccines extends beyond Covid-19 in the US. Johns Hopkins University released a count Monday finding the US has recorded its worst measles epidemic in more than 30 years, with 1,277 cases confirmed since the beginning of 2025, and illness recorded in 40 of 50 states. The total US figure is the highest since 1992. The joint complaint was filed in Massachusetts, a north-eastern US state. Federal health officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment from AFP.
Gulf Insider
28-05-2025
- Health
- Gulf Insider
CDC Halts COVID Shots for Healthy Kids, Pregnant Women
Confirming previous rumors, Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr confirmed via a post oin X that the CDC will no longer recommend COVID vaccines for children or pregnant women 'Today, the COVID vaccine for healthy children and healthy pregnant women has been removed from @CDCgov recommended immunization schedule. Bottom line: It's common sense and it's good science. We are now one step closer to realizing @POTUS 's promise to Make America Healthy Again.' Today, the COVID vaccine for healthy children and healthy pregnant women has been removed from @CDCgov recommended immunization schedule. Bottom line: it's common sense and it's good science. We are now one step closer to realizing @POTUS's promise to Make America Healthy Again. — Secretary Kennedy (@SecKennedy) May 27, 2025 And cue the outrage… As we previously reported , Kennedy noted that established side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine include a form of heart inflammation called myocarditis and a related condition called pericarditis. He also pointed out that 15 vaccinated participants in Pfizer's clinical trial died, compared with 14 participants who did not receive the company's vaccine Three COVID-19 vaccines are currently available for use in the United States: one from Pfizer, one from Moderna, and one from Novavax. Advisers to the CDC recommended in 2022 that the agency add COVID-19 vaccines to the schedule, concluding that the benefits of the shots outweighed the risks. The CDC in 2023 added them to the schedule. According to the schedule, all children who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine should receive at least one dose, depending on their age, while those who have received a vaccine in the past should receive at least one additional dose. Unlike many vaccines on the schedule, the COVID-19 vaccine has not been made compulsory for school attendance in states. Kennedy said during his confirmation hearings, 'I recommend that children follow the CDC schedule, and I will support the CDC schedule when I get in there if I'm fortunate enough to be confirmed.' Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), a physician, who had been considering voting against Kennedy, said in a speech on the Senate floor that Kennedy committed to maintaining the vaccine schedule without changes. Cassidy later wrote on social media platform X that the commitment 'never precluded him from conducting sound scientific research' and that he was 'confident any reputable review will further confirm settled science of the safety and efficacy of the childhood vaccine schedule.' Only 13 percent of children have received one of the COVID-19 vaccines with the 2024–2025 formula, according to CDC data. Children could still get a COVID-19 vaccine if it is removed from the schedule, but insurance may not pay for it if the removal happens. Also read: 'Razor Blade Throat': China Reports COVID-19 Resurgence With Painful Symptoms
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Dexcom CEO says CGMs fit MAHA agenda ‘very nicely'; Tandem preps for new products
This story was originally published on MedTech Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily MedTech Dive newsletter. Dexcom CEO Kevin Sayer touted the company's recent efforts to expand coverage of CGMs for people with Type 2 diabetes. On a May 1 earnings call, the CEO told investors that all three major U.S. pharmacy benefit managers now cover the company's G7 glucose monitor for anyone with diabetes. Dexcom expects to have coverage for nearly 6 million people with Type 2 diabetes who don't take insulin by the end of the year. 'While this still represents only a portion of this 25 million-person population in the U.S., we often see smaller and customized plans quickly follow suit of the larger PBM formularies,' Sayer said. Dexcom will seek coverage from Medicare for people with diabetes who don't take insulin. The company is working to gather evidence from a randomized controlled trial to submit a request to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Sayer said. Wolfe Research analyst Mike Polark on the earnings call noted comments by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. supporting CGMs. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Martin Makary has also suggested making the devices more widely available. 'We're very pleased with the comments of the administration,' Sayer said, adding that the company thinks its devices 'fit the Make America Healthy agenda very nicely.' Dexcom reported revenue of $1.04 billion in the first quarter, a 12% increase year over year. Tandem is seeking Europe's CE mark for its newer, smaller Mobi insulin pump, CEO John Sheridan said in an April 30 earnings call. Tandem received FDA clearance for the device in 2023. The company plans to launch Mobi outside of the U.S. with multiple sensor integrations by the year's end, Sheridan said. In February, Tandem received an expanded FDA indication for its Control-IQ+ algorithm for Type 2 diabetes. The algorithm pairs data from glucose monitors with the company's insulin pumps for automated dosing. Tandem hopes to launch the newer version of that algorithm internationally by the end of the year, pending regulatory approval, Sheridan said. The CEO also provided an update on Tandem's efforts to develop an insulin patch pump. The company is working on a tubeless feature for its Mobi pump that is now in verification testing and manufacturing buildout, Sheridan said. Meanwhile, the company has moved development of the Sigi patch pump that it acquired in 2022 to San Diego. Insulet, which received an expanded indication last year for its Omnipod 5 patch pump, said people with Type 2 diabetes represent a growing portion of new patients. Eric Benjamin, chief product and customer experience officer, told investors on May 8 that people with Type 2 diabetes made up more than 30% of new starts in the first quarter, an increase from 25% in the fourth quarter. The company grew revenue by nearly 29% to $569 million in the first quarter, compared to the year-ago period, and named longtime medtech executive Ashley McEvoy as CEO. Insulet estimated in February that the Type 2 indication expands the total addressable market for its patch pumps in the U.S. to more than 5.5 million people with Type 2 diabetes who take insulin. About 2.5 million of those people take multiple daily injections of insulin. Insulet estimated the market is less than 5% penetrated. Benjamin expects the company could double or triple that number, telling investors, 'Right now, we're making that market.' Recommended Reading New Insulet CEO Ashley McEvoy sets priorities Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Newsweek
13-05-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
RFK Jr. Moves to Get Rid of Fluoride Supplements for Kids: What to Know
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced Tuesday that it will move to phase out fluoride supplements used to strengthen children's teeth, the Associated Press (AP) reported. The Context Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has frequently railed against fluoride—which medical and dental experts say can be crucial in preventing tooth decay and cavities, especially in children who live in areas with lower levels of fluoride in drinking water. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has said fluoride makes teeth stronger and reduces cavities by replacing minerals lost during normal wear and tear. Federal officials backed adding fluoride to drinking water in 1950 and in 1962 introduced guidelines for how much should be added to water. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. looks on during an April 7 news conference in Salt Lake City about Utah's new fluoride ban, food additives and SNAP funds legislation. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. looks on during an April 7 news conference in Salt Lake City about Utah's new fluoride ban, food additives and SNAP funds legislation. Melissa Majchrzak/AP What To Know The FDA will conduct a scientific review of fluoride dental supplements for children by late October with the goal of removing them from the market, according to the AP. The agency does not plan to formally withdraw the products, since the process for doing so would take years. Instead, it will ask manufacturers to voluntarily pull their products from the market, the AP reported, citing an administration official. Tuesday's announcement from the FDA comes after Kennedy said last month that he would order the CDC to stop recommending that fluoride be added to tap water. Kennedy lauded the FDA's move to phase out fluoridated dental supplements for children, saying in a statement Tuesday: "Ending the use of ingestible fluoride is long overdue. This decision brings us one step closer to delivering on President [Donald] Trump's promise to Make America Healthy Again." The health secretary has strongly opposed the fluoridation of public water supplies, referring to fluoride as "industrial waste" and a "dangerous neurotoxin." His views have spurred a number of state-level bans and lawsuits targeting products containing fluoride. Utah became the first state to ban fluoride in drinking water after last month's announcement from Kennedy and lawmakers in Florida have also passed legislation aiming to implement a similar ban across the Sunshine State. Scientists and medical experts have sharply criticized Kennedy's views, arguing they are not backed by enough scientific evidence and could undermine public health initiatives to prevent tooth decay. Groups including the World Health Organization and the American Dental Association maintain that water fluoridation is a safe and effective public health measure. Critics of adding fluoride to drinking water say that doing so can negatively affect the gut microbiome and that too much fluoride ingestion can result in a lower IQ. This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available. AP reporting contributed to this article.
