Latest news with #Verma
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
As new variant spreads, what's the latest COVID-19 vaccine guidance? It's complicated.
As a new COVID-19 variant takes over in the U.S., guidance surrounding vaccines has become increasingly confusing. Changes in vaccination guidelines, ever-evolving variants and strains, along with threats to health insurance, have sent average Americans looking for the latest recommendations as members of the federal government often conflict with independent medical agencies and healthcare professionals. In the two weeks leading up to June 21, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported just shy of 14,500 positive COVID tests, and while hospitalizations and deaths are fortunately down significantly since the pandemic's peak, vulnerable people are still grappling with limiting their risk amid changing practices. Having trouble keeping track of variants and vaccines? Here's what we know. NB.1.8.1 is one of the latest variants of COVID-19, a "slightly upgraded version" of the LP.8.1 variant that is prominent right now, Subhash Verma, microbiology and immunology professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, previously told USA TODAY in May. Verma previously stated that NB.1.8.1 may be transferred more easily than LP.8.1. Additionally, he noted that NB.1.8.1 can evade antibodies created by vaccines or past infections more easily than LP.8.1. In early April, NB.1.8.1 accounted for 0% of COVID cases in the U.S. In the two weeks ending June 21, it accounted for the majority of cases at 43%, according to the CDC. The variant has similar symptoms to other strains, including fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, sore throat, congestion or a runny nose, new loss of taste or smell, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, nausea or vomiting. One of its more unique features is "razor blade throat," reported by patients as an exceptionally sore throat. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said on May 27 that the COVID-19 vaccine would no longer be included in the CDC's recommended immunization schedule for healthy children and pregnant women, a move that broke with previous expert guidance and bypassed the normal scientific review process. Under the changes, the only people who will be recommended for COVID-19 vaccines are those over 65 and people with existing health problems. This could make it harder for others who want the COVID-19 vaccine to get it, including health care workers and healthy people under 65 with a vulnerable family member or those who want to reduce their short-term risk of infection. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), among other organizations, issued statements condemning the change, with the ACOG saying it was "...concerned about and extremely disappointed by the announcement that HHS will no longer recommend COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy." "It is very clear that COVID-19 infection during pregnancy can be catastrophic and lead to major disability, and it can cause devastating consequences for families. The COVID-19 vaccine is safe during pregnancy, and vaccination can protect our patients and their infants after birth," President Steven J. Fleischman said in a statement. Insurance coverage typically follows federal recommendations, so anyone who is healthy and under 65 is likely to have to pay out of pocket to get the shot, which runs about $200, if they can get it. It's not clear what insurance companies will do about the new recommendations. The American Medical Association (AMA) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), in partnership with other professional medical organizations, broke from RFK and HHS after this announcement, sharing plans to develop their own guidelines independent of the government organization. In an open letter signed by 80 medical organizations across the country and published on June 25, the AMA called for physicians, healthcare networks and insurance companies to continue supporting "evidence-based immunizations to help prevent severe disease and protect public health." "Vaccines for influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 remain among the best tools to protect the public against these illnesses and their potentially serious complications—and physicians are among the most trusted voices to recommend them. We come together as physicians from every corner of medicine to reaffirm our commitment to these lifesaving vaccines," the letter said. "Recent changes to federal immunization review processes raised concerns across the medical and public health community. In this moment of uncertainty, physicians must align around clear, evidence-based guidance for patients." The AAP likewise said in a June 26 statement that it will "continue to publish its own evidence-based recommendations and schedules." AAP President Susan J. Kressly said the creation of federal immunization policy is 'no longer a credible process," adding, "...we're not stepping back, we're stepping up. The AAP will continue to publish our own immunization schedule just as we always have, developed by experts, guided by science, trusted by pediatricians and families across the country.' These latest independent guidelines have yet to be released. Meanwhile, the new Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) gathered for the first time on June 25 in a meeting that drew criticism from some experts. RFK fired all 17 original members of the committee on June 9, replacing them with members that critics have called unqualified. Some of the members, like Kennedy, have a history of anti-vaccine advocacy, prompting backlash that had doctors and organizations calling for a delay in the meeting. Anti-vaccine sentiments were repeated by ACIP Chair Martin Kulldorf at the meeting, who said the panel will be "investigating" MMR and childhood vaccines. The CDC panel also reviewed data about COVID-19 vaccines, questioning their safety and effectiveness. They also raised questions about the study design, methodologies and surveillance monitoring systems behind the data, which Dr. Pamela Rockwell, clinical professor of family medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School, addressed as a standard of medical research. "Our efforts, through a very robust system of checks and balances, are to create vaccines and vaccination programs that result in the most benefit with the least harm," said Dr. Gretchen LaSalle, a family physician in Spokane, Washington, who represented the American Academy of Family Physicians. Despite this, the committee didn't vote on COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for the fall and isn't expected to reconvene until 'September/October,' according to the CDC website. ACIP commitee: Inside the unusual, RFK-appointed panel that's deciding on childhood vaccines The FDA likewise announced updated requirements for mRNA COVID-19 vaccine warning labels on June 25, which apply to Comirnaty by Pfizer Inc. and Spikevax by ModernaTX Inc. Prescribing information will now include warnings of the connection between the vaccines and a rare side effect that causes inflammation of the heart muscle and lining. The new warning label discloses the risk of myocarditis, which appeared in 8 cases per 1 million people who got the 2023-2024 COVID shots between the ages of 6 months and 64 years old, mostly commonly among males aged 12 to 24. The previous label, which also disclosed the risk, said the problem mostly occurred in minors aged 12-17. Despite the back-and-forth in the U.S., the World Health Organization (WHO) has kept its recommendation consistent. Currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective against the NB.1.8.1 variant, it said. In a webpage dated Jan. 7, the CDC advised that everyone over the age of six months get the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine, specifically the 2024-2025 Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine. The page has since been updated with a banner, reading "COVID-19 vaccine recommendations have recently been updated for some populations. This page will be updated to align with the updated immunization schedule." The original recommendations align with the WHO's current guidelines. WHO, AMA, AAP and existing standards recommend that people who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine, are age 65 and older, are immunocompromised, live at a long-term care facility, are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant, and/or want to avoid getting long COVID, should get the vaccine, especially. Contributing: Greta Cross, Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What are the latest COVID vaccine guidelines for this summer?
Time of India
19 hours ago
- Time of India
Varanasi Nagar Nigam drive for registration of pet dogs
Varanasi: The Varanasi Nagar Nigam is conducting home-to-home inspections and health checks of pet dogs in the city. Under the direction of municipal commissioner Akshat Verma, animal welfare officer Santosh Pal and his team conducted a registration check in Bridge Enclave Colony on Thursday. The team inspected 50 homes in the colony, finding pet dogs in nine of them. It was discovered that eight of these dogs were not registered. The municipal team registered all eight dogs on the spot using the Smart Kashi app and also conducted health checks. Verma urged all residents with pet dogs to register them through the Smart Kashi app. "If a dog is found unregistered during an inspection, a fine of Rs 5000 will be imposed, and the dog will be seized," said Verma.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Ludhiana: ‘Harassed' for loan EMI, elderly couple end lives
Jun 27, 2025 05:28 AM IST Fed up with alleged harassment by bank employees over a delayed loan instalment, a Harbanspura-based couple died by suicide on Thursday by consuming a poisonous substance at their clothing shop in Gandhi Nagar. They were unable to pay this month's instalment due to financial hardship. (HT Photo) The deceased were residents of Harbanspura. The couple, who had been running a clothing business in Gandhi Nagar, left behind a suicide note blaming bank officials for mentally harassing and humiliating them. According to ADCP-1 Sameer Verma, the couple stated in their note that they had taken a loan from a bank and had consistently paid several instalments. However, they were unable to pay this month's instalment due to financial hardship. 'The couple alleged that bank employees began to harass and insult them, which pushed them into severe mental distress. Feeling hopeless and humiliated, they ended their lives,' said Verma. Police have taken the suicide note into custody and launched an investigation into the allegations. 'We are verifying the claims mentioned in the note and identifying the bank personnel involved. Appropriate action will be taken after a detailed probe,' the officer added. Officials further asserted that the bodies have been sent for postmortem for further investigation.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
ACB registers FIR against ex-Delhi ministers in corruption case
The Delhi Anti Corruption Branch (ACB) on Thursday registered a first information report (FIR) against former health ministers Saurabh Bharadwaj and Satyendar Jain in connection with alleged large-scale corruption in health infrastructure projects approved or executed during their tenures. The ACB sought permission for a probe in August 2024, on a complaint lodged by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Vijendra Gupta, alleging large-scale corruption in the health department. (Getty Images/iStockphoto) The FIR was filed under Section 13(1) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, which pertains to criminal misconduct by a public servant, and sections 409 (criminal breach of trust by public servants), 420 (cheating) and 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), joint commissioner of police (ACB) Madhur Verma said. 'A comprehensive investigation has been launched to uncover the full extent of the alleged conspiracy and determine the roles and accountability of the former ministers, officials and private entities involved,' Verma said. In response, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) questioned why the FIR against Bharadwaj and Jain was being kept under wraps, and selective press notes being leaked. 'Is the FIR so baseless that the BJP fears it will become a national joke if released publicly?' it said in a statement. On Tuesday, officials aware of the matter said that the Centre, on the recommendation of lieutenant governor VK Saxena, gave its approval to initiate an investigation under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act against Bharadwaj and Jain. The ACB sought permission for a probe in August 2024, on a complaint lodged by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Vijendra Gupta, alleging large-scale corruption in the health department. The LG sent his recommendation to the Centre on May 6, officials said. The ACB will probe 24 hospital projects, including 11 greenfield (construction on unused land) and 13 brownfield (construction on land which was earlier used for other purposes) projects sanctioned in 2018-19 for a total of ₹ 5,590 crore, but are either delayed or have had their costs inflated, JCP Verma said. The ACB will also probe seven ICU (intensive care) hospitals, with a total bed capacity of 6,800, which were sanctioned at a cost of ₹ 1,125 crore in a six-month period starting September 2021. Three years on, only 50% of the work has been completed, and that too at a cost of ₹ 800 crore, Verma said. Verma said that verification of the complaint revealed unauthorised additional constructions at government hospitals in Jwalapuri, by M/s Parnika Commercial & Estate Pvt Ltd, and Madipur, by M/s Ramacivil India Construction Pvt Ltd, without approvals from competent authorities. 'The Madipur hospital project was to be completed by November 2022, but remains abandoned and far from completion,' Verma said. ACB officials said the seven ICU hospitals, contracted to M/s SAM India Buildwell Pvt Ltd, witnessed cost escalations exceeding 100%, with construction still incomplete beyond over the years, against the February 2022 deadline. 'Verification also found that the new block at Lok Nayak Hospital awarded to M/s Swadeshi Civil Infrastructure Pvt Ltd saw project costs escalate from ₹ 488 crores to ₹ 1,135 crores over four years, with the structure still incomplete beyond its January 2023 deadline' Verma said. ACB said that their preliminary probe found that the ministers repeatedly rejected cost-effective solutions, such as the NIC's e-hospital system, without justification. An official, requesting anonymity, said that while submitting the request for sanction, the ACB listed several corrupt activities which resulted in a loss to the government exchequer. In the request, the ACB cited repeated procedural lapses and planning failures that resulted in inflated expenditures. The department of vigilance forwarded the proposal to the Public Works Department (PWD) and the health and family welfare (H&FW) department, both of which supported the call for a probe. PWD officials recommended a 'thorough vigilance inquiry' to trace the chain of responsibility and identify violations. The departments also observed that upgrades and changes made after contracts were awarded led to further delays and cost overruns. Poor planning and imprecise estimates led to escalations, while disputes led to arbitration costs, imposing further financial strain on the exchequer. The two AAP leaders hit out at the charges framed under the FIR. In a statement, Bharadwaj said, 'The FIR would make it abundantly clear that, without any reasonable cause, only two former ministers have been named—while all health and PWD officers, who were actually responsible for executing the hospital projects, have been spared.' Jain said: 'There is, as yet, no evidence to suggest that these project sanctions were marred by corruption. Moreover, all these sanctions predate Saurabh Bharadwaj's tenure. How can a minister be held liable for actions taken two to five years before assuming office? Is this some kind of joke?'
Indian Express
2 days ago
- General
- Indian Express
Jharkhand: Tiger gets trapped in farmer's house, rescued by forest officers
An adult Royal Bengal Tiger on Wednesday got trapped after entering a farmer's house in a village in Jharkhand's Ranchi district, triggering panic in the area, but it was later rescued by forest officers. The incident took place in Mardu village in Silli block, close to the inter-state border with West Bengal, under the jurisdiction of Muri police outpost, around 65 km from the state capital Ranchi. 'The tiger entered the house of one Purandar Mahto around 5 am when he stepped outside after opening the door of the house,' Ranchi Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Srikant Verma told PTI. As he saw the animal entering a room of the house, he locked the door from outside, Verma added. Two girls aged around eight years were also inside the house when the tiger entered but they managed to exit safely, he said. A rescue team from the Palamau Tiger Reserve (PTR) reached the location, and conducted a rescue operation, successfully trapping and caging the animal, the officer said. 'It was tranquilised after being caged. It was loaded on a vehicle and will be taken to Ranchi's Birsa zoo where it will be kept under observation,' he said. Verma said if the animal was found healthy, it would be released to a safer place, most probably Palamau Tiger Reserve. 'However, the decision on freeing the animal will be taken later,' he said. A team from Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park, also known as Birsa zoo, in Ranchi's Ormanjhi also went to the spot, a zoo official said. 'A veterinarian, compounder and a biologist were sent to the site to provide their expertise,' Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) at Birsa zoo, Ashok Kumar Singh said. Birsa zoo veterinarian O P Sahu told PTI, 'The tiger was rescued successfully and its health condition appears to be good. A thorough examination of the animal will be done.' Prohibitory orders were imposed within 200 metres of Mahto's house in a bid to ensure a smooth rescue operation, Verma said. 'We suspect that the tiger has come from adjoining West Bengal. The village is very close to the inter-state border and there is a large forest in Purulia district,' he added. Mahto, the house owner, said two children, including his daughter, were sleeping inside the room. 'I woke up around 4.30 am and asked my daughter to take the cattle out of the shed. Suddenly, a big animal entered the house. It was roaring and I understood it was a tiger. I safely took another girl, one of my relative's daughters who was sleeping, out of the house and locked the room,' Mahto said. Mahto added he called one of his relatives and told him about the situation and he informed the officials concerned
