Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

ACIP Shifts​ Hepatitis B⁤ Vaccination Guidance‍ Towards Individualized Approach

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recently voted to ​recommend a shift in hepatitis B vaccination ​strategy, moving towards individual-based decision-making for infants. This approach, termed “shared clinical ⁣decision-making” by the ⁢CDC, emphasizes a collaborative discussion between ⁤parents and healthcare providers regarding the benefits, risks, and potential infection risks relevant to ‌each child. Parents will ultimately decide, ‌in consultation with their provider, when or if to begin‍ the hepatitis B vaccine series,​ with ⁣a minimum age of two months recommended for the initial dose.

This change acknowledges that the contribution of the ​worldwide birth dose⁣ to the decline in acute hepatitis B cases‍ is likely small, as highlighted in a‌ presentation ⁤by Cynthia Nevison, Ph.D., detailing the disease burden since 1985. Declines ⁣in transmission ⁢are largely attributed to advancements in blood screening,improved dialysis practices,and‍ needle ⁣exchange programs. Data indicates that a notable risk factor for newborn infection stems from⁣ mothers testing positive for the hepatitis B surface antigen, notably women born outside the U.S. ‍from countries ⁣with high hepatitis B prevalence ​(approximately 0.5% ⁢of U.S.pregnancies).

ACIP also⁤ recommended ​that healthcare providers consider testing antibody levels to the hepatitis surface antigen in children to assess ​the adequacy of protection following vaccination, again emphasizing a⁢ personalized approach.

The United States’ current practice of universal hepatitis B⁤ vaccination at birth is noted as an outlier⁢ among​ developed nations with low prevalence of the virus. The committee’s ‍discussions ​were informed by presentations on disease burden, vaccine safety, national immunization policies, and‍ briefings from vaccine‍ manufacturers.

These recommendations will ⁢maintain consistent coverage across various⁣ payment mechanisms,including‌ the Vaccines for Children Program,Children’s Health Insurance Program,Medicaid,and medicare,as well as private insurance plans. ‍Furthermore, ACIP voted to recommend universal⁣ testing⁣ for the hepatitis B virus in all pregnant women, a test already covered by​ all insurance ​programs.

A final advice from ACIP requires adoption by the CDC Director to become part of the official CDC ​immunization schedule. Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services and CDC Acting Director‌ Jim O’Neill⁢ praised⁤ the committee’s thorough and informed discussion regarding ⁣early vaccination.

“Go to Hell,You Scoundrels” Returns Uncut in 4K After decades of Censorship

Sergio Corbucci‘s 1973 spaghetti western,”Go to Hell,You Scoundrels” (original Italian title: Preparati la bara!),is now available uncut in 4K for the first time,restoring 20 minutes of footage previously removed by German censors. The film, starring Alain Delon, was originally heavily cut due to its graphic violence and perceived glorification of it, prompting criticism from groups like the Evangelical Film Observer, who deemed it “brutal and cynical.”

The restoration is notable as it allows modern audiences to experience Corbucci’s original vision – a complex anti-authoritarian and anti-capitalist statement disguised as a violent western. Corbucci himself intended the film as a critique of both the wealthy elite and the hippie movement, a nuance lost on many contemporary critics. The original cuts removed not only violent imagery but also scenes crucial to understanding Corbucci’s intended message.

Originally planned as a vehicle for Lee Van Cleef, the project nearly collapsed after a falling out between the actor and Corbucci. Producer Edmond Tenoudji intervened, successfully advocating for Alain Delon to take the lead role.The film features the memorable line, “Corpses pave his path,” and Delon’s character delivering the titular threat, “Go to hell, you scoundrels.”

The uncut 4K release offers a rare possibility to view a historically censored film as the director intended,providing a deeper understanding of its thematic complexities and challenging its initial critical reception. The release is available on Ultra Blu-ray via Amazon.de.

Michigan State University’s College of Human‍ Medicine is expanding it’s clinical training program with a new partnership with​ Munson ⁣Healthcare‍ Cadillac Hospital. The collaboration will place third and fourth-year medical⁤ students at⁣ the northern Michigan facility for‍ rotations, offering ⁣immersive, real-world experience​ in a ‌rural healthcare setting.

The partnership addresses a critical need for physicians in⁤ rural ‌communities across Michigan. By providing hands-on training in​ locations like Cadillac, MSU aims to encourage future doctors to practice in underserved areas. Students completing rotations will also earn a Rural Community Health certificate and have opportunities to engage with ​local ‍hospital and city officials. currently,one student,Britton Michmerhuizen,is completing rotations in Cadillac,with plans to host two to four students annually.”This is a great opportunity for our medical students to be able to train directly in our rural setting,” said ⁤David Klee, the community assistant campus dean for the Traverse City campus.

MSU’s College of Human Medicine utilizes a unique training model where students spend their first two years on campus followed⁤ by clinical rotations at eight medical clinics throughout the‌ state, including existing ‍rural ⁤sites in‌ Ludington, Charlevoix,⁣ Grayling, and Alpena.

Klee emphasized the program’s broader goal: ‌”The goal is to get (students)​ to understand how marvelous⁤ our rural⁤ communities are. When they go off​ to residency, they’ll come ⁤back and practice in our rural communities.” Further details about the partnership are available in​ an MSU press release.

Autism Advocates Mobilize Against Misinformation‌ Under New HHS Secretary

autism advocacy groups are actively working to counter what they describe as a surge of misinformation regarding vaccines and autism, notably following the confirmation⁣ of Xavier Becerra as Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary and ⁣the subsequent actions taken ⁢during and after the Trump administration. Advocates⁤ express concern over⁤ Becerra’s past statements and actions, and are working to‌ maintain access to policymakers⁣ and promote accurate details.

One organization, the Autism Society of Greater New Orleans, has ‌seen positive results from practical support ⁢initiatives.According‌ to Executive Director Claire Tibbetts, ⁣”People told us that the kits completely changed ⁣their experiences with vaccines,” with both‌ children and adults with autism ⁢experiencing “less fear and anxiety around the‌ physical ⁣experience of getting vaccines.”

However, advocates are increasingly focused on systemic issues. A significant barrier ⁣to care is the lengthy wait time ⁣for an autism diagnosis,particularly for those on Medicaid in areas like Greater New Orleans,where patients currently⁢ face a two-year wait due to a shortage of providers accepting Medicaid⁣ for testing. This delay ⁣is far longer than the national average of ⁣approximately three months to schedule an appointment, a ⁤timeframe advocates and⁢ medical professionals still consider too extensive. Without a formal diagnosis, autistic individuals are unable to access crucial developmental disability services, including in-home support, childcare, and respite care.

Advocates are responding by increasing pressure on elected officials,with some calling for Becerra’s removal. This push⁤ comes after a period of regular dialogue with the health department during both ​the Trump and Biden administrations was disrupted in January when Trump appointees laid off thousands of⁤ staffers at the​ agency, effectively silencing advocates’ voices.

“We have requested meetings with HHS staff ⁤and hope we can get those meetings so that we‌ can⁣ engage directly with people both ‍at the NIH and CDC about the vaccine question and other questions pertaining to responsible⁤ autism research,” stated Jill Escher, president of the National Council on Severe Autism.

Other advocates are taking their message directly to ⁣Capitol Hill. Tonya Haynes of Autism Speaks​ regularly accompanies her 25-year-old autistic son, Tyler, to deliver ⁤speeches about his prosperous experience graduating college and securing employment. Haynes emphasized the power of ​personal connection, stating, “It’s one thing to read about Tyler’s​ story or to be told about tyler’s‌ story, but when individuals are​ able to see Tyler in person, the impact is instant.”

The situation was⁤ further complicated by a pledge made to Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) during becerra’s⁢ confirmation process. To secure Cassidy’s deciding vote, Becerra agreed to ⁣maintain the CDC webpage explicitly ​stating that vaccines do not cause autism. However, advocates are now expressing concern⁣ that this promise has ⁣been broken. While Senator Cassidy has expressed shock, ⁣he has so far refrained from ​directly challenging Becerra.

Tibbetts and ‍her team ‍are continuing to meet with Cassidy’s office to share information and combat misinformation. She stressed the harm caused by framing autism as a disease to be eradicated, stating, “It hurts⁤ autistic people living their lives right now.” The ongoing ​efforts demonstrate the commitment of autism advocates to ensuring accurate information and access to vital services for the autistic community.