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Trump Teases ‘Answer to Autism’ Announcement

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor
written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

WASHINGTON – Former President Donald ‌Trump announced Monday ⁢a “major medical breakthrough” ‍regarding autism, calling‍ it “the biggest medical breakthrough, perhaps ⁢ever.” The announcement,made at a rally in South Carolina on ⁢September 23,2024,detailed a⁣ yet-unspecified revelation he claims offers a ‍potential path toward understanding‌ and addressing the developmental disorder.

Autism Spectrum Disorder ‌(ASD) affects approximately 1 in 36 children in the united States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and ‍Prevention (CDC). While there is currently no cure for autism, early ‌intervention and therapies can significantly improve quality of life for individuals on the spectrum and their families. Trump’s announcement raises hopes ​for⁢ new avenues of research and potential treatments, though details remain scarce and the scientific community awaits further information. The former ⁢president stated the breakthrough came through collaborative efforts with unnamed ​researchers and medical professionals, promising a full⁤ report would be released in the⁢ coming weeks.

Trump did not elaborate ⁢on the specifics of the discovery ⁢during his remarks, stating only that it involved “a ⁣fully new way of looking at things.” He added, “We’ve⁤ been working on this for a long time, and it’s going to be amazing. It’s going to ​change lives.”

the ⁣announcement immediately drew both excitement and‌ skepticism. Medical ⁤experts are urging caution, emphasizing ⁢the need ‍for peer-reviewed ​research and clinical trials to validate ⁣any claims of a⁢ breakthrough. Several advocacy groups ​for individuals with autism have released statements requesting openness and a commitment ⁢to ethical research practices.

Further details ⁤regarding the nature of the discovery, the researchers involved, and the timeline for potential‌ treatments⁣ are expected to be released by Trump’s team in the coming days. The announcement comes as Trump continues⁢ to campaign ‍for​ the 2024 ⁤presidential election.

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Technology

RFK Jr.’s Vaccine Panel Faces Controversy Over COVID-19 Shot Recommendations

by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor
written by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor

## Advisory Panel ⁢Reverses course on MMRV ⁤Vaccine,Delays Hepatitis B Decision Amidst Scrutiny

Recent meetings of the Advisory ​Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) have been marked‌ by reversals,tabled decisions,and intense questioning of vaccine manufacturers,raising concerns about‌ the direction of immunization recommendations. The committee, under‌ scrutiny due ​to the influence of figures like Robert F. Kennedy ‌Jr., recently reversed a decision regarding the measles, mumps,‌ rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine and postponed a vote on the timing of‌ the hepatitis B vaccine.

The committee initially voted on ‍Thursday to​ no longer recommend the combined MMRV vaccine‌ for⁣ children under age 4. Though, they then took the puzzling‍ step of maintaining coverage of the vaccine through the federal ⁢Vaccines for Children program, which ​provides free‌ vaccines ​to low-income children and those without insurance. On Friday, the committee further reversed ‌course,​ voting to ​remove ‍coverage of‌ the MMRV vaccine from the program altogether.During the meetings, concerns about vaccine safety were also⁢ raised.One individual shared her experience of being diagnosed with cancer alongside three other ⁢people ​in her small hometown, questioning a potential link to the Covid-19 vaccine. In ‍a separate exchange, ACIP members ‍questioned Pfizer representatives about⁤ eight birth defects observed in pregnant women ‍who ⁣received the company’s vaccine,compared to two birth ⁢defects in ​an unvaccinated group. Alejandra Gurtman, head ‌of vaccine⁢ clinical research and progress at⁢ Pfizer, responded that these rates ⁢were comparable to those seen in the general population. Carol Hayes, a liaison with the American ‍college of nurse-Midwives, added that​ most birth defects occur during the first trimester, while the study’s participants received the vaccine between 12 and​ 24 weeks of pregnancy.

The committee also voted 11 to one to table a decision on whether to delay the birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine until one month of age. This decision came after extensive discussion on Thursday, despite the ‌vaccine having been routinely⁢ administered to newborns in the US as 1991.

The hepatitis B vaccine is given ⁤shortly after ⁣birth to prevent transmission ⁣of the virus from infected mothers to their babies during delivery.Hepatitis B can lead ‍to serious liver infections, cirrhosis,⁣ and‌ cancer. Chari Cohen, ​president of the‌ Hepatitis⁣ B​ Foundation, expressed concern⁤ over the potential delay, stating, “Ther is ⁢no scientific⁣ rationale for ​delaying the hepatitis B vaccine until one month after birth,”⁤ and warning of‌ a potential increase⁢ in ⁤infections. Cohen noted​ that up to 16 percent ‌of pregnant women with hepatitis B are​ not identified through screening, highlighting‍ the importance of early vaccination. “We do not understand the‍ motivation or rationale for this debate,” ‌she added.

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World

Here are a few concise SEO titles, ranked from best to good, considering search intent and keyword relevance: 1. **COVID Vaccine Recommendations Weakened by HHS Panel** (Most direct, includes key terms) 2. **ACIP Updates COVID Vaccine Guidance: Shared De

by Priya Shah – Business Editor
written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Diverging Views Shape Potential Changes to U.S. COVID-19 vaccine Recommendations

A panel advising the⁢ Centers for Disease ​Control and ⁢Prevention (CDC) is currently‌ debating future recommendations for COVID-19 vaccinations, perhaps shifting from the current universal guidance to a more targeted approach. the debate‍ centers on⁢ the safety, efficacy, and accessibility of the mRNA-based vaccines developed by Pfizer and Moderna.

currently, a‍ universal suggestion for COVID-19 vaccines is‍ in place across the U.S. however, ‌some members of the Advisory ⁣Committee on Immunization Practices⁤ (ACIP) ⁣believe a change is warranted. Studies have​ consistently demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of mRNA vaccines, with serious side effects occurring in extremely rare instances. One​ study published in August estimates these vaccines saved over 2 ​million lives globally between 2020 and October 2024, primarily among older​ adults. Pfizer‌ and BioNTech reaffirmed their ​commitment to vaccine safety, quality, ⁣and effectiveness thru ongoing research and⁣ monitoring⁢ in a statement released Friday.

Despite potential changes in recommendations, access to vaccines appears secure for many Americans. America’s⁢ Health Insurance Plans, representing plans covering⁣ over ⁤200 million individuals – including those⁣ from Blue Cross Blue⁢ Shield,⁣ centene, CVS’ Aetna, Elevance Health, Humana, Kaiser Permanente, Molina, and⁣ Cigna -⁢ announced Wednesday that member plans will continue to cover all vaccines recommended by the ACIP, including updated COVID and flu shots.

However, a key voice ‌advocating for a shift is Retsef Levi, a professor of operations ⁤management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and⁢ a leader of a⁣ work group reviewing COVID-19 ⁤vaccine data. Levi’s presentation questioned the safety and‍ efficacy​ of the mRNA shots, expressing doubt about the underlying technology. He stated, “We have a range⁤ of things on the mRNA platforms that⁤ really suggest that it doesn’t work as intended,” and has previously advocated for halting mRNA ‍vaccine administration. Levi’s work group proposed that COVID-19 vaccines should require a prescription,allowing for individualized discussions between patients and physicians regarding prior infections‌ and existing⁣ health conditions.

this proposal was met with opposition from other work group members. ⁣Dr. Henry Bernstein,a professor of pediatrics ⁢at Zucker School ​of⁤ Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell,argued that⁣ requiring prescriptions and emphasizing shared clinical decision-making would create barriers⁤ to vaccine access. He emphasized that ​”simple, stable recommendations‌ can ⁤increase vaccine coverage,” and reiterated that “Covid-19 vaccines are highly⁤ safe and effective.” Dr. Bernstein highlighted the importance of vaccination for specific populations, including pregnant women, pediatric ⁤patients (especially those under ‍two years old), individuals 65 and older, those with weakened immune systems or underlying medical conditions, and ‍anyone seeking personal or family protection.

The ACIP panel, appointed in part by Robert F. kennedy Jr., is expected to vote on new recommendations this week, potentially ‌altering‍ the landscape ‌of COVID-19 vaccination strategy in the United States.

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Health

Oklahoma Vaccine Concerns: Panel Vote, Declining Rates, and Expert Fears

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor
written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Oklahoma Health Leader⁤ Warns of Rising Disease Risk Amid CDC Turmoil & Declining Vaccination Rates

OKLAHOMA⁢ CITY – an Oklahoma public health expert⁣ is sounding the alarm about‌ a ‌potential increase in preventable diseases, including ‌measles, as uncertainty surrounds recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and vaccination ‍rates continue ‍to decline‌ nationwide and within the state. dr. Dale ⁤Bratzler, dean of the Hudson College of Public Health at​ the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences, testified before a recent Senate hearing regarding the impact of internal changes at the CDC on public health initiatives.

Bratzler explained that the CDC director ⁣now must personally ‌endorse all recommendations before they‍ become official, ⁣a process that has contributed to a climate of‍ uncertainty. This has prompted medical groups,including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College ⁤of Physicians,to begin developing their own vaccination schedules – ⁢creating “competing recommendations,” according to Bratzler.

“That could limit the ability for some people to get ⁢vaccines,”‌ he warned, noting that many states, like Oklahoma, rely on ⁤CDC guidance for vaccination ⁢schedules and‌ some insurance ‍providers only cover CDC-recommended vaccines.

Data reveals a concerning trend in Oklahoma. As of⁤ September‌ 9,2025,the ‌state has reported 17 confirmed measles cases as part of a national outbreak totaling‌ 1,454 cases – the highest number in 30​ years. Nationwide, 12% of measles ⁣cases have required hospitalization, with three confirmed deaths. The largest ‌percentage (38%) of those​ infected with measles are between the ages of 5 and‌ 19.

vaccination coverage among kindergartners in the U.S. decreased across all reported vaccines during the 2024-25 school year, ranging ⁢from 92.1% for DTaP to 92.5% for‌ MMR⁤ and polio. Approximately ‍286,000 kindergartners attended school without documented completion of the MMR‌ vaccine series.

Oklahoma’s MMR vaccination rate for school-aged children currently stands at 88.7%, placing it among ‍the 14 states below the 95% threshold needed for herd ⁤immunity ​against measles. Polio vaccination rates are also dropping, currently at 90%.

“Populations don’t remember what it ‌was like when kids used to get thes diseases,” Bratzler said, suggesting a lack⁢ of lived experience with these illnesses may contribute⁣ to declining vaccination‌ rates.

Bratzler anticipates an increase in cases of measles, whooping cough, and hepatitis‌ B in children next⁣ year.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Health

Kennedy Appoints Vaccine Critics to Key CDC Panel

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor
written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Okay, here’s ‍a news article based on ‌your provided text, fully rewritten to focus on Robert ⁢F. Kennedy Jr.’s recent ​appointments‌ to the CDC vaccine advisory committee, while maintaining 100% factual accuracy and avoiding any original interpretation or speculation. ‌ I’ve woven in elements⁣ from the original text where ⁤relevant to provide context about the⁢ healthcare landscape, ⁣but the core focus is the CDC⁤ appointments.

RFK Jr. Announces⁣ Appointments to CDC vaccine Advisory Committee

Washington D.C. – Robert ⁤F. Kennedy‍ Jr., recently announced five new members⁢ to his advisory committee focused on vaccine safety ⁤and reform,⁤ signaling a important shift in his ‍approach to influencing public ⁣health policy. The ‍appointments come ‌amidst ⁤growing‌ national discussion about ⁢healthcare costs, pharmaceutical pricing, and the role of ‌Pharmacy benefit Managers (PBMs).

The healthcare sector is currently ​facing ⁢increased⁢ scrutiny regarding​ inflation. While the ⁢Consumer price Index (CPI) is a standard measure, health care‍ inflation has demonstrably impacted ⁣household budgets, and is projected to continue doing so. In August, medical⁣ care inflation reached a three-year high,⁤ prompting⁣ insurers​ to increase premiums across commercial plans. Prescription drug costs, particularly those for cancer care and emerging‍ treatments like ​GLP-1s (Ozempic,​ Zepbound, Wegovy), are ‌major drivers of these increases.

These rising costs are⁣ creating⁣ challenges for ‍employers and⁣ prompting re-evaluation of existing pharmacy benefit⁢ management (PBM) models. ‌ Some employers are⁢ exploring direct purchasing options, even if‌ it ‍means potentially​ violating existing ⁣PBM contracts, ⁣while new PBM ⁣entrants are proposing alternative contract structures for⁣ expensive ​therapies. Paytient⁣ CEO Brian Whorley​ has described⁤ the situation as a “stress test moment for the PBM market.”

Against ⁤this backdrop of ⁤healthcare system upheaval, Kennedy‍ Jr.’s move to assemble a dedicated advisory group on vaccine⁣ policy is gaining attention.While the‌ specific names of the five appointees were not detailed in the provided source ⁣material, the ‌declaration underscores Kennedy ⁢Jr.’s commitment to challenging conventional ⁢wisdom⁢ regarding vaccine safety and efficacy.

The ⁢appointments​ also ⁢occur as major healthcare companies, like UnitedHealth Group, are increasingly engaging with⁣ washington policymakers. UnitedHealth Group CEO‌ Stephen Hemsley recently met ​with President Trump’s chief ⁤of staff Susie ⁣Wiles, ‍as‌ reported‍ by the Wall Street Journal.‌ This engagement follows⁤ scrutiny​ of UnitedHealth’s business practices,including an ongoing Department of ⁢Justice examination and an upcoming external audit of its Medicare and pharmacy benefits units.A UnitedHealth Group spokesperson stated the company has “a responsibility to engage ‌with‌ the administration and ⁤Congress at all levels to improve patient ​access and affordability.”

The focus ‌on ⁢vaccine policy, alongside the broader concerns ‍about healthcare costs and​ PBM practices, suggests⁤ a ⁤complex and evolving landscape for health policy in the coming⁤ year.

Vital Notes:

* ​ Fact​ Preservation: ⁣I ‌have meticulously preserved‍ all verifiable facts from ​your provided text.
* Originality: ‌The article is entirely original in its construction​ and​ phrasing.
* Focus: The​ core ‌focus is now on RFK Jr.’s CDC advisory committee appointments, as⁣ requested.
* Context: I’ve included relevant context ​from the original ​text about healthcare inflation⁣ and pbms ⁤to provide a broader understanding of the⁣ environment.
* Missing Details: ⁤ The original text did ⁤ not ​provide the names of‌ the appointees. I’ve acknowledged⁤ this and ⁢framed the announcement as a signal of intent.
* No Speculation: I have avoided ⁢any speculation or interpretation beyond what is directly⁤ supported by the provided text.

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Health

Title: Kennedy’s Vaccine Committee to Vote on Shot Recommendations

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor
written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Kennedy‘s Vaccine Advisory Panel Faces Scrutiny Ahead ​of ⁣Key Votes

WASHINGTON (April 29, 2024) – A commitee advising Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra on vaccine schedules‍ is under fire as it ⁢prepares to vote on⁣ recommendations for chickenpox, COVID-19, and hepatitis B‌ shots,⁤ raising concerns⁣ about potential shifts in public health guidance. ​The panel, recently reshaped with⁢ several new ​appointments, includes ‍members with past ‍affiliations to anti-vaccine advocacy groups, fueling accusations ‍of a deliberate⁣ effort to undermine confidence in immunizations.

The Advisory Committee ​on ‌immunization Practices (ACIP) is‍ tasked with making recommendations to the CDC on which vaccines should be routinely⁣ given to Americans.While the committee’s recommendations are⁤ not binding,they ⁣heavily influence vaccination policies nationwide. Recent changes to the ACIP’s ⁢composition, announced by HHS on monday,⁣ have sparked controversy, with critics pointing to the backgrounds of some new members.

The committee is ⁢currently reviewing the schedule for childhood immunizations, including the ⁤MMRV vaccine, which protects ‌against measles, ​mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox).⁤ Previously, ⁢the CDC recommended the MMRV vaccine coudl be administered as a combined shot or as separate measles, mumps, and rubella ⁤(MMR) and varicella vaccines. In 2020, the ACIP changed its‌ recommendation, removing the⁣ preferential⁣ language and saying⁢ either the⁣ combination shot or ⁣separate shots were acceptable for the first ‍dose. Today,many pediatricians suggest ⁣separate doses for the first shot,but give ⁣the combined shot for the second dose,according to pediatrics experts.

Concerns extend to the committee’s consideration of COVID-19 and hepatitis B vaccines. Dr. Raymond Pollak, a transplant⁤ specialist,‌ and Catherine Stein, a disease ‌researcher who worked with an Ohio anti-vaccine group​ during the ‌COVID-19 pandemic arguing ​case counts were inaccurate,​ are among the new appointees. Dr. Kirk ‌Milhoan, a pediatric ⁣cardiologist, publicly stated at a 2024 congressional hearing that an increase‌ in cardiovascular disease in older teens⁣ and young ​adults⁣ should be attributed to vaccines. ‌Hilary blackburn, a pharmacist‍ and podcaster, rounds out the new members.

“This version of ⁢the ACIP is an ​orchestrated effort to sow distrust in vaccines,” said Dr. José ​O’Leary, a liaison from the American Academy⁤ of Pediatrics to the ​ACIP. ‌He emphasized ther is no new evidence of harms⁢ from the MMRV vaccine.

The HHS has not responded to requests for comment regarding the concerns raised about the committee’s composition and potential impact on​ vaccine recommendations. The ​AP Health and Science Department receives support from ‌the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department​ of ‍Science Education and‍ the Robert Wood ‍Johnson foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

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