New york, NY – Preschool teachers play a pivotal role in fostering physical activity in young children, according to new research highlighting the importance of educator engagement and a supportive learning environment. The study underscores that teachers aren’t just facilitators of activity,
Helsinki, finland – As schools reopen and workplaces repopulate following the summer break, Finland is bracing for a rise in infectious diseases, prompting the Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) to recommend a new dose of the coronavirus vaccine for vulnerable populations this autumn. While the current infection situation remains relatively calm, health officials anticipate an increase in respiratory viruses, including the coronavirus and influenza, in the coming months.
The seasonal uptick in illnesses is a common occurrence following the summer, but proactive vaccination is crucial for protecting those most at risk. THL specifically advises individuals over the age of 75, as well as those with compromised immune systems or pre-existing conditions that elevate their risk of severe coronavirus disease, to receive a booster dose. This proposal comes even as overall infection rates are currently low.
“Viruses that cause colds and respiratory infections are increasing, and the Coronavirus is one of them,” stated Aurora Djupsjöbacka, an infectious protection physician at THL. While precise data on common cold viruses is limited due to reduced testing, officials are monitoring the situation closely.
Influenza infections are expected to peak later in the year, typically between January and February. THL recommends flu vaccination for all individuals over 65, pregnant peopel, children under seven, and those in risk groups. The availability of vaccines and further guidance will be announced as the vaccination season approaches.
Health Expert Urges Senator Cassidy to Intervene Over RFK Jr.’s HHS Actions
WASHINGTON – A longtime network television medical editor and founding editor of the Harvard Medical School Health Letter is imploring Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) to fulfill a pledge made prior to confirming Robert F. Kennedy jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). The expert is raising alarm over recent decisions made by Kennedy that directly contradict assurances Cassidy gave regarding vaccine access and research.
Prior to KennedyS confirmation,Cassidy stated he would “use [his] authority as chairman of the Senate committee with oversight of HHS to rebuff any attempt to remove the public’s access to life-saving vaccines without iron-clad,causational,scientific evidence.” He also affirmed Kennedy would “maintain the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s advisory committee on immunization practices’ recommendations without changes.”
Though, as Kennedy’s appointment, he has dismissed the longstanding members of the CDC committee advising on vaccines and announced a nearly $500 million cut to goverment funding for mRNA vaccine research and development. Kennedy stated in a social media video last month that HHS had “resolute that mRNA technology poses more risk than benefits for these respiratory viruses,” a claim disputed by numerous vaccine experts.
Dr. Michael Osterholm, a renowned public health expert, called the funding cut “one of the worst decisions I’ve seen in 50 years of public health preparedness work.” Experts also highlight the broader potential of mRNA technology beyond COVID-19 vaccines, including potential applications in cancer treatments.
The health expert, writing directly to Cassidy as “one physician to another,” is pleading with the Senator to “do what you know in your physician’s heart is the right thing to do: use that authority as you promised, and call your committee into action before it is indeed too late, and too many lives might potentially be unnecessarily lost.”
## defiant RFK Jr. Questions Vaccine Data, Defends Record Under Bipartisan Senate Grilling
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced a challenging confirmation hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Committee on Thursday, defending his vaccine policies and record while fielding criticism from both sides of the aisle. The hearing centered on Kennedy’s stance on vaccine safety, access, and data, as well as his recent personnel decisions at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The hearing was sparked, in part, by claims from former CDC Director Susan Monarez, who alleged she was forced out after refusing to recommend individuals “who have publicly expressed antivaccine rhetoric” for a key vaccine advisory panel. Kennedy directly disputed Monarez’s account, stating she was untrustworthy when he asked her directly, and claiming she told him, “no.” He asserted that the changes at the CDC were “absolutely necessary” and that his administration had “depoliticized it and put great scientists on it from a very diverse group, very, very pro-vaccine.”
During questioning, Senator Bill Cassidy, a physician, challenged Kennedy on recent policy changes that have limited access to COVID-19 vaccines. Cassidy cited a report from a physician freind indicating that patients 65 and older now require a prescription to receive a COVID-19 shot. “I would say effectively we are denying people vaccines,” Cassidy stated. Kennedy responded, “You’re wrong.”
New federal guidelines, approved last week, require adults younger than 65 who are otherwise healthy to consult with a healthcare provider before vaccination, a move that has demonstrably made it more tough to access the COVID-19 vaccine.
Kennedy also faced questions regarding the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines. when asked if he knew how many lives the vaccines had saved, he admitted, “I have no idea how many lives it saved, but it saved quite a few,” citing “data chaos” within the federal agency.This statement contrasts with research estimating that nearly 20 million lives were saved by the COVID-19 vaccines in their first year of availability.
The hearing also touched on Kennedy’s views on past administration efforts. He surprisingly stated, “Absolutely,” when asked by Cassidy if he believed President Trump deserved a Nobel Prize for Operation Warp Speed, the initiative that accelerated the development of COVID-19 vaccines and treatments. Cassidy expressed surprise, noting Kennedy’s seeming efforts to restrict vaccine access and his decision to cancel $500 million in contracts for mRNA vaccine technology development – a key component of Operation Warp Speed.
Kennedy’s positions have drawn important reaction beyond Capitol Hill. Over 1,000 employees at the health agency and national health organizations have called for his resignation. In response, Florida announced plans to become the first state to end all vaccine mandates, including for schoolchildren. California, Washington, and oregon have formed an alliance to address concerns about the federal public health agency, focusing on ensuring public access to credible vaccine information.
Despite the criticism, Kennedy maintained his stance, stating, “I am not going to sign on to something if I can’t make it with scientific certainty.It doesn’t mean I am antivax, it just means I am pro-science.” He reiterated his commitment to ensuring the public has access to reliable information regarding vaccine safety and efficacy.
Togo Launches Nationwide Malaria Vaccination Campaign, Prioritizing Children Under Five
Lomé, Togo – In a significant step towards combating malaria, Togo today began administering the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine nationwide, aiming to protect approximately 269,000 children under five years old. The rollout is a collaborative effort between the Togolese government and key global health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, alongside other technical and financial partners.
Malaria remains a major public health challenge in Togo, with cases peaking during the rainy season due to increased mosquito populations. Children are disproportionately affected, accounting for 64% of confirmed malaria cases, 32% of outpatient consultations, and 53% of hospitalizations in 2022.Tragically, hospital mortality rates for this age group reached 65% last year, underscoring the urgent need for preventative measures like vaccination. This initiative marks Togo as the 22nd country in Africa to integrate the R21/Matrix-M vaccine into its routine immunization program.
The Togolese government has demonstrated a strong commitment to malaria control, allocating $271.7 million to its National Malaria Control Plan. The introduction of this vaccine builds upon existing interventions, such as insecticide-treated nets and prompt diagnostic testing and treatment, to further reduce the burden of the disease and save lives. The campaign will be closely monitored to assess its impact and inform future malaria prevention strategies.
adapted in English by Mouka Mezonlin
HONOLULU, HI – Despite recent changes in federal guidance regarding COVID-19 vaccinations, Hawaii’s major health insurers – HMSA, Kaiser, UHA, and AlohaCare – will maintain their current policies and continue to cover the vaccinations for all individuals six months and older, at no cost.
The decision comes as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suggested that healthy children and adults may not require the shots. Public health advocates have expressed approval of the insurers’ stance.
Dr. Jack lewin, former Hawaii Health Director and current health care policy advisor to Governor Josh Green, stated he was “relieved” by the insurers’ commitment. “The insurance companies are acting in good faith in our state, and I’m grateful for that,” he said.
While coverage will remain in place, some insurers may require a doctor’s suggestion for vaccination.
Though, healthcare providers anticipate a critically important decrease in demand for the vaccine.Dr. Scott Miscovich of Premier Health Group, a leading provider of COVID testing and vaccination, predicts a 30% reduction in vaccinations within Hawaii, and as much as 50% across the rest of the nation. He voiced concern that individuals with underlying health conditions, such as asthma, obesity, or diabetes, may forgo vaccination, increasing their risk of severe illness.
Pharmacies and providers are facing a financial risk as insurers only reimburse for administered doses, leaving them potentially burdened with unused and costly vaccine inventory. Dr.Cory lehano of Mauliola Pharmacy on Maui noted the cost of a single box of vaccine can reach $3,000, a significant expense for smaller practices.
Providers are currently assessing how much vaccine to order, balancing the potential for demand with the risk of financial loss due to unused stock. A decline in vaccine orders statewide could potentially create access challenges for patients seeking vaccination.
Source: Hawaii news Now article published [Date of original article – if available, otherwise omit].
