In a pivotal moment for U.S. public health policy, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is poised to redefine its vaccination guidelines under the leadership of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. A newly appointed advisory committee, handpicked by Kennedy, is set to convene on September 18 and 19, 2025, to deliberate on critical vaccine recommendations, including those for hepatitis B, measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV), and COVID-19. This meeting follows Kennedy’s controversial decision earlier this year to dismiss all 17 members of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and replace them with a smaller, 12-member panel. The new committee, chaired by Martin Kulldorff, a biostatistician and epidemiologist known for his opposition to COVID-19 lockdowns, has already stirred debate. Among the key issues on the agenda is the potential delay of the hepatitis B vaccine for newborns, a move that has drawn criticism from medical experts who argue that the birth dose has been instrumental in reducing hepatitis B infections. The committee will also review the use of a combined MMRV vaccine, which has been linked to a higher risk of seizures in young children compared to separate MMR and varicella vaccines. The reshuffling of the CDC’s leadership and advisory panels has raised concerns among public health officials, with some accusing Kennedy of prioritizing ideology over science. The meeting comes amid broader turmoil at the CDC, including the resignation of several senior officials who cited fears that policy decisions were being predetermined without adequate scientific review. As the nation watches, the outcome of these deliberations could mark a significant shift in U.S. vaccination policy, with far-reaching implications for public health.
分类： health
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US Democratic Senator asks health insurers to commit to covering vaccines
U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) has taken a proactive stance in ensuring continued access to routine vaccinations, sending letters to major health insurers ahead of a pivotal meeting of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). In the letters, Schiff urged companies such as UnitedHealth Group, CVS Health, Elevance Health, Cigna, and Kaiser to publicly commit to covering vaccines for illnesses like measles and COVID-19, regardless of the committee’s recommendations. He emphasized that patients should not face out-of-pocket costs for these essential immunizations. Schiff’s move comes in response to recent changes within the ACIP, which have caused confusion among patients and healthcare providers. In May, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a known vaccine skeptic, announced that the CDC would no longer recommend the COVID-19 vaccine for healthy pregnant women and children. This decision, coupled with Kennedy’s replacement of ACIP members with less experienced or skeptical individuals, has raised concerns about the committee’s credibility. Schiff highlighted that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandates private insurers to cover vaccines recommended by the ACIP, but the statute did not anticipate the committee’s overhaul. In response, some states have allowed pharmacies to follow guidance from medical organizations like the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Meanwhile, America’s Health Insurance Plans has assured that coverage for previously recommended vaccines will continue through the end of 2025. The ACIP is set to review recommendations for COVID-19, Hepatitis B, and the measles-mumps-rubella-varicella vaccines on September 18 and 19. Schiff’s initiative underscores the importance of maintaining evidence-based vaccine policies and ensuring public access to critical healthcare services.
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Kennedy is rewriting US vaccine policy — fast and on his terms
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is aggressively advancing sweeping changes to the nation’s vaccine policies, despite significant opposition from scientists, lawmakers, and public health experts. Since taking office, Kennedy has restricted eligibility for COVID-19 vaccines, removed the country’s top public health official, expanded federal support for state-level vaccine exemptions, dismantled the vaccine recommendation review process, and reshaped a national vaccine advisory board with like-minded experts. These actions have drawn sharp criticism from medical societies, Democrats in Congress, and even members of Kennedy’s own family, who have called for his removal. Public health leaders warn that his policies could restrict access to critical vaccines for children, potentially reversing decades of progress in immunization. Kennedy’s supporters, however, argue that his efforts aim to restore public trust in health agencies and promote greater scrutiny of vaccine safety. The ongoing debate comes as a Kennedy-appointed advisory board prepares to vote on potential changes to childhood vaccine recommendations, a decision that could have far-reaching implications for public health nationwide.
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US vaccine panel to vote on the use of combined measles shot this week
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is set to host a pivotal meeting this week, where vaccine advisers will vote on a proposal to eliminate recommendations for the combined measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine for children under four. This decision comes amid heightened scrutiny from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has long questioned vaccine safety despite overwhelming scientific evidence to the contrary. Kennedy has promoted the unfounded claim that the MMRV vaccine is linked to autism, a theory repeatedly debunked by rigorous scientific studies. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will convene on September 18-19 to deliberate on the proposal, as outlined in a draft agenda on the CDC’s website. The meeting follows Kennedy’s controversial decision in June to dismiss all 17 ACIP members and appoint eight new advisers, some of whom have previously opposed vaccines. Since assuming his role under the Trump administration, Kennedy has initiated a review of vaccine policies, including the measles shot, which remains the most effective method to prevent the highly contagious and potentially deadly virus. Currently, the CDC recommends that children under four receive separate doses of the MMR and varicella vaccines, with the MMRV vaccine preferred for older children. This year, the U.S. has reported 1,454 measles cases, the highest in over three decades, underscoring the urgency of the debate. The MMRV vaccine is marketed in the U.S. by pharmaceutical giants Merck and GSK, with Merck also offering the ProQuad shot, which protects against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella.
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Fired CDC director says Kennedy plans to change children’s vaccine schedule
In a revealing Senate hearing on September 17, former CDC Director Susan Monarez detailed her contentious interactions with U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which ultimately led to her dismissal. Monarez testified before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, shedding light on Kennedy’s demands for pre-approval of changes to the childhood vaccination schedule without scientific review. Kennedy allegedly insisted on blanket approval of recommendations from the agency’s vaccine advisory board and required Monarez to seek political staff approval for her decisions, actions she resisted to maintain the CDC’s scientific integrity. Monarez was fired on August 28 after just 29 days in office, a move that has sparked widespread criticism and led to the resignation of four CDC officials. The hearing also highlighted the broader debate over U.S. vaccination policy, with Kennedy advocating for reduced vaccine use and public health experts calling for his resignation. Republicans and Democrats alike expressed concerns over the politicization of vaccine policy, with some Democrats apologizing for their initial lack of support for Monarez. The Department of Health and Human Services defended Kennedy’s actions, stating that any changes to the vaccine schedule would be science-based. The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, now with 12 new members, is set to discuss two children’s vaccines in an upcoming meeting, raising questions about the future of U.S. vaccination policy.
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India’s power-sector CO2 emissions fall for second time in over four decades, report says
India’s power sector witnessed a notable 1% decline in carbon dioxide emissions during the first half of 2025, marking only the second such reduction in nearly five decades. This shift was driven by a combination of record-breaking clean energy capacity additions and unusually mild weather, which collectively curbed electricity demand, according to a report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA). The Helsinki-based think tank attributed 65% of the drop in fossil fuel generation to slower demand growth, 20% to accelerated clean energy expansion, and 15% to increased hydropower output. The analysis, based on official data from various government ministries, revealed that India added 25.1 gigawatts (GW) of non-fossil capacity in the first six months of 2025—a 69% increase from the previous record. This capacity is sufficient to generate nearly 50 terawatt hours (TWh) annually. Additionally, lower temperatures and above-average rainfall between March and May reduced air conditioning usage, while hydropower output surged. Despite a 9TWh rise in total power generation, fossil fuel generation fell by 29TWh. Oil demand growth also stalled, contributing to the broader emissions slowdown. However, emissions from steel and cement production rose sharply due to increased government infrastructure spending. CREA suggested that India’s power-sector emissions could peak before 2030 if clean energy growth continues and demand remains within projections. Historically, the power sector has accounted for half of India’s emissions growth. The country aims to add 500 GW of clean energy by 2030 as part of its broader climate goals.
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West Coast states recommend COVID shots for all adults and children, breaking with federal policy
In a notable divergence from federal guidelines, the West Coast Health Alliance, encompassing California, Oregon, and Hawaii, has issued updated recommendations for COVID-19 vaccinations. On Wednesday, the alliance urged all adults and children seeking protection to receive the updated vaccines, particularly emphasizing the importance for children aged six to 23 months and those aged two to 18 with risk factors or no prior vaccination history. This stance contrasts sharply with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) recent approval, which limited the updated vaccines to individuals with health conditions and those aged 65 and older. The alliance’s recommendations come in response to sweeping changes in federal vaccine policy under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which included the withdrawal of COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for pregnant women and healthy children in May. These federal shifts have prompted medical organizations and states to establish their own guidelines ahead of the fall immunization campaign, aiming to ensure continued access to vaccines. Typically, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, a federal advisory body to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), provides guidance on vaccine administration post-FDA approval. Notably, the West Coast Health Alliance’s recommendations for respiratory syncytial virus and influenza vaccines align with those of the CDC.
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Australia announces higher emissions cuts by 2035
In a significant move to combat climate change, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a new emissions reduction target for 2035. The nation, known as one of the world’s largest per capita polluters, aims to cut its carbon emissions by at least 62% compared to 2005 levels. This announcement comes as Australia faces mounting global criticism for its reliance on fossil fuels and increasing climate-related challenges. The new target surpasses the previous goal of a 43% reduction by 2030 and aligns with recommendations from the Climate Change Authority, a government advisory body. Albanese emphasized that the target is ‘responsible, science-backed, and achievable with proven technology.’ The commitment will be formally presented at the upcoming UN General Assembly meeting in New York. Australia’s climate efforts are part of its obligations under the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, which aims to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Recent years have seen Australia grapple with extreme weather events, including severe droughts, historic bushfires, and record-breaking floods. A landmark government-commissioned risk assessment warned of escalating climate risks, such as heatwave-related deaths, water quality degradation, and sea level rises threatening 1.5 million people. Despite these challenges, Australia’s climate agenda remains contentious. The opposition Liberal National coalition has criticized the new target, calling it costly and lacking credibility, while independent and Greens MPs advocate for more aggressive cuts. Meanwhile, the Labor government continues to approve fossil fuel projects, such as the recent extension of Woodside’s North West Shelf gas project, drawing criticism from environmental advocates. Australia’s dual approach—pursuing renewable energy while supporting fossil fuels—highlights the complexities of its climate policy.
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Europe struggles with chronic drug shortages, auditors warn
Europe continues to grapple with the risk of critical medicine shortages, including essential antibiotics and painkillers, according to a recent report by the European Court of Auditors (ECA). The report, released on Wednesday, highlights the fragility of supply chains and the EU’s heavy reliance on manufacturers in Asia as primary causes of the ongoing crisis. The European Commission has identified these vulnerabilities as a significant threat to public health, particularly in the face of future health emergencies. In July, European crisis chief Hadja Lahbib announced plans to stockpile critical medical equipment and vaccines, alongside creating a network to enhance coordination among member states. However, the ECA cautioned that stockpiling in some countries could exacerbate shortages in others. Between January 2022 and October 2024, EU countries faced critical shortages of 136 medicines, with the situation peaking in 2023 and 2024. The ECA described the issue as a ‘chronic headache for the EU,’ emphasizing the lack of a robust system to address severe shortages. Auditors noted that the current framework to prevent drug shortages lacks a solid legal foundation and timely information sharing. The European Medicines Agency (EMA), the region’s drug regulator, has limited powers outside of health crises, further complicating the situation. Klaus Heiner Lehne, the ECA member leading the audit, warned that medicine shortages can have severe consequences for patients, compromise public health, and impose high costs on healthcare providers and countries. Regulatory barriers within the EU’s medicine market also hinder cross-border redistribution, exacerbating shortages and unequal access. The European Commission has proposed legal changes aimed at reducing reliance on countries like China and India, which, if implemented, could significantly improve the system.
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Battling a rare brain-eating disease in an Indian state
On the eve of Onam, Kerala’s most celebrated festival, 45-year-old Sobhana lay unconscious in an ambulance, her life slipping away as her family rushed her to a hospital. Just days earlier, the fruit juice bottler from Malappuram district had complained of dizziness and high blood pressure. Doctors prescribed medication, but her condition deteriorated rapidly, culminating in her death on September 5. The cause? Naegleria fowleri, the brain-eating amoeba, a rare but deadly pathogen that enters the body through the nose during freshwater activities.
This year, Kerala has reported over 70 cases of Naegleria fowleri infections, with 19 fatalities. The victims range from a three-month-old infant to a 92-year-old man. The amoeba, which thrives in warm freshwater, causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a near-fatal brain infection. Since 2016, Kerala has seen a gradual increase in cases, though global numbers remain low, with only 488 reported since 1962, primarily in the US, Pakistan, and Australia. The disease has a staggering 95% fatality rate.
Despite the grim statistics, Kerala has made strides in combating the infection. Improved detection methods and early diagnosis have reduced the fatality rate from 23% last year to 24.5% this year. ‘Aggressive testing and customised treatment with antimicrobials and steroids have saved lives,’ says Dr. Aravind Reghukumar, head of infectious diseases at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College.
Kerala’s heavy reliance on groundwater and natural water bodies makes it particularly vulnerable. Contaminated ponds and wells have become conduits for the amoeba, with some cases linked to risky practices like vaping boiled cannabis mixed with pond water. Public health campaigns have chlorinated 2.7 million wells and posted warnings around ponds, but enforcing these measures across the state’s 5.5 million wells and 55,000 ponds remains a challenge.
Scientists warn that climate change exacerbates the risk, with warmer waters and rising temperatures creating ideal conditions for the amoeba. ‘Even a 1°C rise can trigger its spread,’ says epidemiologist Prof. Anish TS. Despite Kerala’s progress, the global implications are clear: climate change may be reshaping the map of disease, turning rare pathogens into growing threats.