Medicaid, trans health, Eli Lilly, CDC, vaccines
This move would be devastating for many in the trans community who rely on Medicaid for gender-affirming care. The ban would limit access to essential treatments and medications that help individuals align their bodies with their gender identity. This decision reflects a broader trend of attacks on LGBTQ rights and healthcare access under the Trump administration.
The ban on Medicaid coverage of gender-affirming care is just one example of the administration’s efforts to roll back protections for marginalized communities. The NIH is also facing challenges, with billions of dollars in research grants being terminated in areas that go against the administration’s priorities. These cuts have ended important work in transgender health, misinformation, and programs to diversify the scientific workforce.
The proposed rule to replace career scientists with political appointees at the NIH is alarming. This move could politicize science funding and undermine the integrity of the research process. It could also jeopardize the bond between society and scientists who work to generate new knowledge for the public good.
The CDC’s weekly report is also feeling the impact of budget cuts, with key investigators being let go due to funding reductions. This loss of expertise could have serious consequences for public health investigations and efforts to address emerging health threats.
In addition, the Make America Health Again commission’s report highlights the challenges facing children in terms of chronic disease. The report points to corporate influence on food, environmental chemicals, lifestyle factors, and overmedicalization as contributing factors to the health crisis facing young people.
Overall, these developments underscore the importance of protecting healthcare access and scientific integrity in the face of political pressures. As we head into the Memorial Day weekend, it’s crucial to stay informed and engaged in efforts to support public health and medical research. The FDA recently requested mRNA vaccine makers Moderna and Pfizer to expand the age range on their warning labels regarding a rare side effect of their Covid-19 vaccines. The warning is related to heart inflammation, specifically myocarditis, which has been observed in males aged 16 to 25 years old. While this side effect is rare, it is important for individuals in this age group to be aware of the potential risk.
Cardiologist Steven Nissen from the Cleveland Clinic emphasized that the likelihood of dying from Covid-19 is much higher than the risk of developing myocarditis from the vaccine. He shared a personal experience of losing a 25-year-old nurse to Covid-related myocarditis, underscoring the severity of the virus compared to the vaccine side effect.
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary has been proactive in scrutinizing vaccine safety and adjusting vaccination policies. Following discussions with Vinay Prasad, who oversees vaccine policy at the FDA, Makary announced plans to limit Covid vaccine boosters to individuals over the age of 65 or those at high risk of severe illness from the virus. This targeted approach aims to prioritize booster shots for those who are most vulnerable.
In other news, some interesting articles worth reading include the potential impact of Trump’s tax cut bill on healthcare, the development of contact lenses that provide ‘super-vision’ by allowing wearers to see infrared light, and the public offering of Hinge Health with a focus on automating healthcare delivery. Additionally, CVS is offering bonuses and incentives like pizza parties to boost vaccine sales, highlighting creative strategies to increase vaccination rates.
Overall, the FDA’s request to update vaccine warning labels underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and transparency in vaccine safety. As the pandemic continues to evolve, it is crucial to stay informed about developments in vaccine policies and healthcare advancements.
