New CDC leader, hep B vaccine, beagles: Morning Rounds
Scientists are currently reviewing the hepatitis B vaccine ahead of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) meeting next Thursday. The ACIP will vote on whether to maintain the recommendation that all babies receive their first dose of the vaccine on their first day of life. This recommendation has been in place since 1991 and has led to a significant decrease in infant infections in the U.S.
Epidemiologist and influenza expert Michael Osterholm and his colleagues are conducting an independent review of the birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine. They believe it is important to review the evidence, despite the skepticism some ACIP members have shown towards vaccination. Osterholm explains the importance of this review in a recent First Opinion essay.
In other news, Ralph Abraham, Louisiana’s surgeon general, has been appointed as the principal deputy director at the CDC. Abraham is known for his skepticism towards vaccines, as he has instructed health officials in Louisiana to stop promoting vaccines in favor of personal choice and consulting doctors. He has also expressed doubts about the COVID-19 vaccine and prefers natural immunity.
Abraham’s appointment has raised concerns among some in the medical community, with one former government employee calling it “an irresponsible choice.” Despite his stance on vaccines, Abraham has shown support for making ivermectin available over the counter in Louisiana.
As the holiday season approaches, STAT looks back at some iconic Thanksgiving stories from over the years. These stories cover a range of topics, from the impact of COVID-19 on holiday gatherings to the dangers of football and the ethics of animal research.
In a recent episode of the First Opinion Podcast, science journalist Melanie D.G. Kaplan discusses the ethics of animal research and the decline in the use of beagles in lab experiments. The podcast explores the U.S. government’s efforts to move away from animal research and the implications for medical research.
In other news, the Trump administration has unveiled a new round of Medicare-negotiated drug prices, while the EPA under the Trump administration is set to abandon an air pollution rule that could prevent thousands of deaths in the U.S. Major health insurers like Humana and UnitedHealth are cutting broker commissions to avoid costly Medicare enrollees, and a Mother Jones article questions the validity of a influential social psychology study.
Overall, the medical community continues to grapple with challenges and ethical dilemmas in the field of healthcare and research. Stay tuned for more updates and insights from STAT.
