As new variant spreads, what's the latest COVID-19 vaccine guidance? It's complicated.
As a new COVID-19 variant takes over in the U.S., guidance surrounding vaccines has become increasingly confusing.
Changes in vaccination guidelines, ever-evolving variants and strains, along with threats to health insurance, have sent average Americans looking for the latest recommendations as members of the federal government often conflict with independent medical agencies and healthcare professionals.
In the two weeks leading up to June 21, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported just shy of 14,500 positive COVID tests, and while hospitalizations and deaths are fortunately down significantly since the pandemic's peak, vulnerable people are still grappling with limiting their risk amid changing practices.
Having trouble keeping track of variants and vaccines? Here's what we know.
What is the new NB.1.8.1 COVID variant?
NB.1.8.1 is one of the latest variants of COVID-19, a "slightly upgraded version" of the LP.8.1 variant that is prominent right now, Subhash Verma, microbiology and immunology professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, previously told USA TODAY in May.
Verma previously stated that NB.1.8.1 may be transferred more easily than LP.8.1. Additionally, he noted that NB.1.8.1 can evade antibodies created by vaccines or past infections more easily than LP.8.1.
In early April, NB.1.8.1 accounted for 0% of COVID cases in the U.S. In the two weeks ending June 21, it accounted for the majority of cases at 43%, according to the CDC.
The variant has similar symptoms to other strains, including fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, sore throat, congestion or a runny nose, new loss of taste or smell, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, nausea or vomiting. One of its more unique features is "razor blade throat," reported by patients as an exceptionally sore throat.
RFK and HHS change COVID vaccine guidance
Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said on May 27 that the COVID-19 vaccine would no longer be included in the CDC's recommended immunization schedule for healthy children and pregnant women, a move that broke with previous expert guidance and bypassed the normal scientific review process.
Under the changes, the only people who will be recommended for COVID-19 vaccines are those over 65 and people with existing health problems. This could make it harder for others who want the COVID-19 vaccine to get it, including health care workers and healthy people under 65 with a vulnerable family member or those who want to reduce their short-term risk of infection.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), among other organizations, issued statements condemning the change, with the ACOG saying it was "...concerned about and extremely disappointed by the announcement that HHS will no longer recommend COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy."
"It is very clear that COVID-19 infection during pregnancy can be catastrophic and lead to major disability, and it can cause devastating consequences for families. The COVID-19 vaccine is safe during pregnancy, and vaccination can protect our patients and their infants after birth," President Steven J. Fleischman said in a statement.
Insurance coverage typically follows federal recommendations, so anyone who is healthy and under 65 is likely to have to pay out of pocket to get the shot, which runs about $200, if they can get it. It's not clear what insurance companies will do about the new recommendations.
AMA, AAP other organizations break from RFK and HHS on vaccines
The American Medical Association (AMA) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), in partnership with other professional medical organizations, broke from RFK and HHS after this announcement, sharing plans to develop their own guidelines independent of the government organization.
In an open letter signed by 80 medical organizations across the country and published on June 25, the AMA called for physicians, healthcare networks and insurance companies to continue supporting "evidence-based immunizations to help prevent severe disease and protect public health."
"Vaccines for influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 remain among the best tools to protect the public against these illnesses and their potentially serious complications—and physicians are among the most trusted voices to recommend them. We come together as physicians from every corner of medicine to reaffirm our commitment to these lifesaving vaccines," the letter said.
"Recent changes to federal immunization review processes raised concerns across the medical and public health community. In this moment of uncertainty, physicians must align around clear, evidence-based guidance for patients."
The AAP likewise said in a June 26 statement that it will "continue to publish its own evidence-based recommendations and schedules."
AAP President Susan J. Kressly said the creation of federal immunization policy is 'no longer a credible process," adding, "...we're not stepping back, we're stepping up. The AAP will continue to publish our own immunization schedule just as we always have, developed by experts, guided by science, trusted by pediatricians and families across the country.'
These latest independent guidelines have yet to be released.
Vaccine committee adjourns without fresh recommendations
Meanwhile, the new Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) gathered for the first time on June 25 in a meeting that drew criticism from some experts.
RFK fired all 17 original members of the committee on June 9, replacing them with members that critics have called unqualified. Some of the members, like Kennedy, have a history of anti-vaccine advocacy, prompting backlash that had doctors and organizations calling for a delay in the meeting.
Anti-vaccine sentiments were repeated by ACIP Chair Martin Kulldorf at the meeting, who said the panel will be "investigating" MMR and childhood vaccines.
The CDC panel also reviewed data about COVID-19 vaccines, questioning their safety and effectiveness. They also raised questions about the study design, methodologies and surveillance monitoring systems behind the data, which Dr. Pamela Rockwell, clinical professor of family medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School, addressed as a standard of medical research.
"Our efforts, through a very robust system of checks and balances, are to create vaccines and vaccination programs that result in the most benefit with the least harm," said Dr. Gretchen LaSalle, a family physician in Spokane, Washington, who represented the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Despite this, the committee didn't vote on COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for the fall and isn't expected to reconvene until 'September/October,' according to the CDC website.
ACIP commitee: Inside the unusual, RFK-appointed panel that's deciding on childhood vaccines
FDA updates warning label for COVID vaccines
The FDA likewise announced updated requirements for mRNA COVID-19 vaccine warning labels on June 25, which apply to Comirnaty by Pfizer Inc. and Spikevax by ModernaTX Inc. Prescribing information will now include warnings of the connection between the vaccines and a rare side effect that causes inflammation of the heart muscle and lining.
The new warning label discloses the risk of myocarditis, which appeared in 8 cases per 1 million people who got the 2023-2024 COVID shots between the ages of 6 months and 64 years old, mostly commonly among males aged 12 to 24. The previous label, which also disclosed the risk, said the problem mostly occurred in minors aged 12-17.
So, how do you protect yourself from NB.1.8.1 and other variants?
Despite the back-and-forth in the U.S., the World Health Organization (WHO) has kept its recommendation consistent. Currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective against the NB.1.8.1 variant, it said.
In a webpage dated Jan. 7, the CDC advised that everyone over the age of six months get the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine, specifically the 2024-2025 Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine. The page has since been updated with a banner, reading "COVID-19 vaccine recommendations have recently been updated for some populations. This page will be updated to align with the updated immunization schedule." The original recommendations align with the WHO's current guidelines.
WHO, AMA, AAP and existing standards recommend that people who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine, are age 65 and older, are immunocompromised, live at a long-term care facility, are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant, and/or want to avoid getting long COVID, should get the vaccine, especially.
Contributing: Greta Cross, Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Oppenheimer Reaffirms DexCom Buy Rating Amid HHS Wearables Push
DexCom, Inc. (NASDAQ:DXCM) ranks among the best fundamental stocks to buy according to hedge funds. Oppenheimer reaffirmed its $95 price target and Outperform rating for DexCom, Inc. (NASDAQ:DXCM) on June 24 in response to remarks made by Health and Human Services Secretary RFK Jr. regarding a significant wearables campaign. At a June 24 hearing of the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee, Secretary Kennedy declared that HHS would soon begin 'one of the biggest advertising campaigns in HHS history' to promote wearables among Americans, emphasizing the advantages of glucose monitors. The possibility of a major government marketing campaign is encouraging for companies that provide continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), as noted by Oppenheimer, who also observed that the Secretary's remarks may indicate interest in future coverage of over-the-counter CGMs. Oppenheimer also noted recent advancements in CGM coverage for non-insulin Type 2 diabetes, pointing to a DexCom-led randomized controlled trial that is expected to wrap up in late 2025 or early 2026 for Medicare patients with non-insulin Type 2 diabetes. DexCom, Inc. (NASDAQ:DXCM) is a medical device company that manufactures continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems to allow real-time health management control. While we acknowledge the potential of DXCM as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. Read More: and Disclosure: None. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
The #1 Herb for Healthy Blood Pressure, According to Experts
Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RDOregano is packed with antioxidants that may help lower blood pressure and support heart health. Fresh oregano offers more flavor and health benefits—sprinkle it on veggies, eggs or soups. Oregano's plant compounds show promising blood pressure your blood pressure in check is a top priority for millions of Americans. While medications may be necessary in some situations, there are things you can do at home—including in your kitchen—to help promote healthy blood pressure levels. And, surprise, including herbs like oregano in your regular diet may just be one of them! We talked to two leading dietitians in the nutrition field, one integrative and functional dietitian and one dietitian and chef, to get the facts on how oregano can benefit blood pressure. Find out what the latest research says and how these dietitians recommend incorporating oregano into your routine to improve your blood pressure. There are a lot of healthy herbs you can use in your recipes! In fact, we've rounded up 14 of the healthiest herbs and spices you should eat, and you guessed it, our No. 1 pick for healthy blood pressure tops that list, too. Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is rich in powerful antioxidants that help support overall health. These compounds combat harmful free radicals—unstable molecules that can cause cellular damage over time. Diets high in antioxidants, including those from herbs like oregano, have been linked to lower blood pressure in people with elevated levels. While eating oregano leaves and oil in normal food preparation is likely safe, using supplements, oils or other forms with limited research may pose health risks. So be sure to limit the use of oregano to the leaves—dried and fresh—in recipes you make for the most science-backed benefits. Melissa Azzaro, RDN, owner of The Hormone Dietitian, shares, 'Fresh herbs, including oregano, are one of the most potent sources of antioxidants, so a sprinkle of oregano may help contribute to your antioxidant intake.' According to Azzaro, 'Traditionally, oregano has been used to treat allergies, high blood pressure, diabetes and respiratory infections. Although research in human subjects is limited, oregano contains many powerful plant compounds, like carvacrol, that have been shown to have potential health benefits in test tube and animal studies.' 'Using oregano in cooking is an easy way to boost antioxidant intake, even if we don't fully understand its benefits on health yet,' shares Azzaro. Plus, the versatility of oregano lends itself to various types of recipes. According to New York City-based dietitian and chef Abbie Gellman, 'Oregano is often known for its use in Italian recipes such as pizza or marinara sauce. However, it is frequently used in Greek, Spanish and Mexican cooking. There are so many ways to use oregano!' Here at EatingWell, we love using oregano in recipes like our Greek-Inspired Burgers with Herb-Feta Sauce and Slow-Cooker Chicken Parmesan Meatballs. But that's not all you can do with it. Gellman recommends experimenting with fresh oregano by adding it to your favorite no-recipe recipes, like: Sautéed onions and mushrooms or your favorite vegetables Omelets or frittatas Homemade salad dressings Chili and soups But, before you toss a handful of freshly chopped oregano into your warm dish, Gellman suggests waiting until the end of the cooking process and adding to the finished dish. Generally speaking, Gellman shares, 'Fresh oregano will be a better choice than dried in both flavor and health benefits. However, if fresh is not available, then dried can be used.' Blood pressure is the power with which blood flows from your heart through your arteries. This constant blood flow helps deliver oxygen and nutrients throughout your body to keep it functioning at its prime. Medical professionals measure blood pressure to help identify how efficiently the force of blood is flowing through your body. Blood pressure that's too high is called hypertension. Using an arm cuff, a health care provider can help to take your blood pressure reading. The first number in a blood pressure reading—the systolic blood pressure—measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart is beating. The second number—the diastolic blood pressure—measures the pressure in your arteries between beats when your heart is at rest. When blood pressure is measured, the systolic number is recorded over the diastolic number in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Blood pressure levels are used to diagnose high blood pressure: Normal Blood Pressure: <120/80 mmHg Elevated Blood Pressure: 120-129/<80 mmHg Hypertensive (Stage 1): 130-139/80-89 mmHg Hypertensive (Stage 2): >139/>90 mmHg Nearly half of adults have hypertension. Having high blood pressure puts one at risk for heart disease and stroke, two of the leading causes of death in the United States. It's important to be proactive and take measures with your health care team to support healthy blood pressure if you yourself have high blood pressure or have a family history of this condition. Whether you have high blood pressure or not, adding herbs like oregano to your recipes is a great idea. Not only does oregano have a versatile flavor profile that works well in a variety of dishes, but it also packs plant compounds that have proven health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure. While more research is needed on the blood pressure benefits of oregano in humans, preliminary data is promising. Consider adding fresh oregano to your grocery list and experimenting with it in your favorite recipes. Read the original article on EATINGWELL
The Hill
2 hours ago
- The Hill
Radon: The odorless, cancer-causing gas that may be in your home
(NEXSTAR) — While some of the advice shared on NBC's 'The Office' is not necessarily actionable, a frequently shared sentiment from character Toby Flenderson may just be. Toby, the human resources employee played by Paul Lieberstein, frequently asked for radon testing to be done in the office, at one point calling it a 'silent killer.' Technically speaking, he isn't far off. 'Radon is colorless. It is odorless,' Amanda Koch, the radon program manager at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, explained to Nexstar. 'There are no obvious signs for when radon is inside your home.' Radon is formed naturally when radioactive metals uranium, thorium, and radium break down in rocks, soil, and groundwater, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency explains. Because it is naturally occurring, we're always exposed to it, but it is also capable of coming into buildings through cracks and gaps. If radon becomes trapped in your home, it can become dangerous. Despite its prevalence, there is no known level of radon that is safe, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The EPA recommends taking action if your home or building is found to have a radon level higher than 4.0 pCi/L. Over time, exposure to higher levels of radon could lead to lung cancer. In the U.S., radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer deaths, the CDC reports, and the leading cause among non-smokers. Estimates blame radon for more than 21,000 lung cancer deaths annually. Treating lung cancer brought on by radon can be difficult, the CDC says, as symptoms may not develop for years. By then, it can be harder to treat. Does that mean you should pull a Toby and put radon test kits throughout your home? Not exactly. Several factors can contribute to whether your home has the potential for elevated radon levels. The EPA reviewed those factors — geology, aerial radioactivity, soil parameters, and home foundation types — and available indoor radon measurements to identify areas in the U.S. that are most at risk for having elevated levels of the radioactive gas. Areas found by the EPA to have the highest potential for elevated radon levels are primarily in the northern half of the U.S., stretching from northern Washington, through the Plains and Midwest, along the Great Smoky Mountains, and into New England. Portions of the states in those regions, as well as in the West, are considered to have a 'moderate potential.' Other regions throughout the Pacific Northwest, along the Gulf, and north along the East Coast are listed as having a lower potential for high indoor levels of radon. The map of radon zones, developed in 1993, doesn't show areas where radon is or isn't in homes, but rather to 'help governments and other organizations target risk reduction activities and resources.' Some states, including Wisconsin, provide data regarding recent radon test results. Like the EPA's map, any local data on recent radon tests doesn't represent the level of radon within your home. Your proximity to radon-producing sources and your home's foundation type aren't sure-fire ways to determine your risk, either. 'The way that radon moves through the ground and through soil underneath the home can vary greatly from home to home,' Koch emphasized, noting that your neighbor could have a high level of radon in their home while your tests come back consistently low, or vice versa. 'The only way to know is to test,' Koch said. Testing, according to Koch, is relatively simple. The kit — found at major hardware stores, online, or with your local health department — is typically placed on a surface in the middle of a room on the lowest level of your home for a few days before being sent to a lab for testing. Results are then available in about one to two weeks. Koch said it is recommended that testing be done every two years, or after you do a major renovation in your home, like replacing doors or windows, or any foundation work. Before you can perform a radon test, you'll need to maintain closed building conditions for at least 12 hours, according to Koch. Because of this, health officials typically recommend radon testing during winter or summer, when your windows and doors are more likely to be shut to keep in heat or the air conditioning, respectively. Should your test find a radon level above 4.0 pCi/L, you may be encouraged to get a mitigation system installed. As Koch explains, a pipe is installed in the building's foundation and connected to a small fan that pulls the gas up to your roofline and out into the ambient air. This can typically cost between $1,000 and $2,000. In homes with crawlspaces, a high-density plastic sheet may be used to cover the earth floor. Then, a vent pipe and fan can be put under the plastic to draw the radon out, the EPA explains. Sealing cracks can limit the flow of radon, but the EPA does not recommend using sealants only to reduce radon. The agency lists other methods of radon mitigation online. While you don't necessarily have to go as far as Toby did in 'The Office' by placing radon tests in every room, you may want to take it as seriously as he does. 'It doesn't matter what kind of foundation structure you have, or even where you are located geographically, the only way to know is to test, and that is why we recommend that everybody do it,' Koch said.
