RFK Jr's FDA limits use of Covid vaccine
The Food and Drug Administration, now under the leadership of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has severely restricted the use of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine.
The vaccine will now only be available to high-risk individuals and will not be administered to those who may need it to protect others.
Kennedy's FDA approved the use of the Novavax Covid-19 vaccine, but with strict conditions. It will only be made available to older people and those over the age of 12 with at least one medical condition that leaves them at high risk from Covid, The New York Times reported.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advisers have been discussing whether to recommend the vaccine only for those most at risk. The new restrictions mean that healthy people over the age of 65 won't be able to get the Novavax vaccine, even if they have an immunocompromised friend or family member.
Critics have slammed the restrictions for being in line with Kennedy's vaccine skepticism. The secretary has ordered an investigation into the debunked claim that vaccines cause autism.
The Novavax vaccine was previously only allowed to be used in emergencies. Meanwhile, the FDA gave full approval to vaccines by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna in 2022 under the Biden administration. Both companies are producing updated versions of their vaccines for the fall.
Former CDC adviser and Massachusetts General Hospital infectious disease physician Dr Camille Kotton told The Times that the new restrictions were 'incredibly disappointing.'
'I don't know why they would make this restriction; I don't know of any indication to make this change,' she added. She noted that many people are still sent to hospital and dying because of Covid-19. She called it 'a dark day in American medicine.'
The vaccine's approval requires the company to finish studies into whether it is connected to several heart conditions. However, some of the necessary research can be done with existing data.
However, The Times reported that one of the new studies would force the company to follow thousands of people between the ages of 50 and 65, a study that may cost tens of millions of dollars.
Dr. Ofer Levy of Boston Children's Hospital, where he directs the precision vaccine program, is a vaccine adviser to the FDA.
'We've got to make sure the vaccine safety is crystal clear to engender public confidence,' Levy noted. 'On the other hand, where's that line where you put in too much regulation, it starts to become so challenging that the economics of even making a vaccine are called into question?'
'I don't pretend to know the answer,' Levy added.
Dr. Paul Offit is a vaccine expert at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
'I think the goal of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is to make vaccines less available, more expensive, and more feared,' he told the paper. 'His goal is to tear away at the vaccine infrastructure, because he believes that vaccines are not beneficial and are only harmful.'
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Medical News Today
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A type of flavonoid found in chocolate and tea has been linked to lower blood pressure. Design by MNT; Photography by Johner Images/Getty Image & CatherineA new meta-study suggests that the flavan-3-ols, which are a type of plant-derived compound found in cocoa, tea, apples, and grapes, may be useful in managing high blood pressure. Specifically, they were found to be effective at improving endothelial function, which can significantly influence blood pressure. The authors of the meta-study suggest that flavan-3-ols may be considered as an addition to lifestyle changes and medication in treating hypertension. The flavan-3-ols in cocoa, tea, and some popular foods are so effective at improving endothelial function that they are worth considering in the management of high blood pressure, according to a new meta-study. Currently, lifestyle modification is the first method physicians recommend for patients who have high blood pressure. 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'As a cardiovascular dietitian,' said Routhenstein, 'I believe this research highlights just how powerful food can be in improving blood-vessel health. In some cases, its effects can match or even exceed those of medications.' 'Food choices in general can both determine and in some cases drive, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, weight, blood sugar levels, and inflammation,' Morgan said. 'Diets high in saturated fats raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, salt raises blood pressure, trans fats raise cholesterol levels, and processed foods increase inflammation. Added sugars in sodas and cereal promote insulin resistance, diabetes, and obesity. Refined carbohydrates such as white bread, pastries, and pasta cause blood sugar spikes and inflammation.' — Jayne Morgan, MD 'Conversely, diets rich in whole foods, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and magnesium and calcium work to promote healthy blood vessels. 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Telegraph
2 hours ago
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This neuroscientist has the secret to tackling inflammation
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'Inflammation causes or contributes to the conditions that kill two thirds of people on the planet,' he says. 'Of the 60 million that die per year, 40 million die from inflammatory conditions such as heart disease, stroke, or cancer.' The key to fighting inflammation, according to Dr Tracey, is stimulation of the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve, which runs down your neck and into your chest and abdomen, is an anatomical 'superhighway' comprising a complex network of more than 200,000 fibres connecting the brain to vital organs. It is part of your parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for the body's 'rest and digest' functions. Dr Tracey is something of a pioneer in this area, which he investigates in his new book, The Great Nerve: The New Science of the Vagus Nerve and How To Harness Its Healing Reflexes, and he claims to be one of the most highly cited living scientists in the world. 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'VNS is not a cure-all, but for many patients, it's a possible. And as a neurosurgeon and scientist, I love to chase the possible.' DIY stimulation of the vagus nerve for stress and anxiety What about the miracle cures we see everywhere on the internet, from meditating to breathwork and plunging into ice-water? Dr Tracey has a healthy scepticism. 'A clinical trial of one or two subjects is more like a fairy tale with a happy ending than scientific proof that the cold makes you healthier and stronger,' he says. 'In some cases, there is deep science, in others, not that much.' Regulated breathing seems to have more evidence than meditation or coldwater plunges. 'These things are important, but it's important not to overhype, or oversell them. It devalues the science that we do know. I don't want to dilute my vagus nerve work for over 30 years,' he says. On the other hand, says Dr Tracey, if these methods work for you, they work for you. He meditates, takes cold showers, and practices deep breathing every morning.
Daily Mail
5 hours ago
- Daily Mail
What's you REAL hearing age? Take this 30-second test to see
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Humans can typically hear frequencies between 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz. But these upper limits start to dwindle with age, so the average adult is much more likely to be between 15,000–17,000 Hz. Most people will comfortable be able to hear 8,000 Hz. However, those who are aged over 50 may struggle with hearing above 12,000 Hz, while people over 40 will struggle with more than 15,000 Hz. When it gets to around 17,000 Hz - only teenagers can typically hear these frequencies. Eargym have devised a test to see what your 'hearing age' is - starting at low frequencies well into the 200s Hz and going up to 200,000 Hz. At 70, many will be able to hear around 9,000 Hz, with the limit going up to about 10,000 for those in their 60s. At 50, 12,000 Hz is the upper limit, while at 40, it becomes 14,000 Hz. At 30, people will hear into 15,000 Hz, while at 20 it's about 17,000 Hz. Once you get into the teens, people may hear well up until 20,000 Hz. At 50, 12,000 Hz is the upper limit, while at 40, it becomes 14,000 Hz. At 30, people will hear into 15,000 Hz, while at 20 it's about 17,000 Hz One of the most common types of hearing loss - presbycusis - happens as, while growing up, a person will gradually find it difficult to hear 'high-frequency' sounds, such as the voices of women and young children Speaking to MailOnline last year, Andy Shanks, hearing health expert and co-founder at eargym, said: 'The majority of us will experience some form of hearing loss in our lifetimes. 'But if we can spot the signs early and make some small changes, we can take steps to protect our hearing and prevent future avoidable hearing loss.' He suggests using games such as this 30 second test to check your hearing regularly and pick up on any abnormal changes. 'Safe listening practices, such as the use of ear defenders, gigplugs and noise-cancelling headphones, can also make a big difference when it comes to protecting our hearing health long in the future,' he added. 'Hearing loss is one of the biggest modifiable risk factors for dementia and is strongly associated with poor mental health and cognitive decline. 'So taking care of our hearing at all ages is essential to protect not only our ears but also our minds.' Around 12million people in the UK are affected by hearing loss. It is associated with social isolation and cognitive decline, and is one of the biggest modifiable risk factors when it comes to developing dementia. Speaking to MailOnline last year , Andy Shanks, hearing health expert and co-founder at eargym, said: 'The majority of us will experience some form of hearing loss in our lifetimes' WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF HEARING LOSS? Hearing loss is common, particularly when you get older. Hearing loss can affect a child's speech development and also their progress at school. It can be caused by something that can be easily treated or something more serious, so it is important to visit your GP. Common signs of hearing loss include: Difficulty hearing other people clearly and misunderstanding what they say, especially in noisy places Asking people to repeat themselves Listening to music or watching TV with the volume higher than other people need Difficulty hearing on the phone Finding it hard to keep up with a conversation Feeling tired or stressed from having to concentrate while listening Source: NHS Yet adults wait an average 8.9 years before seeking help. Research suggests hearing loss costs the UK economy £25bn a year in lost productivity and unemployment. Common signs you're suffering from hearing loss include asking people to repeat themselves, difficulty hearing on the phone and listening to music or the TV at a higher volume than other people need, the NHS warns. There are lots of possible causes of hearing loss, such as an ear infection, ear wax or age. But it could also be caused by a perforated eardrum, which causes a sudden hearing loss or Ménière's disease which can affect your balance and hearing. If you notice signs of hearing loss it is important not to self diagnose and visit your GP for a more thorough hearing test. It comes as in December, an American pharmacist has revealed 11 of the common medications that can trigger the uncomfortable sensation known as tinnitus. The condition, which affects more than 50 million people in the US, is a symptom of several medical conditions like ear injuries, earwax blockage or age-related hearing loss. Sometimes the noise is present in one or both ears and it is most commonly described as a ringing, but it can also present itself as a range of sounds including buzzing, roaring, and whistling. While there is no cure, pharmacist Ayesha Gulzar says there are things you can do to reduce its impact, starting with checking what medications you are taking. She explained: 'Certain medications cause tinnitus, which can be temporary or rarely permanent and depends on different factors. 'Common ototoxic drugs (drugs that can have toxic effects on the ears) include antibiotics, analgesics (pain relievers), blood pressure medications, anticonvulsants (anti-seizure drugs), and others.'
