logo
Fears of US public health crises grow amid falling vaccination rates

Fears of US public health crises grow amid falling vaccination rates

Yahoo25-02-2025

Plummeting immunization rates, outbreaks of once-vanquished childhood diseases, and the appointment of a vocal vaccine skeptic as health secretary have US experts sounding the alarm about a looming public health crisis.
Since the start of the year, nearly 100 cases of measles have been reported in Texas and neighboring New Mexico, raising fears that the highly contagious and potentially serious illness is making a comeback.
"The measles is the canary in the coal mine," warned leading pediatrician and immunologist Paul Offit, highlighting the decline in vaccination rates since the Covid-19 pandemic.
Amid growing distrust of health authorities and pharmaceutical companies, more parents are opting not to vaccinate their children.
The proportion of preschool-aged children vaccinated against measles -- which is mandatory -- has dropped nationally from 95 percent in 2019 to less than 93 percent in 2023. Some regions show even steeper declines, such as Idaho, where rates have fallen below 80 percent.
Experts warn that this trend could worsen under the leadership of newly appointed Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr., who has repeatedly questioned vaccine safety and promoted misinformation.
"It is a disaster waiting to happen, and it will happen," Offit told AFP.
- Religious exemptions -
In Louisiana, whooping cough has resulted in the deaths of two children, according to local media. As with measles, experts attribute the resurgence to vaccine exemptions.
"This is already happening. Our immunization rates are already low enough that vulnerable children are getting these diseases," said Jennifer Herricks, a scientist and board member of the nonprofit Louisiana Families for Vaccines, in an interview with AFP.
Across much of the country, parents can opt out of mandatory vaccinations for reasons beyond medical contraindications.
Many states allow exemptions on religious grounds, while others permit "philosophical" objections -- or both.
"In Texas, you can just, pretty much say, I object," explained Terri Burke of the Texas-based Immunization Partnership.
The recent measles cases have been reported in a Texas county with a large Mennonite population -- a conservative Christian sect.
The situation is reminiscent of the 2019 measles outbreak, which saw more than 1,200 cases, primarily among unvaccinated Orthodox Jewish communities in New York and New Jersey.
While the reasons behind these exemptions vary -- ranging from religious beliefs and fear of side effects to distrust in health authorities or difficulties accessing health care -- there is an undeniable trend linked to a "pandemic backlash," said Richard Hughes, a health policy expert at George Washington University.
- Legislative offensives -
Mixed messaging on masking, frustration over lockdowns and Covid vaccine mandates -- some of which remained in place long after it was clear the shots didn't fully prevent transmission -- have eroded public trust, he said.
"We might have done better by just continuing to encourage people to be vaccinated than requiring it," Hughes added.
But any missteps were amplified by an overwhelming spread of misinformation, which thrived in the era of social media and podcasts.
These factors have turned vaccinations into a flashpoint in America's culture wars. Across the country, lawmakers are introducing bills aimed at either enshrining vaccine mandates at the local level, banning certain types of vaccines, or expanding exemptions.
The number of such bills has more than doubled compared to pre-Covid levels, said Herricks, who tracks the issue nationally.
Notable shifts include Montana's decision to halt vaccination statistics and Louisiana's cessation of vaccine promotion -- both signs of the growing marginalization of a practice that was once a cornerstone of public health policy.
According to Offit, Americans may soon face a harsh reality check.
Before the measles vaccine was introduced in 1963, the disease sickened an estimated three to four million Americans annually and killed hundreds.
It was declared eliminated in the United States by 2000, thanks to widespread immunization.
"People don't realize how sick and dead that virus can make you," he said.
cha/ia/jgc

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Moderna to Present at Upcoming Barclays Speaking the Science Call Series on June 16, 2025
Moderna to Present at Upcoming Barclays Speaking the Science Call Series on June 16, 2025

Associated Press

time23 minutes ago

  • Associated Press

Moderna to Present at Upcoming Barclays Speaking the Science Call Series on June 16, 2025

CAMBRIDGE, MA / ACCESS Newswire / June 11, 2025 / Moderna, Inc. (Nasdaq:MRNA), today announced its participation in the following upcoming investor event: Barclays Speaking the Science Call Series, on Monday, June 16th at 10:00am ET A live webcast of this presentation will be available under 'Events and Presentations' in the Investors section of the Moderna website. A replay of this webcast will be archived on Moderna's website for at least 30 days following the presentation. About Moderna Moderna is a leader in the creation of the field of mRNA medicine. Through the advancement of mRNA technology, Moderna is reimagining how medicines are made and transforming how we treat and prevent disease for everyone. By working at the intersection of science, technology and health for more than a decade, the company has developed medicines at unprecedented speed and efficiency, including one of the earliest and most effective COVID-19 vaccines. Moderna's mRNA platform has enabled the development of therapeutics and vaccines for infectious diseases, immuno-oncology, rare diseases and autoimmune diseases. With a unique culture and a global team driven by the Moderna values and mindsets to responsibly change the future of human health, Moderna strives to deliver the greatest possible impact to people through mRNA medicines. For more information about Moderna, please visit and connect with us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn. Investors: Lavina Talukdar Senior Vice President & Head of Investor Relations 617-209-5834 [email protected] SOURCE: Moderna, Inc. press release

Zeteo Biomedical Secures Global Patents for Nasal and Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Device Innovations
Zeteo Biomedical Secures Global Patents for Nasal and Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Device Innovations

Associated Press

time23 minutes ago

  • Associated Press

Zeteo Biomedical Secures Global Patents for Nasal and Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Device Innovations

CEDAR PARK, Texas, June 11, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Zeteo Biomedical, a privately held biomedical device company, today announced the issuance of new patents in the United States and European Union for its advanced drug delivery technologies. The patents, titled 'Cartridge Devices for Administration of a Medicament' (U.S. Patent No. 12329949) and 'Hand-Operated Devices for Administration of a Medicament' (EU Patent No. 3946526), further strengthen Zeteo's ZTech™ delivery platform portfolio for the administration of drugs and biologics via nasal, ophthalmic, and sublingual routes. These patented innovations advance Zeteo's ZTech-L™ and ZTech-P™ delivery systems, which include both single-use disposable and multi-dose, cartridge-reloadable handheld devices. The platforms support the administration of therapeutics in both liquid and dry powder formulations, including vaccines, biologics, and specialty drugs. Nasal delivery, in particular, is emerging as a highly effective, non-invasive alternative for treating conditions such as pain, emesis, seizures, neurodegenerative and autoimmune disorders, infectious diseases, and bioterror threats. 'We are seeing increasing global demand for metered-dose nasal, ophthalmic, and sublingual delivery devices that are compact, intuitive, and suitable for self-administration,' said Timothy Sullivan, CEO of Zeteo Biomedical. 'A unique feature that sets our device technology apart is its ability to function reliably in any physical orientation, making it ideal for medication delivery in both terrestrial and space-based microgravity environments. This capability opens exciting new frontiers for Zeteo including applications in space-based healthcare.' Zeteo's integrated delivery platforms and technical services streamline the development and commercial-scale production of patient-centric drug/device combination products for pharmaceutical and biotech partners. This focus on patient-friendly design improves treatment adherence and medical outcomes, while enhancing product differentiation and brand value for manufacturers. Zeteo's platform technologies are designed to meet the evolving demands of global and interstellar healthcare markets, delivering precision, performance, and portability for the next-generation of therapeutic drug/device combination products. About Zeteo Biomedical LLC Zeteo Biomedical is a Texas-based medical device company focused on the development and commercialization of advanced drug and biologic delivery systems. The company specializes in intranasal, ophthalmic, and sublingual delivery technologies designed to improve patient outcomes through precision dosing, portability, and ease of use. Zeteo's proprietary platforms are supported by an extensive patent portfolio and a range of product development services tailored to accelerate time to market for pharmaceutical and biotech clients worldwide. To learn more, visit MEDIA CONTACT: Cathy Diehl Zeteo Biomedical LLC +(1) 512-614-0144 [email protected] *LOGO link for media: NEWS SOURCE: Zeteo Biomedical LLC Keywords: Biotechnology, Zeteo Biomedical, drug delivery, vaccines, med tech, pharmaceuticals, biotech, public health, Nasal and Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Device, CEO Timothy Sullivan, CEDAR PARK, Texas This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Zeteo Biomedical LLC) who is solely responsibile for its accuracy, by Send2Press® Newswire. Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed. Story ID: S2P126872 APNF0325A To view the original version, visit: © 2025 Send2Press® Newswire, a press release distribution service, Calif., USA. RIGHTS GRANTED FOR REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY ANY LEGITIMATE MEDIA OUTLET - SUCH AS NEWSPAPER, BROADCAST OR TRADE PERIODICAL. MAY NOT BE USED ON ANY NON-MEDIA WEBSITE PROMOTING PR OR MARKETING SERVICES OR CONTENT DEVELOPMENT. Disclaimer: This press release content was not created by nor issued by the Associated Press (AP). Content below is unrelated to this news story.

Novavax's COVID-19-Influenza Combination and Stand-alone Influenza Vaccine Candidates Showed Robust Immune Responses and Were Well Tolerated in Initial Cohort of a Phase 3 Trial
Novavax's COVID-19-Influenza Combination and Stand-alone Influenza Vaccine Candidates Showed Robust Immune Responses and Were Well Tolerated in Initial Cohort of a Phase 3 Trial

Yahoo

time36 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Novavax's COVID-19-Influenza Combination and Stand-alone Influenza Vaccine Candidates Showed Robust Immune Responses and Were Well Tolerated in Initial Cohort of a Phase 3 Trial

Both vaccine candidates induced robust immune responses across all antigens tested No new safety signals were observed and both vaccine candidates were well tolerated consistent with past trials Novavax continues to pursue partnering opportunities to advance further development of these programs GAITHERSBURG, Md., June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Novavax, Inc. (Nasdaq: NVAX) today announced results of the initial cohort of its COVID-19-Influenza Combination (CIC) and stand-alone trivalent hemagglutinin nanoparticle seasonal influenza (tNIV) Phase 3 trial that showed both the CIC and flu vaccine candidates induced immune responses similar to licensed comparators Nuvaxovid® and Fluzone HD, respectively. This cohort was designed to provide descriptive data on three flu strains (H1N1, H3N2, B) and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) to inform a future registrational Phase 3 program. "Both our combination and stand-alone flu vaccine candidates induced robust immune responses and were well tolerated," said Ruxandra Draghia-Akli, MD, PhD, Executive Vice President and Head of Research and Development, Novavax. "This data set adds to findings from our Phase 2 trial and will help inform discussions with potential partners." Both stand-alone flu and CIC vaccine candidates induced robust immune responses to the vaccine strains (2.4-5.7-fold over baseline). Both vaccine candidates were well tolerated and saw reactogenicity comparable to authorized comparators. Nearly all (>98%) solicited adverse events were mild or moderate in severity. This descriptive trial was designed to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of the CIC and stand-alone flu vaccine candidates compared to Nuvaxovid and Fluzone HD in approximately 2,000 adults aged 65 and older. This trial was not adequately powered to demonstrate statistical significance. These results build on previous Phase 2 data. About NovavaxNovavax, Inc. (Nasdaq: NVAX) tackles some of the world's most pressing health challenges with its scientific expertise in vaccines and its proven technology platform, including protein-based nanoparticles and its Matrix-M® adjuvant. The Company's growth strategy seeks to optimize its existing partnerships and expand access to its proven technology platform via research and development innovation, organic portfolio expansion in infectious disease and beyond, and forging new partnerships and collaborations with other companies. Please visit and LinkedIn for more information. Forward-Looking Statements Statements herein relating to the future of Novavax, its operating plans and prospects, its partnerships, and the potential for its CIC and stand-alone influenza vaccine to be used with a partner in a registrational Phase 3 program, are forward-looking statements. Novavax cautions that these forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, challenges pursuing additional partnership opportunities; challenges satisfying, alone or together with partners, various safety, efficacy, and product characterization requirements, including those related to process qualification, assay validation and stability testing, necessary to satisfy applicable regulatory authorities; challenges or delays in conducting clinical trials or studies for its product candidates; challenges or delays in obtaining regulatory authorization for its product candidates, including for future COVID-19 variant strain changes, its CIC vaccine candidate, its stand-alone influenza vaccine candidate or other product candidates; manufacturing, distribution or export delays or challenges; Novavax's substantial dependence on Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd. and Serum Life Sciences Limited for co-formulation and filling Novavax's COVID-19 vaccine and the impact of any delays or disruptions in their operations; difficulty obtaining scarce raw materials and supplies including for its proprietary adjuvant; resource constraints, including human capital and manufacturing capacity; constraints on Novavax's ability to pursue planned regulatory pathways, alone or with partners; challenges in implementing its global restructuring and cost reduction plan; challenges in obtaining commercial adoption and market acceptance of its updated COVID-19 vaccine or any COVID-19 variant strain containing formulation, or for its CIC vaccine candidate and stand-alone influenza vaccine candidate or other product candidates; challenges meeting contractual requirements under agreements with multiple commercial, governmental, and other entities, including requirements to deliver doses that may require Novavax to refund portions of upfront and other payments previously received or result in reduced future payments pursuant to such agreements and challenges in amending or terminating such agreements; challenges related to the seasonality of vaccinations against COVID-19; challenges related to the demand for vaccinations against COVID-19 or influenza; challenges in identifying and successfully pursuing innovation expansion opportunities; Novavax's expectations as to expenses and cash needs may prove not to be correct for reasons such as changes in plans or actual events being different than its assumptions; and those other risk factors identified in the "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" sections of Novavax's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). We caution investors not to place considerable reliance on forward-looking statements contained in this press release. You are encouraged to read our filings with the SEC, available at and for a discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date of this document, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any of the statements. Our business is subject to substantial risks and uncertainties, including those referenced above. Investors, potential investors, and others should give careful consideration to these risks and uncertainties. Contacts: InvestorsLuis Sanay, CFA240-268-2022ir@ MediaGiovanna Chandler202-709-5563media@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Novavax, Inc. 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

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store