Latest news with #CentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention
2 hours ago
- Health
What we know -- and don't know -- about who will be able to get COVID-19 shots
Want a COVID-19 vaccination this fall? For many Americans, it's not clear how easy it will be to get one – or if they've lost the choice. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who was a longtime anti-vaccine activist, said this week that the shots are no longer recommended for healthy children and pregnant women, usurping a decision normally made by scientific experts, not political appointees. The announcement follows an earlier Trump administration step to limit COVID-19 vaccinations among healthy people under age 65. Until now, the U.S. – following guidance from independent experts who advise the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – has recommended yearly COVID-19 vaccinations for everyone age 6 months and older. Together, the moves have left health experts, vaccine makers and insurers uncertain about what to advise and what comes next. 'It's going to add a lot of confusion overall,' said Ajay Sethi, an epidemiologist at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Some of this season's vaccine is still available. Insurance industry experts say if people had insurance coverage before Kennedy's announcement, it's highly unlikely that would have ended instantly based on the secretary's video announcement. That means if someone could find a shot, they'd likely be able to get one for now. Who will be able to get what vaccines this fall is still unclear. Vaccine manufacturers plan to issue updated COVID-19 shots in the late summer or fall. But the Food and Drug Administration has said it plans to limit approval of seasonal shots to seniors and others at high risk, pending more studies of everyone else. Even if the U.S. approves vaccines only for certain groups, it still may be possible for others to get the shot depending on the outcome of upcoming advisory meetings, regulatory moves and decisions from insurers and employers. Insurers base coverage decisions on the recommendations of that CDC panel, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. It's not clear what role that panel now will play. Paying out of pocket could cost about $200. But some insurers and employers may decide to still cover the shots regardless of the new recommendations, said Jen Kates, a senior vice president at the non-profit KFF, which studies health care issues. She noted that they may view the expense as worthwhile if it avoids a higher bill from someone hospitalized by the coronavirus. The FDA published a list of health conditions it said would qualify, including asthma, cancer, diabetes, obesity and physical inactivity. The CDC has a more extensive list. But, again, it isn't yet known how this will play out. For example, it could be hard for people to prove they're qualified. If they're vaccinated at a drugstore, for instance, the pharmacist wouldn't normally know about underlying health problems or even ask. Kates said it's unclear whether Kennedy's move would affect whether doctors recommend the shot. And Sethi, the UW-Madison expert, said 'this elephant in the room' is that blocking vaccination to the healthy may mean people who have a risk factor and simply don't know it will miss out. Adding to the confusion, the FDA included pregnancy and recent pregnancy on the list of conditions that would qualify someone for a shot — but Kennedy said that pregnancy was no longer a qualification in his announcement this week. COVID-19 complications during pregnancy can include preterm birth as well as serious illness in the mother, and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine said it 'strongly reaffirms' its recommendation for vaccination during pregnancy.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Local childhood lead poisoning coalition left questioning funding amid federal cuts
ROCHESTER, N.Y (WROC) — In April, the staff at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) within the agency's 'Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program' were all fired as part of reductions in force. Now, a local coalition which does community work to help prevent lead poisonings in children is left with uncertainty amid federal budget negotiations. The 'Coalition to Prevent Lead Poisoning' is sounding the alarm after recently being revived thanks to support from a program in the CDC. 'The funding from the CDC for the coalition started in 2023 and then it was supposed to go to 2026 and now we have a big question mark,' Program Director Clare Robinson-Henrie said. The Coalition first formed in 2000 and was a driving force, at the time, behind Rochester's groundbreaking 'lead law,' which passed in 2005 and was implemented in 2006, requiring all rental homes in Rochester to pass a lead test as part of the required Certificate of Occupancy (CofO) process. 'Really it had great success,' Robinson-Henrie said. 'In the city of Rochester, which had some of the highest lead poisoning rates previously went down really dramatically compared to the rest of the state so it really works well.' In 2023, Causewave Community Partners, on behalf of CPLP, was awarded funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) three year opportunity: 'Supporting Communities to Reduce Lead Poisoning.' The Coalition tells News 8 those funds dramatically increased the group's capacity to expand and implement programs. In the last year, CPLP has presented to more than 150 community members and provided thousands of lead poisoning prevention materials county-wide. 'For quite a few years there was no staff for the coalition and so we had great support from Causewave, which is our administrative and fiscal home, but no real staff to take it to the next level,' Robinson-Henrie said. 'So, then came along this wonderful opportunity from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention which helped fund staff here, staff support, for the Coalition's work.' Robinson-Henrie tells News 8, in the April 1 announcement of staff reductions at the CDC, the Coalition's program officer was fired. The group does significant work in the community to educate folks about the dangers of lead poisoning; New York State requires children get tested for lead at ages one and two and if elevated levels are found, there can be serious health complications. 'They could be at risk for all sorts of cognitive and behavioral issues, speech and language issues,' Robinson-Henrie said. 'And unfortunately it's cumulative, lead poisoning is cumulative so if they keep getting exposed in their home and nothing changes, then they're just getting more and more of it and it settles into your bones eventually.' 'With kids, especially, they ingest it through their mouths. The lead dust that might be created from paint that is on like a door or a window, it has a lot of wear and tear so that creates invisible lead dust that is heavy, falls to the floor, falls on places where they're walking or crawling or on their toys, whatever else, and they ingest it because, as you said, they're putting a lot of stuff in their mouths,' she adds. It's also not just the CDC with systems in place to work towards mitigating lead exposure: Robinson-Henrie also notes the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plays a crucial role to ensure the rules are followed; for example, a contractor doing abatement work inside homes with lead paint. All of these programs could be facing significant cuts as the budget process is currently underway in Washington. 'I know that we are only one of many different organizations to be impacted by the changes on the federal level. And ensure that your congress people are hearing from you, making sure that our U.S. senators, you know Congressman Morelle, know about these issues and that you want to make sure that childhood lead poisoning prevention is funded and can continue through the next 25 years,' Robinson-Henrie said. 'It's tragic because lead poisoning is almost entirely preventable and once a kid is lead poisoned it's really hard to reverse those effects; it's possible for them to thrive and have a full life for sure, I don't want to say that, but their opportunities may be narrowed,' Robinson-Henrie adds. 'To date, we have not seen any plans to reinstate the CDC's Childhood Lead Poisoning program. If these cuts are permanent, it will mean fewer resources to keep Monroe County children safe from lead exposure. The Secretary of Health and Human Services must put children's health first and reinstate the program immediately in order to ensure their vital work is not disrupted further.' Mel Callan, Chair of the Coalition to Prevent Lead Poisoning said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Mary Lou Retton Ends Up Behind Bars For DUI After Near-Death Pneumonia Battle
Olympic icon is making headlines once again, this time for all the wrong reasons. Mary Lou Retton's arrest comes just two years after she survived a terrifying, life-threatening health scare. On May 17, the 57-year-old former gymnast, who became a national treasure after her gold-medal win at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, was arrested in Marion County, West Virginia, and charged with a misdemeanor for driving under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or drugs, according to court records. According to "Good Morning America," Retton was released the same day after posting a $1,500 bond. As of now, she has not entered a plea. In 2023, she was hospitalized for nearly two weeks in the ICU with what she described as a "rare form of pneumonia," a condition that left her dependent on supplemental oxygen and struggling to regain her strength. In a candid May 2024 interview with "Entertainment Tonight," Retton revealed she was still dealing with lingering health issues. "I still have a hard time breathing and getting breath to speak," she shared, adding that her condition had kept her from returning to the motivational speaking circuit. "That's frustrating. It's been hard, I have to say." Pneumonia, a lung infection that varies in severity, can be triggered by multiple sources, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and even parasites, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While it can affect people of all ages, the infection tends to pose a greater risk for young children, older adults, and individuals with underlying health conditions such as diabetes or chronic heart, lung, or liver disease. Additional risk factors include smoking and excessive alcohol use. At the time of her illness, her daughters launched a fundraising campaign to help cover medical expenses, sparking controversy online. "My amazing mom, Mary Lou, has a very rare form of pneumonia and is fighting for her life," one of her daughters wrote in the fundraising description. "She is not able to breathe on her own. She's been in the ICU for over a week now. Out of respect for her and her privacy, I will not disclose all details. However, I will disclose that she is not insured." The daughter added, "We ask that if you could help in any way, that 1) you PRAY! and 2) if you could help us with finances for the hospital bill. ANYTHING, absolutely anything, would be so helpful for my family and my mom. Thank y'all so very much!" At the time, one anonymous donor went viral after giving $200. "Watching you perform and win in the Olympics was a gift!" they shared alongside their donation. "As a young girl, seeing someone so humble and gracious when you received your medals was inspiring. We are holding you close in our hearts and prayers." Critics, however, questioned why a former Wheaties cover star needed financial help, but Retton didn't waste any time defending her daughters' actions. "The bills were and are still coming in," she said, making it clear that she did not have health insurance at the time. "I didn't even know that was happening until I came to a few weeks later." "They were just trying to take care of me," she explained. "You're welcome to your opinion. But you weren't in that situation. My daughters stepped up to the plate and they saved my life." Retton's storied legacy as a trailblazing gymnast includes five Olympic medals: one gold, two silvers, and two bronzes, making her the most decorated athlete of the 1984 Games. Her perfect 10s in Los Angeles made her a household name and the face of American gymnastics. Now, fans are left shocked by this latest turn in her story as the former sweetheart of Team USA navigates a very different kind of spotlight.
Hamilton Spectator
4 hours ago
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
What we know — and don't know — about who will be able to get COVID-19 shots
Want a COVID-19 vaccination this fall? For many Americans, it's not clear how easy it will be to get one – or if they've lost the choice. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who was a longtime anti-vaccine activist, said this week that the shots are no longer recommended for healthy children and pregnant women, usurping a decision normally made by scientific experts, not political appointees . The announcement follows an earlier Trump administration step to limit COVID-19 vaccinations among healthy people under age 65. Until now, the U.S. – following guidance from independent experts who advise the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – has recommended yearly COVID-19 vaccinations for everyone age 6 months and older. Together, the moves have left health experts, vaccine makers and insurers uncertain about what to advise and what comes next. 'It's going to add a lot of confusion overall,' said Ajay Sethi, an epidemiologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. How can I get a COVID-19 shot for myself or my healthy child? Some of this season's vaccine is still available. Insurance industry experts say if people had insurance coverage before Kennedy's announcement, it's highly unlikely that would have ended instantly based on the secretary's video announcement. That means if someone could find a shot, they'd likely be able to get one for now. Will I still be able to choose a shot in the fall for myself or my child? Who will be able to get what vaccines this fall is still unclear. Vaccine manufacturers plan to issue updated COVID-19 shots in the late summer or fall. But the Food and Drug Administration has said it plans to limit approval of seasonal shots to seniors and others at high risk, pending more studies of everyone else. Even if the U.S. approves vaccines only for certain groups, it still may be possible for others to get the shot depending on the outcome of upcoming advisory meetings, regulatory moves and decisions from insurers and employers. Will my insurance still pay? Insurers base coverage decisions on the recommendations of that CDC panel, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. It's not clear what role that panel now will play. Paying out of pocket could cost about $200. But some insurers and employers may decide to still cover the shots regardless of the new recommendations, said Jen Kates, a senior vice president at the non-profit KFF, which studies health care issues. She noted that they may view the expense as worthwhile if it avoids a higher bill from someone hospitalized by the coronavirus. What's considered increased risk? The FDA published a list of health conditions it said would qualify, including asthma, cancer, diabetes, obesity and physical inactivity. The CDC has a more extensive list. But, again, it isn't yet known how this will play out. For example, it could be hard for people to prove they're qualified. If they're vaccinated at a drugstore, for instance, the pharmacist wouldn't normally know about underlying health problems or even ask. Kates said it's unclear whether Kennedy's move would affect whether doctors recommend the shot. And Sethi, the UW-Madison expert, said 'this elephant in the room' is that blocking vaccination to the healthy may mean people who have a risk factor and simply don't know it will miss out. Adding to the confusion, the FDA included pregnancy and recent pregnancy on the list of conditions that would qualify someone for a shot — but Kennedy said that pregnancy was no longer a qualification in his announcement this week. COVID-19 complications during pregnancy can include preterm birth as well as serious illness in the mother, and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine said it 'strongly reaffirms' its recommendation for vaccination during pregnancy. ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Boston Globe
5 hours ago
- Health
- Boston Globe
Will you be able to get a COVID-19 shot? Here's what we know so far.
Until now, the U.S. — following guidance from independent experts who advise the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — has recommended yearly COVID-19 vaccinations for everyone age 6 months and older. Together, the moves have left health experts, vaccine makers and insurers uncertain about what to advise and what comes next. Advertisement 'It's going to add a lot of confusion overall,' said Ajay Sethi, an epidemiologist at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. How can I get a COVID-19 shot for myself or my healthy child? Some of this season's vaccine is still available. Insurance industry experts say if people had insurance coverage before Kennedy's announcement, it's highly unlikely that would have ended instantly based on the secretary's video announcement. That means if someone could find a shot, they'd likely be able to get one for now. Will I still be able to choose a shot in the fall for myself or my child? Who will be able to get what vaccines this fall is still unclear. Vaccine manufacturers plan to issue updated COVID-19 shots in the late summer or fall. But the Food and Drug Administration has said it plans to limit approval of seasonal shots to seniors and others at high risk, pending more studies of everyone else. Advertisement Even if the U.S. approves vaccines only for certain groups, it still may be possible for others to get the shot depending on the outcome of upcoming advisory meetings, regulatory moves and decisions from insurers and employers. Will my insurance still pay? Insurers base coverage decisions on the recommendations of that CDC panel, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. It's not clear what role that panel now will play. Paying out of pocket could cost about $200. But some insurers and employers may decide to still cover the shots regardless of the new recommendations, said Jen Kates, a senior vice president at the non-profit KFF, which studies health care issues. She noted that they may view the expense as worthwhile if it avoids a higher bill from someone hospitalized by the coronavirus. What's considered increased risk? The FDA published a list of health conditions it said would qualify, including asthma, cancer, diabetes, obesity and physical inactivity. The CDC has a more extensive list. But, again, it isn't yet known how this will play out. For example, it could be hard for people to prove they're qualified. If they're vaccinated at a drugstore, for instance, the pharmacist wouldn't normally know about underlying health problems or even ask. Kates said it's unclear whether Kennedy's move would affect whether doctors recommend the shot. And Sethi, the UW-Madison expert, said 'this elephant in the room' is that blocking vaccination to the healthy may mean people who have a risk factor and simply don't know it will miss out. Adding to the confusion, the FDA included pregnancy and recent pregnancy on the list of conditions that would qualify someone for a shot — but Kennedy said that pregnancy was no longer a qualification in his announcement this week. Advertisement COVID-19 complications during pregnancy can include preterm birth as well as serious illness in the mother, and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine said it 'strongly reaffirms' its recommendation for vaccination during pregnancy.
