Latest news with #mumps
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
MRNA, PFE Stocks Jump Despite FDA's Stricter Standards for COVID-19 Shots
Shares of prominent COVID-19 vaccine-makers Moderna MRNA, Pfizer PFE and BioNTech BNTX rose yesterday after the FDA issued new guidance for COVID-19 vaccine boosters. Although the agency continues to approve boosters based on immune response data for adults 65 and older, it has tightened the standards for individuals aged 6 months to 64 years. Those at high risk within this age group remain eligible under the immunogenicity-based standard, but healthy individuals will now require evidence from randomized placebo-controlled clinical studies demonstrating real-world benefit. As part of the post-marketing requirements, vaccine-makers seeking approval for use in high-risk populations must also conduct a randomized, placebo-controlled study in healthy individuals aged 50 to 64. Per the FDA, this age group presents a key area of scientific uncertainty and 'global equipoise' around the benefits of repeated annual boosters. The agency stated that the preferred primary endpoint for such clinical studies will be symptomatic COVID-19, while secondary endpoints should include severe disease, hospitalization and death. Shares of several vaccine makers, including Moderna, BioNTech and Pfizer, surged on Tuesday. Though the revised policy restricts booster eligibility for healthy individuals under 65, it also signals long-term demand by reaffirming vaccine access for a substantial high-risk population. Moderna and BioNTech were the biggest gainers from this surge, soaring 6% and 4%, respectively, on Tuesday. Pfizer stock climbed over 2%. Investor optimism was likely driven by the FDA's estimate that 100 to 200 million Americans, including seniors and individuals with underlying conditions, remain eligible for yearly COVID-19 boosters. The policy shift comes amid persistently low uptake of COVID-19 boosters in recent seasons. According to the CDC, fewer than 25% of Americans received boosters in each of the past two years. The vaccine uptake was especially low among children under 12 (below 10%) and healthcare workers; fewer than one-third participated in the 2023-2024 fall program. Per the FDA, the hesitancy in COVID-19 immunizations is also affecting other key immunization programs, including the measles–mumps–rubella (MMR) vaccine. Against this backdrop, the agency's updated framework aims to restore confidence in vaccines by requiring stronger evidence for booster use in healthy populations while maintaining protection for those at the highest risk. The updated framework also aims to align U.S. policy with the global consensus, which generally limits routine booster recommendations to older adults and those at higher risk, rather than adopting a 'one-size-fits-all' approach. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Pfizer Inc. (PFE) : Free Stock Analysis Report Moderna, Inc. (MRNA) : Free Stock Analysis Report BioNTech SE Sponsored ADR (BNTX) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research 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
27-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Measles case confirmed in Kentucky amid virus outbreak in U.S.
Public health officials have confirmed a case of measles in Kentucky amid ongoing outbreaks in multiple states. The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services said a Frankfort resident recently traveled internationally to an area with an ongoing measles outbreak and returned home while still infectious, even visiting a Planet Fitness location. In a news release, officials said they are working to identify and contact anyone who may have been exposed to the virus. The last confirmed case of measles in Kentucky was in 2023. Measles − a highly contagious respiratory virus known to cause serious health complications in young children − is an airborne illness that can survive up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area, officials said. Early symptoms typically begin eight to 12 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes. 'Measles is one of the most contagious viruses in the world,' Kentucky Department for Public Health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack said in a release. 'Fortunately, measles can be prevented with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is safe and effective. Vaccines are an essential tool to keep children and adults safe and healthy.' Kentucky isn't the first state to have a case of measles this year. More than 100 people were infected in a fast-growing measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico, USA TODAY reported, including a child who succumbed to the virus in the first measles death in the U.S. since 2015. Officials say anyone exposed to the virus but who has not been vaccinated should quarantine for 12 days after exposure and immediately contact a doctor once symptoms develop. 'If you have been exposed to measles (and) are going to see a health care practitioner, it is important to call the facility to make them aware of your measles exposure and symptoms prior to entering so that others are not exposed,' Stack said. More information about measles can be found at the Kentucky Department for Public Health's website or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Measles confirmed in Kentucky amid outbreaks of virus in U.S.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Texas measles cases are up, and New Mexico now has an outbreak. Here's what you need to know
The measles outbreak in rural West Texas has grown to 58 cases as of Tuesday, and eight people in neighboring eastern New Mexico also have been diagnosed with measles. New Mexico health department spokesman Robert Nott said Tuesday that the agency hadn't 'identified any direct contact" between cases in its state and cases in Texas. Measles is a highly contagious disease. Here's what you should know about how to protect yourself against measles, as well as what's happening in Texas and New Mexico. Where is measles spreading? The West Texas cases are concentrated in Gaines County, which has 45 infections. Terry County to the north has nine confirmed cases, while Lubbock and Lynn counties have a case each and Yoakum County has two. The Texas Department of State Health Services said Monday that 13 people are hospitalized with measles. State health officials say this outbreak is Texas' largest in nearly 30 years. Health department spokeswoman Lara Anton said last week that cases have been concentrated in a 'close-knit, undervaccinated' Mennonite community — especially among families who attend small private religious schools or are homeschooled. The New Mexico cases are in Lea County, which borders Gaines County in Texas. The cases include a family of five that's in isolation, the state health department said Tuesday, but none of those infected have needed to be hospitalized. Six people who have measles are not vaccinated, officials said. New Mexico officials also said people may have been exposed at a grocery store, an elementary school, a church, Nor-Lea Hospital and a Walgreens in Hobbs. What is measles? Measles is a respiratory virus that can survive in the air for up to two hours. Up to 9 out of 10 people who are susceptible will get the virus if exposed, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most kids will recover from the measles if they get it, but infection can lead to dangerous complications like pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling and death. Is the vaccine safe? Yes, the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and highly effective in preventing measles infection and severe cases of the disease. The first shot is recommended for children between 12 and 15 months old and the second between 4 and 6 years old. The vaccine series is required for kids before entering kindergarten in public schools nationwide. Before the vaccine was introduced in 1963, the U.S. saw some 3 million to 4 million cases per year. Now, it's usually fewer than 200 in a normal year. There is no link between the vaccine and autism, despite a now-discredited study and health disinformation. Why do vaccination rates matter? In communities with high vaccination rates — above 95% — diseases like measles have a harder time spreading through communities. This is called 'herd immunity.' But childhood vaccination rates have declined nationwide since the pandemic and more parents are claiming religious or personal conscience waivers to exempt their kids from required shots. The U.S. saw a rise in measles cases in 2024, including an outbreak in Chicago that sickened more than 60. Five years earlier, measles cases were the worst in almost three decades in 2019. Gaines County has one of the highest rates in Texas of school-aged children who opt out of at least one required vaccine, with nearly 14% of K-12 children in the 2023-24 school year. Health officials say that number is likely higher because it doesn't include many children who are homeschooled and whose data would not be reported. What are public health officials doing to stop the spread? Health workers are hosting regular vaccination clinic and screening efforts in Texas. They are also working with schools to educate people about the importance of vaccination and offering shots. New Mexico medical providers are being urged to watch for and report measles infections, while state health authorities are attempting to trace and notify people who may have been exposed. The state health department is also doing free vaccination clinics in Hobbs and Lovington this week. ___ 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. Devi Shastri And Morgan Lee, The Associated Press
