We are back with breaking news. Moments ago at a key CDC hearing, a group of vaccine advisers to US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.. just voting on changing the hepatitis B vaccine schedule, a shot that's been given at birth for decades. MS Now's Brandy Zadrzi is joining us with this reporting. Explain to us, Brandy, what just happened.Yeah, they had delayed this vote from yesterday after a bunch of presentations from antivaccine activists and no career CDC scientists. Um, all the meeting yesterday, ...

Global Health Crisis - Dismantling of USAID is estimated to have caused 600,000 deaths, with 400,000 (two-thirds) being children [1] - Severe malnutrition cases, once having a 20% death rate, have been reduced to less than 1% due to public health interventions [3] - Funding cuts impact life-saving activities, particularly in malnutrition care, HIV, TB, and childbirth [4][5][12] Data and Reporting Challenges - Data capture has been cut off, hindering the ability to accurately assess the impact of funding cuts [9] - A one-third increase in child mortality (e g, from 3% to 4%) may not be immediately noticeable without specific data tracking [10] - Statistics for 2025 will not be available for a couple of years, but current estimates suggest significant impact from cuts [11] Impact on Developing Nations - US aid has historically supported economic development and governance in countries like India, Korea, and Latin America [14] - Investments spurred by the US have helped turn countries like India from famine-stricken to food exporters [15] - Assistance supports societal development, as seen in Kenya's economic progress [13]

Vaccine Injury Compensation Programs - The US Court of Federal Claims operates a vaccine court, compensating individuals injured by vaccines for 35 years [2] - The program aims to ensure drug companies continue manufacturing vaccines while compensating those rarely injured [3] - The COVID vaccines are not included in the vaccine injury table and fall under the countermeasures program [4][5] - The countermeasures program has stricter requirements, no right to counsel or appeal, limited damages, and a one-year statute of limitations [6] - Approximately 14,000 claims related to COVID vaccinations have been filed under the countermeasures program, with less than 1% compensated and about 5,000 denied [6][7] Potential Changes and Impacts - Many believe the COVID vaccine should be included in the vaccine court program [7] - Inclusion requires the vaccine to be a recommended childhood vaccine, Congress to pass an excise tax, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to add COVID to the vaccine injury table [8] - The Secretary of Health and Human Services would follow the CDC's recommendations regarding transferring COVID vaccines to the vaccine court program [9] - Transferring unresolved COVID cases could overwhelm the vaccine court without additional special masters [9][10] Concerns and Benefits - Concerns exist that including COVID vaccines in the program could increase vaccine skepticism [11] - The program aims to compensate those with adverse reactions without lengthy litigation, ensuring continued vaccine availability [12] - Vaccines have significantly reduced deaths from preventable illnesses [13]

Vaccine Policy & Public Health - A federal panel's new rules for COVID shots could reduce vaccine availability [1] - The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ASIP) recommended that individuals under 65 consult a doctor before receiving the COVID vaccine, differing from previous recommendations for all Americans aged 6 months and older [2] - The panel also voted to restrict the use of the MMRV vaccine, advising against its use for children under four years old [2][3] - Childhood vaccination rates have been declining, leading to nearly 1,500 documented measles cases in the US this year, the highest level in over 25 years [10] Historical Context & Impact of Vaccines - In 1900, the US life expectancy was 473%, significantly lower than today's 784% due to infant and child mortality from preventable diseases [5][6] - Before the introduction of the measles vaccine in the early 1960s, the US saw 3 to 4 million measles cases annually, with 400 to 500 deaths [8] - Measles deaths declined by 90% in the decade after the introduction of measles vaccines, and measles was considered eliminated in the US in 2000 [9] - Vaccines are considered a top innovation for contributing to health, longevity, and overall human well-being [14] Skepticism vs Pseudoscience & Public Trust - The discussion around vaccines is not solely scientific, as panels are now populated with vaccine critics, some of whom have profited from that position [16] - It's important to distinguish legitimate skepticism, which is part of science, from pseudoscience, as public trust and polarization are key issues [17][19] - Herd immunity is crucial, and decreased vaccination rates can affect many people [21][22] - Vaccination is a public health issue and a shared responsibility for the safety and health of the community [22][23]

Vaccine Safety and Public Health Concerns - The hearing focused on concerns about the integrity of vaccine guidelines and potential compromise of public health [2][3][4] - Undermining faith in vaccine science could lead to the return of preventable diseases and harm to children [5][6] - There are worries about the future of trust in public health due to confusing guidance and conflicting information [7][8] - The rise of vaccine hesitancy, with 77% of American counties seeing a decline in childhood vaccination rates since 2019, poses a significant risk [26] - Diseases are spreading, and waiting to vaccinate is a dangerous approach [28] RFK Jr.'s Influence and Vaccine Skepticism - Robert F Kennedy Jr is perceived as an antivaccine advocate aiming to dismantle the US vaccine infrastructure [4][16] - Kennedy allegedly asked for rubber-stamping of vaccine guidelines without evidence [4] - Kennedy reportedly discussed changing the childhood vaccine schedule with the president without providing supporting evidence [15] - Kennedy's appointment of vaccine skeptics to the ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) is transforming it into an organ of antivaccine propaganda [14][17] Concerns Regarding ACIP and HHS - New ACIP members have reportedly spread falsehoods about COVID-19 treatments [11][12] - Aaron Siri, an antivaccine lawyer, is seen as influential within HHS and a key figure in challenging vaccine mandates [18][19][20] - There are concerns about the CDC director needing to meet with an antivaccine lawyer [20] COVID-19 Vaccine and Data - Data exists supporting the effectiveness of childhood vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccine [24] - A 2023 study showed that almost all (96%) children hospitalized with severe COVID-19 pneumonia were unvaccinated [24][25] - Vaccines have saved 22 million lives since the birth dose was instituted in the 1990s [25]

Public Health Policy & Leadership - The report highlights concerns about the leadership of the Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary, Robert F Kennedy Jr, with senators questioning his credibility and calling him a liar and a danger to public health [1][2] - The Secretary's stance on vaccines is causing confusion and division, potentially leading to disparities in children's health outcomes across different states [4][5][6] - The Secretary struggled to provide information to back his beliefs regarding COVID vaccines and policies [7] - The Secretary's alleged distrust of established medical institutions like the CDC and promotion of alternative viewpoints are undermining public health infrastructure [10][11][12] Vaccine Safety & Efficacy - The COVID booster is considered safe and effective, representing a key defense against hospitalization during the fall and winter seasons [13][14] - Billions of doses of the COVID vaccine have been administered, making it one of the most studied medical interventions [13] Public Health System & State Response - States are forming alliances to compensate for the perceived abdication of responsibility by the federal government in public health matters [15][16] - The lack of a unified national public health system may lead to unequal access to essential services like clean water, safe food, and vaccines depending on the state [17][19][20] CDC Crisis & Credibility - The Secretary's account of the former CDC director's resignation is deemed not credible [22][23] - The Secretary is accused of lacking command of facts, resorting to denial and disparagement, and attempting to dismantle the existing public health system [24]

Health Secretary RFK Jr. .'s conspiracydriven crackdown at the FDA has upended broad access to the COVID vaccine. We've been talking about that through the course of the show.I mean, right now, because of recent changes in federal recommendations, only two groups of people, adults over 65 and an unspecified group of high-risisk individuals are currently able to get the COVID booster at no cost. Everyone else has to pay it for themselves, if they can even gain access to it. In response, at least seven states ...

Vaccine Policy & Public Health Concerns - The report highlights a heated hearing where Health and Human Services Secretary Kennedy faced intense questioning from both Democrats and Republicans regarding vaccine policy and the CDC's current state [1] - Concerns were raised about the clarity, evidence-based nature, and trustworthiness of vaccine guidance, with calls for improvement [11] - The potential dangers of Secretary Kennedy's statements regarding vaccines were underscored, particularly concerning children's health [17][24] - The report mentions measles outbreaks and questions within the National Institute of Health regarding mRNA vaccines, contributing to public uncertainty [10] Operation Warp Speed & Political Implications - Operation Warp Speed, a signature achievement of President Trump, was a point of contention, with conflicting views on its effectiveness and impact [4][8] - Secretary Kennedy's stance on Operation Warp Speed was unclear, prompting calls for a definitive statement [8] - Republican senators, including physicians, pressed Kennedy on Operation Warp Speed, highlighting the political significance of the issue [4][13] - The report suggests a potential deal between Kennedy and Trump, where Kennedy's endorsement led to his appointment, indicating political maneuvering [17] - The Senate Republicans' frustration stems from confirming cabinet members who are subsequently dismissed shortly after, causing embarrassment [20] - The MAGA coalition's influence is noted, with Trump potentially catering to fringe elements of his base regarding Operation Warp Speed [28][29]

Public Health Crisis & Leadership Concerns - The industry faces a massive scandal due to the HHS Secretary's dangerous and dishonest approach, marked by the worst measles outbreak in 30 years and limited vaccine access [1][2] - The Secretary's competence is questioned, particularly regarding knowledge of COVID-19 deaths and vaccine efficacy [7][8][9] - Concerns arise over the Secretary's alleged pressure on health officials to align with vaccine recommendations, regardless of scientific evidence [10] Vaccine Controversy & Policy Shifts - The Secretary's stance on mRNA vaccines is controversial, with agreement to claims of serious harm, especially among young people [11] - The Secretary is accused of effectively denying people vaccines by changing the COVID-19 vaccine classification, impacting insurance coverage and pharmacy access [16][17] - The Secretary's statements on vaccine availability contradict previous promises, raising concerns about honesty and consistency [14][15] Data Integrity & Scientific Trust - The Secretary's rejection of science and promotion of misinformation are criticized, leading to a bipartisan response [13][26] - The Secretary's dismissal of COVID-19 death data raises concerns about the agency's commitment to accurate information and scientific integrity [27][28] Regional Response & Future Preparedness - Several states are forming their own health agencies to maintain access to accurate data, indicating a lack of trust in the federal health leadership [21] - Concerns are raised about the Secretary's lack of strategy for combating measles, future COVID variants, or pandemics [25] - The Secretary's reluctance to support research and development for future pandemics is criticized, particularly regarding mRNA technology [22][29]

oftentimes, you know, the CDC is allowed to remain apolitical amidst the change over in administrations. Some wonder as they see the changes that are happening at the CDC and under Health Secretary RFK Jr. . as to whether or not these changes can be reversed.Can it be. I hope so. That's one of the reasons why, you know, Dan, Dmitri, and I resigned together to really sound the alarm.You know, I've been calling it a bat signal. And for me, it's just a different HHS leadership group. It's not a different admin ...