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Why the COVID vaccine isn't part of an injury compensation court
60 Minutes· 2025-10-06 01:49
60 Minutes overtime. Reporting on vaccine injuries is a complicated topic, and it's important to continuously remember the incredible lifesaving power of vaccines. Over 150 million lives have been saved worldwide due to vaccines.I'm Denise Shrier Chedetta and I'm a producer at 60 Minutes in Washington DC within the US Court of Federal Claims. This week on 60 Minutes, we report on the vaccine court, a littleknown court that Congress founded in the 80s and has been compensating Americans injured by vaccines f ...
'We're all in it together’: Historian Kyle Harper on the importance of vaccines on human health
MSNBC· 2025-09-21 18:35
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]
Ousted CDC Director: 'I worry about the future of trust in public health'
MSNBC· 2025-09-17 16:33
Us now to discuss what we have been watching is NBC News Capitol Hill correspondent Julie Cirin, Dr. . Amos Shadalia, senior scholar at the John's Hopkins Center for Health Security at the Bloomberg School of Public Health, NBC News medical contributor Dr. . Vin Gupta, and MSNBC senior enterprise reporter Brandy Zadznney.Uh Julie, for those who maybe just tuned in at the top of the hour or are just joining us now, talk to us about the highlights from the hearing so far. Yeah, Anna. Well, I think it's import ...
State-based healthcare is 'the only path forward': Fmr. CDC official
MSNBC· 2025-09-05 16:45
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]
States take over where Trump puts public health at risk by supporting RFK Jr.
MSNBC· 2025-09-05 16:15
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 ...
Joe: There's no logical answer for why RFK Jr. is still leading HHS
MSNBC· 2025-09-05 11:21
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]
'You're a charlatan!': Dem senator SHREDS RFK Jr over anti-science crusade
MSNBC· 2025-09-05 01:00
Good evening from New York. I'm Chris Hayes. There is a massive scandal that has been roing the entire public health infrastructure of this country because the guy in charge of it is a dangerous crank with a pathetic record.And today, Americans had a chance to see just how dangerous and dishonest and just plain weird he really is. In less than a year, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.. has overseen the worst measles outbreak in this country in 30 years. He has limited access to vacci ...
Fmr. CDC chief: 'Public health in our country can still thrive if we intervene now'
NBC News· 2025-09-04 22:37
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 ...
 Doctor warns: 'We can no longer trust the CDC because of RFK Jr.'
MSNBC· 2025-09-01 15:40
Joining us now is Dr.. Paul Offett, the director of the vaccine education at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Doctor, we just heard the former immunization chief at the CDC say, quote, he only sees harm coming. And I'm wondering, do you think that's hyperbolic? Do you think that's an exaggeration? Or do you agree with that assessment? >> I agree completely. I mean, look what's happened just over the past year. We've had the biggest measles epidemic we've had in 33 years. We had two children die of m ...
‘Wake up. This is where fascism lives’: Resigned vaccine chief on Trump’s ousting of CDC director
MSNBC· 2025-08-30 16:30
CDC Leadership & Scientific Integrity - Former CDC vaccine chief resigned due to concerns that the CDC's vaccine policy committee is compromised, with ideology tainting science [3][4] - The absence of scientific leadership within the CDC raises concerns about the agency's ability to effectively protect public health [4] - Experts express concern that HHS leadership is not listening to scientific experts, potentially leading to policy decisions not based on science [7][8] Vaccine Misinformation & Public Trust - Concerns are raised about the spread of misinformation linking vaccines to autism, potentially impacting vaccination rates and public trust in public health institutions [14][16] - The spread of vaccine skepticism could lead to a loss of measles eradication status and a decline in the US's global public health leadership [20][21] - The American Academy of Pediatrics is providing its own recommendations for COVID vaccines, signaling a lack of trust in the CDC [24] Public Health Infrastructure & Response - Cuts to Medicaid, totaling $1 trillion, will impact access to healthcare and the ability of frontline healthcare workers to respond to public health needs [26] - Concerns are raised that the current rhetoric echoes eugenics, particularly regarding statements about "superior genetics" and survival of the fittest [31]