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All articles tagged with #hhs

U.S. Vaccine Schedule Overhaul Sparks Measles Surge and Legal Backlash
health-policy8 days ago

U.S. Vaccine Schedule Overhaul Sparks Measles Surge and Legal Backlash

The U.S. federal vaccine schedule has been significantly altered under HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., leading to a sharp rise in measles cases and legal challenges. Critics argue these changes, which include removing thimerosal from flu vaccines and ending universal newborn hepatitis B shots, are based on flawed or nonexistent evidence. While the administration claims to align with international norms, experts note the U.S. now lags behind most peer nations in disease coverage, raising concerns about preventable outbreaks and economic costs.

via Skeptic|
#acip#health-policy#hhs
CDC Resumes COVID Vaccine Orders for Low-Income Children After Month-Long Standoff
health16 days ago

CDC Resumes COVID Vaccine Orders for Low-Income Children After Month-Long Standoff

The CDC has finally opened ordering for the 2026–2027 COVID-19 vaccine season through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, ending a nearly month-long delay that left low-income children without access. While the FDA approved the updated shots in late August, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) withheld distribution, citing 'unfinalized procurement decisions.' This pause created a two-tiered system where only children with private insurance could receive doses. The delay occurred despite rising infections across the US and warnings from public health experts that infants face the highest hospitalization risks. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has not provided a clear explanation for the hold, though sources suggest it stemmed from delays in finalizing clinical guidance and potential interference from anti-vaccine officials. The move restores access for approximately 52% of US children eligible for free immunizations, including those on Medicaid or uninsured.

via Ars Technica|
#cdc#health#hhs
CDC to Restore Access to Pediatric COVID Vaccines After Month-Long Delay
health17 days ago

CDC to Restore Access to Pediatric COVID Vaccines After Month-Long Delay

The CDC is set to allow states to order updated COVID-19 vaccines for low-income children through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, ending a nearly month-long suspension. This federal program provides free immunizations to approximately 52% of U.S. children, including those on Medicaid or without insurance. While the FDA approved the updated shots in late August, HHS delayed distribution, creating a two-tiered system where only children with private insurance could receive doses. The delay has drawn criticism from public health experts who argue it leaves vulnerable infants exposed to rising infections.

via The Washington Post|
#cdc#health#hhs
HHS Vaccine Label Overhaul Sparks Public Health Alarm as Measles Cases Surge
health-policy17 days ago

HHS Vaccine Label Overhaul Sparks Public Health Alarm as Measles Cases Surge

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is preparing to fundamentally alter how childhood vaccines are categorized and recommended, a move that has triggered urgent warnings from public health experts, legal advocates, and state governors. The changes stem from an August 2026 executive order by President Donald Trump, which mandated a reevaluation of the childhood vaccine schedule and the revival of a defunct vaccine task force. HHS recently concluded a public comment period on a Request for Information (RFI) that questions the current three-tier recommendation system: routine/universal, risk-based, and shared clinical decision-making (SCDM). While HHS frames the review around 'individual autonomy' and 'religious freedom,' critics argue the proposed new categories lack scientific basis and will cause widespread confusion. This debate unfolds against a backdrop of a severe measles resurgence, with the U.S. experiencing its worst year since 1991, including 792 cases and four deaths in Pennsylvania alone. State officials and legal groups are urging HHS to maintain a stable, evidence-based framework to prevent a collapse in vaccination rates and a return of preventable diseases.

via Talking Points Memo|
#health-policy#hhs#measles
Federal Stalemate Leaves Half of US Children Without Updated Covid Shots
health-policy17 days ago

Federal Stalemate Leaves Half of US Children Without Updated Covid Shots

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has not released updated Covid-19 vaccines through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, leaving approximately 52% of US children without free access. While doses are available for privately insured patients, the federal delay creates a two-tiered system that disproportionately affects low-income, uninsured, and Medicaid-eligible families. Officials have not provided a timeline for when VFC doses will be distributed, despite the FDA approving the shots in August 2026.

via theguardian.com|
#cdc#health-policy#hhs
HHS seeks public input on vaccine recommendation labels as deadline looms
public-health22 days ago

HHS seeks public input on vaccine recommendation labels as deadline looms

CIDRAP Op-Ed explains that HHS issued a Federal Register request for information asking how to name and structure vaccine recommendation categories, with 18 questions and a Sept 20 deadline tied to an executive order to reform the childhood schedule. It reviews the three categories—Routine, Risk-based, and Shared clinical decision-making—and argues the notice misses key policy and practical issues, such as how a “no default” category would work in clinics and how past votes and current rules should influence labeling. The piece urges practitioners and other stakeholders to weigh in with concrete experiences on clinic workflow, insurance coverage, and patient consent.

via CIDRAP|
#hhs#immunization-schedule#public-health
HHS plans two new FDA deputy commissioners, one for AI-focused technology
technology1 month ago

HHS plans two new FDA deputy commissioners, one for AI-focused technology

Health and Human Services plans two new FDA deputy commissioners—one for technology/AI and one for drugs—reporting to FDA commissioner nominee Heidi Overton, with no final decisions yet; potential candidates include Jared Seehafer for tech and Kyle Diamantas for drugs. The move comes amid FDA scrutiny over drug approvals, food safety challenges, and expanding AI use, including the Elsa tool and a pending AI-regulation discussion.

via CNBC|
#ai#fda#hhs
Public input sought on vaccine guidance categories amid Trump administration review
health1 month ago

Public input sought on vaccine guidance categories amid Trump administration review

The HHS issued a Federal Register notice inviting 30 days of public comments on the current vaccine recommendation categories (routine, risk-based, shared clinical decision-making) and whether new categories should be added, a move critics say could sow confusion and limit access if CDC/ACIP oversight is bypassed; experts warn the effort may reflect broader Trump-era pushes to pare back vaccine guidance and raise questions about how evidence is evaluated. Public vaccine mandates remain state/local.

via The Guardian|
#cdc#health#hhs
Kennedy-Trump push seeks public input to reshape U.S. vaccine policy
health1 month ago

Kennedy-Trump push seeks public input to reshape U.S. vaccine policy

A new information request from President Trump and Health Secretary RFK Jr. invites 30 days of public comment on potential changes to U.S. vaccine policy, signaling a push to revise the current framework (universal, risk-based, and shared clinical-decision-making categories) without implementing changes yet, while the CDC reiterates vaccines’ safety and effectiveness.

via STAT|
#cdc#health#hhs
Detransitioners recount coercive, profit-driven gender care for youths, per HHS report
health1 month ago

Detransitioners recount coercive, profit-driven gender care for youths, per HHS report

The Department of Health and Human Services’ Wolves in White Coats report highlights three detransitioner accounts—Clementine Breen, Soren Aldaco, and Luke Healy—who allege that doctors pressured underage patients to pursue gender-transition treatments, often starting with puberty blockers and hormones and, in some cases, including surgeries. The stories describe rapid social/medical transitions, limited exploration of alternatives, perceived profit motives, and significant later health and psychological consequences, prompting calls for a more cautious, structured reassessment of youth gender-care pathways.

via New York Post|
#detransition#gender-affirming-care#health
HHS flags suspected gender-affirming care billing across major providers
health1 month ago

HHS flags suspected gender-affirming care billing across major providers

The Department of Health and Human Services announced referrals to federal investigators of hundreds of providers over potentially anomalous billing of gender-affirming care for minors, including about $50 million in claims from 2015–2025 and major hospitals among those named. The CMS-commissioned report cited patterns it says could financially benefit providers, while the administration continues to push policies to curb or end funding for such care, drawing criticism from major medical groups and ongoing regulatory actions.

via Fierce Healthcare|
#billing-practices#cms#gender-affirming-care
politics2 months ago

Trump Defunds Abstinence-Ed Programs, Court Challenge Erupts Over Teen Health Grants

The Trump administration cut tens of millions in funding for the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program, including abstinence-focused curricula in red and blue states, triggering a DC court challenge from clinics and local governments. Grantees say the administration cherry-picked examples and imposed strict new criteria, with some groups reapplying under the new rules while others paused programs, highlighting a partisan clash over sex-education funding and progress against teen pregnancies.

via Politico|
#abstinence-education#hhs#lawsuits