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Vaccination Policy

All articles tagged with #vaccination policy

Kent meningitis cluster sparks vaccine policy rethink for teens
health14 days ago

Kent meningitis cluster sparks vaccine policy rethink for teens

A Kent meningitis outbreak with 20 confirmed cases and two deaths has prompted scientists to explore whether a new bacterial variant, waning immunity among teens, or crowded social settings drove transmission, and to reassess whether teenagers or university students should be offered the MenB vaccine. While meningitis remains extremely rare, experts say the future is uncertain and policy may change if cases rise, as health authorities note a 40-50% chance of more cases but a low chance of a widespread outbreak.

Kent meningitis B outbreak renews call to reconsider teen vaccination in the UK
health24 days ago

Kent meningitis B outbreak renews call to reconsider teen vaccination in the UK

Five new meningitis B cases in Kent have prompted a targeted vaccination drive for students after two deaths, with teens still not routinely offered MenB in the UK since the vaccine is primarily given to babies; JCVI previously found MenB vaccination for teens not cost-effective, though the Health Secretary has asked them to re-examine eligibility. In outbreaks, antibiotics for close contacts are prioritized, vaccines don’t provide immediate protection, and debates continue about whether teenagers should be offered MenB, alongside private vaccination options at a cost.

Birth Dose Backslide: Hepatitis B Vaccination Slumps in U.S. Hospitals
public-health1 month ago

Birth Dose Backslide: Hepatitis B Vaccination Slumps in U.S. Hospitals

A JAMA study of 12.4 million US newborns found the hepatitis B birth-dose rate dropped from 83.5% to 73.2% from 2023 to mid-2025, implying hundreds of thousands fewer babies vaccinated and potential rises in infant infections. The decline aligns with rising vaccine skepticism linked to the Covid era, and follows the CDC’s shift to shared decision-making for several vaccines, producing uneven state responses. Experts warn the US health system lacks the infrastructure to match more universal, registry-backed vaccination models seen in other countries.

Recent Changes and Debates in COVID and Childhood Vaccine Policies
health6 months ago

Recent Changes and Debates in COVID and Childhood Vaccine Policies

The Trump administration's changes to Covid and childhood vaccine recommendations, including weakened guidance from ACIP and delays in vaccine updates, could complicate access and create public confusion, though many health experts emphasize the importance of vaccination for high-risk groups and advise consulting healthcare providers for individual decisions.