Flu Shot

• The U.S. FDA has approved Moderna's first mRNA-based influenza vaccine specifically for adults aged 50 and older. • This decision follows a reversal of a previous refusal and leverages mRNA technology that was rapidly accelerated and proven safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. • The approval is significant as it expands the use of mRNA technology to combat seasonal diseases, while Health Canada is currently considering its own approval of the shot.

• Health officials have approved mFLUSIVA, the first mRNA-based flu vaccine developed by Moderna, which is expected to be available by the next flu season. • Clinical data indicates the shot may be 27% more effective than traditional vaccines, though side effects like fatigue and headaches occurred in up to two-thirds of patients. • The rollout follows a severe winter flu season characterized by a virulent strain that led to record-high case numbers across multiple US states.

• The FDA has approved the first mRNA-based flu vaccine, developed by Moderna, specifically for adults aged 50 and older. • Former FDA vaccine regulator Jesse Goodman noted the shot's documented superiority in effectiveness over standard doses for the 50-64 age group, particularly those with underlying health conditions. • The new vaccine serves as a potent alternative for seniors 65 and over and will be covered by Medicare, according to KFF health policy expert Jennifer Kates.

César Gastélum was filming outside a fast-food outlet in Sinaloa state when he was killed by a motorbike driverA popular Mexican influencer has been shot dead while doing a live stream on social media outside a restaurant in Sinaloa state, where lethal cartel violence has become widespread.César Gastélum, who had nearly 600,000 followers on TikTok and was known for making comedy videos, was filming with two friends outside a fast-food restaurant in the city of Culiacán. The three were dressed in the bright orange jackets and backpacks of food delivery drivers. Continue reading...

• The FDA is currently reviewing Moderna's mRNA-based flu vaccine, which would be the first of its kind to enter the commercial market. • This decision comes amid a climate of skepticism regarding mRNA technology, highlighted by questions from RFK Jr. and recent HHS funding cuts. • The regulatory uncertainty and funding drops have alarmed venture capital firms, threatening the development of mRNA therapies for Lyme disease and rare cancers.

Move comes amid growing outbreak in Texas and after two-month halt on mandatory shotsThe US military is racing to vaccinate new recruits after a two-month halt on mandatory flu shots – but it’s a temporary reprieve, as the shots will soon expire and new doses will not be available for months.Officials will need to lean on other prevention measures to contain the growing flu outbreak at Lackland air force base in San Antonio, Texas, experts say. Continue reading...

Move comes after Hegseth made shot optional for military in April and Texas outbreak has sickened nearly 300 peopleThe Pentagon has said that boot camps for all the military services are once again requiring the flu vaccination for all recruits after the defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, made the shot optional for the military at the end of April.The development on Wednesday was confirmed by a Pentagon official to the Associated Press and came amid a growing, weeks-long, flu outbreak at the US air force’s boot camp at Lackland air force base in San Antonio, Texas. Continue reading...

Defense secretary Pete Hegseth makes announcement and calls military’s flu vaccine mandate ‘broad’ and ‘not rational’Members of the armed services will no longer be required to have an annual flu vaccination shot under a new policy announced Tuesday by Pete Hegseth, the US defense secretary.In a video statement posted to social media, Hegseth described the mandate as “overly broad” and “not rational” and the decision to drop the vaccine requirement as “seizing this moment to discard any absurd overreaching mandates that only weaken our war fighting capabilities”. Continue reading...