Kate Shemirani: "My sister has passed away as a direct consequence of my mum's actions and beliefs and I don't want anyone else to go through the same pain or loss that I have," said Sebastian, son of anti-vaxxer and a British conspiracy theorist Kate Shemirani, whose daughter passed away from cancer at the age of 23.

Sebastian blames his mother and her beliefs to have influencing his sister into not taking proper cancer treatment. Kate, now an anti-vaccine activist and former nurse, had lost her license to practice in 2020 for misconduct and is best known for promoting conspiracy theories about COVID-19 vaccinations and 5G technology.

Her daughter, Paloma Shemirani passed away last July from a type of blood cancer when she was only 23. As per her brother's claim, it is the mother who is to be blamed. However, Kate and her husband wrote to the BBC, claiming that they have evidence against the NHS for her daughter's death. The BBC reports: "'Paloma died as a result of medical interventions given without confirmed diagnosis or lawful consent'. The BBC has seen no evidence to substantiate these claims."

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Her brothers, Gabriel and Sebastian, allege that Paloma ultimately declined conventional chemotherapy, despite doctors giving her an 80% chance of survival, due to pressure from their mother, with whom she was trying to rebuild a strained relationship.

They further claim their mother deliberately isolated Paloma from her friends, boyfriend, and extended family, even as her cancer visibly worsened. Paloma, a Cambridge graduate who once celebrated top exam results with a bright smile, had dreamed of a career in publishing.

But her life, her brothers say, was tragically cut short under the undue influence of their mother, who gained notoriety during the pandemic.

What Happened To Paloma?

In 2023, when Paloma was diagnosed with cancer, doctors informed her she had an 80% chance of recovery if she underwent chemotherapy. But her mother, as reported by the Daily Mail, strongly opposed the treatment.

In a message sent in all capital letters to Paloma’s boyfriend, she warned:

“TELL PALOMA NOT TO SIGN IR (sic) VERBALLY CONSENT TO CHEMO OR ANY TREATMENT.”

Despite medical advice and growing concerns about her mother’s influence, Paloma declined chemotherapy. Instead, she turned to one of Kate’s former partners, who encouraged her to consider Gerson therapy, a debunked alternative treatment that promotes a strict plant-based diet and coffee enemas as a cure for cancer, which Kate, too, has claimed, helped in curing her breast cancer.

Cancer Research UK states there is “no scientific evidence” supporting Gerson therapy as an effective cancer treatment. The charity notes that while some people turn to it in search of control over their illness, no credible clinical studies support its use, and existing research is often biased or funded by pro-alternative medicine groups.

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Kate’s former partner told the BBC that:

“any assertions that I played a role in her death are legally inaccurate.”

As Paloma pursued this alternative path, friends began to notice her condition deteriorating, as reported in the Daily Mail. New lumps were appearing, and her cancer was visibly spreading. She reportedly distanced herself from anyone who questioned her treatment decisions.

Her school friend Chantelle shared, “I don’t think her ideology was strong enough to make those decisions. People have different opinions, but I believe her mum played a massive, massive role in it.”

Gabriel, one of Paloma’s brothers, attempted to visit her but was told she couldn’t go outside due to “bad air.” He initiated legal proceedings to have her properly medically evaluated, but the case never moved forward. Paloma died in July 2024 after suffering a heart attack caused by her tumor. She was taken off life support after several days in the hospital.

Gabriel only learned of her death days later through his lawyer and had to inform their brother, Sebastian.

An inquest into Paloma’s death is scheduled to begin next month.

Who Is Kate?

Now 60, she calls herself a 'natural nurse', even though she has been banned from practicing nursing in the UK. She also made headlines during the pandemic when she used her social media account to claim that COVID-19 vaccines had a 'tiny bit of Satan' inside, and claims like the jabs caused cancer and contained material harvested from aborted fetuses.

She also claimed that the COVID-19 virus was connected to the rollout of 5G technology and described it as a political tool designed to alter people’s DNA. She compared lockdowns to the Holocaust, declared that NHS nurses seen dancing would one day “stand trial for genocide,” and labelled vaccination teams as “death squads.”

As of now, she has not commented on her sons' claims.

Cancer, Cause And Cure, And Unscientific Claims

Sebastian has previously described his childhood as “hell,” claiming he was subjected to years of brainwashing. He recalled being terrified at age 10 when Shemirani told him that "the Rothschilds plan to live on a space station" and that a mass genocide was imminent.

In 2012, Kate was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent surgery, including a double mastectomy and reconstruction. However, online she attributed her recovery not to medical treatment, but to ‘Gerson therapy’—a debunked alternative approach promoting a strict plant-based diet, alongside vitamin and mistletoe injections.

"I'm still here and thriving. You can shove your poison mustard gas where the sun doesn't shine, you pimps and assassins," she posted on X earlier this year, referring to chemotherapy.

According to Chantelle, as reported by Daily Mail, a school friend of Paloma’s, Kate’s belief that conventional medicine had failed only deepened after her recovery. She recounted watching Paloma get sunburned because she refused to wear sunscreen, believing it, not sun exposure, caused cancer.

While Gabriel and Sebastian are now estranged from their mother, Paloma maintained contact, seemingly in an effort to repair their relationship. Like her mother, she also declined the COVID-19 vaccine.

A recent report from Santé publique France highlights a significant rise in suspected COVID-related visits to emergency departments across the country during the week of September 15–21, 2025 (week 37). Compared with the previous week (September 8–14, week 36), hospital visits linked to COVID increased by 43% among children under 15, with 156 additional visits, and by 29% among adults, with 224 more visits.

Cases among adults had already started climbing the week before. This surge comes as a new SARS-CoV-2 variant, nicknamed “Frankenstein,” becomes increasingly common in France. Here is everything you need to know about this variant, its symptoms, and how to protect yourself.

What Is the Frankenstein Variant?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this rise is associated with the emergence of a new variant called XFG. It is nicknamed “Frankenstein” because it is a recombinant, meaning it contains genetic material from two different COVID-19 subtypes, LF.7 and LP.8.1.2. The WHO has classified XFG as a variant under monitoring since June 25, 2025, and it is spreading in several countries worldwide. Current evidence suggests that the public health risk remains low, and approved COVID vaccines are expected to continue preventing severe disease and symptomatic infection. Countries in Southeast Asia have also reported increases in both new cases and hospitalisations in areas where XFG has been widely detected.

Although XFG appears to spread more easily than other variants, experts say it does not seem to cause more severe illness. “The vast majority of infections are mild and resolve within a few days with rest,” said Dr. Gérald Kierzek. Infectious disease specialist Anne-Claude Crémieux added that, so far, there are no signs the variant is more dangerous than previous strains.

Symptoms of the Frankenstein Variant

The symptoms of XFG are similar to those seen with previous COVID-19 variants and are generally mild, resembling a common cold. These may include:

• Sore throat
• Runny or congested nose
• Dry cough
• Fatigue and muscle aches
• Mild fever
• Loss of appetite

Why Is The Variant Called Frankenstein?

The nickname “Frankenstein” reflects the variant’s hybrid nature, as it combines genetic material from multiple COVID-19 subtypes.

Frankenstein Covid Variant: Preventing Infection and Managing Symptoms

There is no treatment specific to XFG, so care follows the same principles used for other COVID variants.

• Vaccination: Current COVID vaccines remain highly effective at preventing severe illness and hospitalisation, even if protection against infection may be slightly reduced.
• Symptom relief: Rest, hydration, fever reducers, and cough medicines can help manage mild symptoms.
• Protective measures: Wearing masks, maintaining hand hygiene, social distancing, and avoiding crowded places remain important.

Research on the Frankenstein variant is ongoing. Since the disease can affect individuals differently, taking personal precautions and consulting a doctor when symptoms appear remain essential.

The oral cholera vaccine Shanchol, made in Hyderabad and first developed by Shantha Biotechnics, has received World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification after its production was recently revived under new management. The clearance allows global procurement agencies such as UNICEF, Gavi, and PAHO to source the vaccine for countries where cholera continues to have a serious public health threat, according to GCBC Vaccines. With the approval in place, here’s a closer look at the vaccine, how it works, and why it matters.

Shanchol: What Is the Vaccine?

Dr. K.I. Varaprasad Reddy, founder of Shantha Biotechnics, said, “Shanchol was designed to be an affordable and accessible answer for countries that struggle with repeated cholera outbreaks. The WHO’s prequalification continues that mission.”

Shanchol is an oral, inactivated, bivalent cholera vaccine that protects against Vibrio cholerae, the bacteria responsible for the disease. The name itself is a brand term rather than an abbreviation.

How Does The Shanchol Vaccine Work?

Type of vaccine: Shanchol is a killed whole-cell vaccine, which means it contains dead cholera bacteria. These are used to train the immune system without causing infection. Being bivalent, it offers protection against the two major cholera strains, O1 and O139.

• Administration: The vaccine is taken by mouth and usually given in two doses for full protection.
• Mechanism: Once ingested, the vaccine activates the immune system in the gut, prompting it to produce antibodies that stop Vibrio cholerae from attaching to the intestinal lining. This prevents the infection from taking hold and causing illness.

Shanchol Vaccine: Why It Matters?

• WHO prequalification: The WHO’s approval confirms that Shanchol meets global standards for safety and effectiveness, making it eligible for international procurement.
• Part of global stockpile: It plays a key role in the world’s oral cholera vaccine stockpile, which supports emergency response efforts in regions hit by cholera outbreaks.
• Current use: Shanchol is widely used in mass immunization drives across cholera-prone and outbreak-affected regions.

Production Revival

Originally created by Shantha Biotechnics, the vaccine later came under Sanofi’s ownership, which eventually halted its production. Manufacturing has now resumed under GCBC Vaccines, part of the Gland Family Office. With WHO prequalification restored, Shanchol will once again be distributed globally to support vaccination programs.

The Role of Oral Cholera Vaccines

Oral cholera vaccines (OCVs) such as Shanchol and Dukoral are tools in preventing the spread of cholera, a severe diarrheal disease caused by Vibrio cholerae. Taken orally, they help trigger an immune response in the intestine that limits bacterial infection. These vaccines are especially valuable in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water.

Vishy Chebrol, Executive Director of GCBC Vaccines, said the company’s priority is to ensure that vaccines reach the countries that need them most, affordably and consistently. “We are also working to bring more affordable and innovative vaccines to global markets, continuing Shantha’s legacy of improving access to life-saving immunization,” he added.

With WHO’s renewed approval, Shanchol, a bivalent, killed whole-cell oral cholera vaccine effective against Vibrio cholerae O1 and O139, will continue to be supplied worldwide to meet growing demand and support national immunization programmes.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has approved new rules for the updated COVID-19 vaccines. Acting CDC Director Jim O'Neill accepted the new recommendations for the shots, detailing how people must speak to healthcare professionals about the risks and safety before they get a shot. This decision is the final step needed to start the new rules. It affects who can get the vaccine and if insurance will cover it without extra costs.

These updates put into effect the recent advice from the CDC's main vaccine advisory group (ACIP), which was approved last week by Acting CDC Director Jim O'Neill. The new schedules will be posted on the CDC website by October 7, 2025.

Also Read: Daughter Of Kate Shemirani Passes Away From Cancer At 23, Son Says She Fell For Anti-vaxxer 'Mum's Conspiracy Theories'

What Are The New Recommendations For COVID Vaccine?

The most significant change is the new step called "shared decision-making." In previous years, anyone could simply walk into a pharmacy or clinic and get a shot for free. Now, the new rules say people must first talk to a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider about the risks and benefits before getting the vaccine. According to the press release, O'Neill said this means "Informed consent is back," suggesting that previous rules stopped doctors from having these talks. This rule was put in place after an unusual, unexplained two-week wait before the CDC accepted the recommendations.

You and your healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, or pharmacist) must talk about your specific risks and benefits before you decide to get the vaccine. Previously CDC had given a broad recommendation for most people to get a booster shot. However with these guidelines, they will be implored to have a more in-depth conversation about the same.

What Led To The Change In COVID Vaccine Guidelines?

The CDC explained that after a push called Operation Warp Speed (OWS) gave initial shots to nearly 85% of adults, only 23% of adults got the most recent seasonal booster.

Many people were worried about the risks versus the benefits of the boosters, especially since most people already have some immunity from the virus. Experts emphasized that for people under 65, the vaccine's benefits are highest for those at high risk for severe COVID-19 and lowest for healthy individuals with no risk factors. Importantly, this new rule does not stop insurance coverage. All major government and private insurance plans will still cover the vaccine.

Have There Been Changes In Chickenpox Shots?

The CDC's schedule for children now recommends that toddlers (up to age three) get their protection against chickenpox as a standalone shot, instead of using the combined MMRV vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella/chickenpox).

Evidence showed that healthy toddlers aged 12–23 months who got the combined MMRV vaccine had a doubled risk of fever-related seizures (febrile seizures) about a week after the shot.

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However, the CDC explained that the seizure risk is minor and temporary, but it is not higher if the chickenpox shot is given separately from the MMR shot.

Getting the shots separately provides the same protection against chickenpox. This change is being made to reduce the small chance of this side effect during routine childhood vaccination.

Single Shot Vaccines VS Separate Shots

Following the new guidelines, Acting CDC Director O'Neill also suggested on social media that makers of the combined MMR vaccine should break it up into three separate shots for measles, mumps, and rubella. However, experts have quickly challenged this idea explaining that the combination shot has been used for decades to ensure people get all the necessary protection in one simple shot. Manufacturers also confirmed there is no scientific evidence showing a benefit to using three separate shots.