The White House on Friday shared a memo from President Donald Trump’s physician detailing his latest visit to Walter Reed Army Medical Center, where he received both a COVID-19 booster and a flu shot.In the one-page summary, Dr. Sean P. Barbarella noted that the former president “continues to be in excellent health, showing strong cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, and overall physical function.”According to the memo, Trump’s stop at Walter Reed was a “scheduled follow-up.” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt had earlier in the week described it as part of his “routine annual check-up,” even though it marks his second visit this year following a full physical examination.Why Donald Trump Took the COVID Shot?The memo explained that the former president’s visit involved preventive health screenings and immunizations, which included his annual flu vaccine and an updated COVID-19 booster. It also mentioned that Trump has suggested plans to travel to Egypt in connection with the Israel-Gaza peace efforts.In addition, the document noted that “comprehensive laboratory tests conducted during the visit showed outstanding results, with stable metabolic, blood, and heart indicators.” The report concluded that Trump continues to maintain excellent overall health.Access to COVID Shots Narrows Under Trump AdministrationCOVID-19 vaccines have become more difficult to access during the Trump administration. On Monday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revised its vaccination guidelines, now recommending the shots only for individuals aged 65 and above or for those with existing health conditions, and only after consulting a healthcare provider such as a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.This update follows months of differing state-level vaccine rules, which created a confusing patchwork of policies nationwide. As a result, many people are finding it increasingly challenging to get vaccinated, depending on where they live.CDC Says People Must Consult a Health Professional Before COVID ShotActing CDC Director Jim O’Neill has approved new COVID-19 vaccine recommendations proposed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s selected Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which convened in September.During a previous meeting held in June, vaccine advisers to the CDC had discussed revising the vaccination process. Under the new rules, people are now required to speak with a doctor, pharmacist, or another healthcare provider about the potential risks and benefits before receiving the shot. This added step, referred to as “shared decision-making” or “individual-based decision-making,” is highlighted in the CDC’s official statement.The updated policy represents the final step needed to enforce the new vaccination guidelines, influencing who can receive and administer the COVID-19 vaccine and determining whether it will be covered by private or public insurance plans without additional copayments.Final Recommendations Were DelayedThe approval followed an unusual two-week delay between the time CDC advisers issued their recommendations and when the agency formally accepted them. With this decision now in place, the CDC can begin distributing vaccines to doctors, clinics, and other healthcare providers under the Vaccines for Children Program, which supplies free vaccines to about 40 percent of children in the United States.
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