The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has updated its warning labels for the two most widely used COVID-19 vaccines — Pfizer and Moderna — to provide more detailed information about the rare risk of myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle. The condition has primarily been observed in younger males and was first identified shortly after the vaccines became widely available in 2021.

More Detailed Labeling After FDA Request

Though both vaccine makers had already included myocarditis warnings in their prescribing information, the FDA formally asked them in April to expand these details. The agency can mandate label changes, but such updates are typically negotiated with drugmakers.

The revised warning now estimates that 8 cases of myocarditis occur per 1 million people who received the 2023–2024 COVID vaccines in the age group of 6 months to 64 years. The update also clarifies that the risk is highest among males aged 12 to 24, a slight expansion from the earlier label, which focused on boys aged 12 to 17.

Conflicting Findings Within U.S. Agencies

Interestingly, this update appears to contradict some earlier findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC had previously stated that, based on vaccine safety data through 2022, there was no significant increase in myocarditis risk linked to COVID-19 vaccines. They also pointed out that vaccine-related myocarditis cases tend to be mild and resolve quickly, especially when compared to heart inflammation caused by the COVID-19 infection itself.

New Advisory Panel Brings Vaccine Scrutiny

The timing of the FDA’s label change aligns with broader shifts in vaccine policy under the leadership of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. A longtime vaccine skeptic, Kennedy recently dismissed all 17 members of the CDC's vaccine advisory panel and appointed a new group, some of whom have expressed anti-vaccine sentiments in the past. This week marked their first meeting, where ongoing use of COVID-19 vaccines, especially among vulnerable groups like pregnant women, was discussed.

New Restrictions and Requirements Under Review

FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary, appointed by Kennedy, has taken several steps to limit the scope of COVID-19 vaccine recommendations. Recently, he restricted annual COVID-19 booster shots to seniors and high-risk individuals. Makary has also suggested that seasonal updates to vaccines — meant to better match circulating virus strains — should be treated as entirely new products requiring additional clinical testing.

Focus Should Be on Understanding Risk, Not Curtailing Vaccines

While acknowledging that myocarditis should not be dismissed, some public health experts believe the FDA’s latest approach is flawed. “We should be investigating who is prone to myocarditis to see if we can predict and mitigate that risk,” said Dr. Robert Morris, a public health specialist at the University of Washington. “They are right to raise the concern, but not with these broad warning changes," as reported by Associated Press.

Makary and his team had previously questioned the government’s booster recommendations. In a 2022 paper, he and two FDA colleagues argued that mandating boosters for young people might lead to more harm than good, a position that diverged from CDC guidance at the time.

“It’s a moment I’ll never forget, when I sat down at the edge of the pool – the pool where I’ve trained my whole life – to find out there’s a brain tumor”

In 2024, Archie Goodburn, a- young and promising 23-year-old athlete (currently 24-year-old) who won a bronze medal at a major junior championship and swam for Scotland, shared difficult news of being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. This Scottish swimmer who has a record in the 50 m breaststroke found himself in a position where he might have to put a stopper on his dreams of competing in the Paris Olympic. He was diagnosed with incurable brain tumors. This discovery came after he experienced numbness and seizures, especially around the time he was trying to qualify for the Olympics.

Also Read: World Drug Day 2025: Why Is It Important For Us To Observe This Day?

Incurable Brain Cancer And Impending Time Limit

Tests after the Olympic trials showed Archie has three large brain tumors called oligodendrogliomas that can't be removed with surgery. These tumors are rare and usually grow slowly, forming from a type of brain cell. While they're more often found in adults, they can affect anyone. Archie will now be undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy to treat them.

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The brain tumor is in a critical area and is the leading cancer killer for people under 40, according to Brain Tumour Research.

Taking to social media Archie explained that he started having strange episodes of dizziness and was feeling uncomfortable in late 2023 that messed up his training. At first, they thought these were severe migraines. They caused him to lose strength, feel numb on his left side, and experience fear, nausea, and strong déjà vu. He now knows these were actually seizures.

Also Read: Hundreds Report Pancreatitis After Using Weight-Loss Drugs; UK Launches A Study To Investigate

What Is Oligodendrogliomas?

According to the US National Cancer Institute, Oligodendroglioma is a type of tumor that starts in the brain or spinal cord. To correctly diagnose it, doctors look for two specific changes in the tumor's genes: a specific gene change called an IDH mutation and a particular loss of parts of chromosomes 1 and 19.

Archie on his Instagram account said, “My tumors express a mutation of my IDH1 gene that is shared with some forms of leukaemia.” According to a 2012 study published in the Brain Pathology, IDH1 gene is a mutation that happens in the early stages of brain development and is a common step in the development of brain tumors. This type of gene mutation is common in glial tumors, which are a type of tumor that originated in the glial cells present in the brain and spinal cord.

To get a clear diagnosis, doctors usually need to take a small piece of the tumor during surgery, if possible. A neuropathologist then looks at this piece of the tumor.

The National Cancer Institute explains that the causes of this brain tumor are still unknown. However, being exposed to radiation and having certain gene changes passed down in families might increase the chance of getting them.

What Are The Chances of Survival for Oligodendrogliomas?

Prognosis is about the likely outcome of the disease or the chance of recovery. It depends on several things: Type, grade, location, spread and severity of the type of tumor, specific gene changes, the patient's age, and how much of the tumor is left after surgery (if surgery was possible). Archie said, “IDH inhibiting medications, a new class of drug, have seen phenomenal developments in the last few years with some pretty amazing results. Continued progress in this field will aid my prognosis massively.”

About 79.5% of people with oligodendroglioma are still alive five years after diagnosis. However, one must remember that there are many things that affect this number. These include the tumor's grade and genetic makeup, the person's age and health when diagnosed, and how well they respond to treatment. If you want to understand your own outlook, it's best to talk to your doctor.

Archie's Positive Outlook

Despite the tough news, Archie is staying incredibly positive. He mentioned a "silver lining": these types of tumors often respond better to radiotherapy and chemotherapy than some other serious brain tumors. He also noted they usually grow slowly and might have been there for years.

Archie is determined to face this challenge head-on. He's drawing strength from being young and fit, and from the amazing support he gets from his friends, family, and girlfriend. He plans to "remain positive and to keep being Archie." Many people have applauded his strength and resilience to bring awareness about the disease “I'm lucky... I've got time to shout about this disease.”

World Drug Day is marked on June 26 every year. Also known as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, this day aims to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving a world free of drugs, notes the United Nations.

History of World Drug Day

It was on December 7, 1987, when by the resolution 42/112. the General Assembly decided to observe 26 June as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking to achieve a society free of drug abuse.

World Drug Day 2025 Theme

This year's theme is "The Evidence is Clear; Invest in Prevention." This theme highlights the urgent need to invest in preventative measures to address the world's drug problem. It also aims to create a long-lasting resilience against drug abuse.

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Importance of World Drug Day

Drug abuse is a global challenge and harms individual silently. It is often the reason why families break and communities weaken. The impact goes beyond addiction, causing a lasting physical, mental, and social damage. Furthermore, ATS, also known as the Amphetamine-Type Stimulants are synthetic drugs that harm the brain, heart, and nervous system.

As per the 2024 report by UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), number of people who use drugs has risen to 292 million in 2022, a 20% increase over the 10 years. Cannabin remains the most widely used drug worldwide, with an estimate of 228 million users. It is followed by opioids with 60 million users, ATM with 30 million users, cocaine with 23 million users, and ecstasy with 20 million users.

READ: What Are The Most Abused Drugs In The US?

The report notes that nitazenes, which is a group of synthetic opioids which can be even more potent than fentanyl, have recently emerged in several high-income countries, resulting in an increase in overdose deaths.

Though an estimated 64 million people worldwide suffer from drug use disorders, only one in 11 is in treatment. Women receive less access to treatment than men, with only one in 18 women with drug use disorders in treatment versus one in seven men.

These numbers show why is it important to observe World Drug Day, so a society free of drug abuse can be achieved.

Drug Impact On Health

As per the notification released by Government of India on the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2025, here are the health issues that are caused by various drugs:

• Methamphetamine (Meth): A crystal-like drug that severely damages the brain and heart.
• Cocaine: A white powder that can cause heart attacks and strong addiction.
• Mephedrone: A party drug that leads to anxiety, confusion and heart issues.
• Hashish: Made from cannabis, it affects memory and mental health.

As per the National Institute on Drug Abuse's publication titled, Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction, people with addiction often have one or more associated health issues, which could include lung or heart disease, stroke, cancer, or mental health conditions.

Furthermore, use of methamphetamine can cause severe dental problems, which is also known as meth mouth. The study notes, "in addition, some drugs, such as inhalants, may damage or destroy nerve cells, either in the brain or the peripheral nervous system (the nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord)."

Use of drugs can also increase the risk of contracting infections. The study notes: "HIV and hepatitis C (a serious liver disease) can occur from sharing injection equipment or from unsafe practices such as condom-less sex.40,41 Infection of the heart and its valves (endocarditis) and skin infection (cellulitis) can occur after exposure to bacteria by injection drug use."

READ: Liam Payne Investigation: How Pink Cocaine Affects You?

Drugs can also cause mental illness and increase the symptoms of anxiety, depression, or even schizophrenia,, as it can trigger specific vulnerabilities. It can also impact pregnant or breastfeeding mother and her baby could go into withdrawal after it's born. This is called neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS).

This year, not just with the theme, but with the campaign, "Break the cycle. #StopOrganizedCrime", the aim is to highlight the long-term action to break the cycle of drug abuse and its illicit trafficking by addressing root causes, investing in prevention, and building stronger health, education, and social systems.

READ MORE: National Anti-Drug Addiction Day 2024: Reintegrating In Society After Rehab

Amid the ongoing measles outbreak in the United States, the state of North Carolina has confirmed its first case in 2025. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) confirmed a case of measles in a child who was visiting Forsyth County and Guilford County.

How Did The Child Fall Sick?

The child became ill while traveling to North Carolina from a region where measles had already been reported. The news is confirmed as per the NCDHHS release.

The authorities are now also asking people who have visited the below mentioned location to review their immunization records or contact a healthcare provider to ensure that you are updated with the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine.

The Locations Are:

• PTI Airport in Greensboro
• Sleep Inn, 1406 Heartland Dr., Kernersville
• McDonalds, 14000 Heartland Dr., Kernersville
• Greensboro Science Center, 4301 Lawndale Dr., Greensboro
• Ice cream shop at Piedmont Triad Farmers Market, Greensboro
• Greensboro Aquatic Center Foyer, 1921 W. Gate City Blvd., Greensboro
• Greensboro Partee Shack, 3712 S. Holden Rd., Greensboro
• Lowes Foods, 240 Market View Dr., Kernersville

What Are The safety Guidelines?

The NCDHHS has also recommended that anyone unvaccinated and older than one year must get the measles vaccination.

However, when it comes to lab tests, the NCDHHS recommends that it is not necessary for people who were exposed, unless they develop symptoms of measles, including fever and rash. These symptoms can start from 7 to 21 days of getting infected. “Getting vaccinated against measles continues to be the most important step we can take to protect ourselves and our loved ones,” NCDHHS Secretary Dev Sangvai said. “It is important to check with your health care provider to ensure you are current with all your vaccines.”

What Is Measles?

As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), measles is a highly contagious disease that comes with rashes and are especially prone to kids under the age of 5.

If one person gets it then 9 out of 10 people around the infected person may become infected.

Measles, also known as rubeola, is one of the most contagious infectious diseases, with at least a 90% secondary infection rate in susceptible domestic contacts. It can affect people of all ages, despite being considered primarily a childhood illness.

Measles is marked by prodromal fever, cough, coryza, conjunctivitis, and pathognomonic enanthem (ie, Koplik spots), followed by an erythematous maculopapular rash on the third to seventh day.

Who Is At Risk?

The World Health Organization (WHO), calls measles as one of the world's most contagious disease, which is spread by contact with infected nasal or throat secretions through coughing or sneezing, or breathing the air that was breathed by someone with measles. The virus remains active and contagious in the air or on infected surfaces for up to two hours.

WHO notes that any non-immune person (not vaccinated or vaccinated but did not develop immunity) can become infected. Unvaccinated young children and pregnant persons are at highest risk of severe measles complications.