Health and Me

Supriya Ramesh

US Schools Reopen: Here Is Your Guide To The Lifesaving Vaccines Every Child Should Have

Credits: Canva

<span>National Immunisation Awareness Month</span>: Alongside the excitement of meeting new teachers and friends, the start of the US school year will also bring runny noses, hacking coughs, and bugs that somehow make their way through the entire classroom in a week. If you are sick, it is important to stay home. With a lot of people touching the same thing and germs everywhere, it is just important to watch your child's health and make sure to not spread it to other people.

Of course, handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow, avoiding close contact with sick people, and regularly disinfecting frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs and de the first and necessary steps of everyday disease prevention. But there is another powerful shield that should not be ignored at any cost: <span>vaccines</span>.

Vaccines are not just for babies. They are a long-term health investment that keeps everything from the common flu to life-threatening infections at bay. Vaccines work; they help prevent diseases, and they help prevent infections. When enough people in a community are vaccinated, it creates <span>herd immunity</span>, meaning even those who cannot be vaccinated (due to medical reasons) get indirect protection. 

Yes, there are conversations and concerns around vaccines, but the best way to clear the air is to get accurate, up-to-date information from trusted sources. 

<strong>Here is <span rel="noindex">Centres for Disease Control and Prevention</span> (CDC) age-by-age vaccine cheat sheet</strong>

<ul><li>At birth: The journey starts right away with the first dose of the <span rel="noindex">Hepatitis B</span> (HepB) vaccine, which protects against a serious liver infection.</li><li>At 2 months: It is a busy month for tiny humans. They get doses of <span rel="noindex">DTaP</span> (Diphtheria, tetanus, and Pertussis), Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b), IPV (<span rel="noindex"><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/polio">Polio</a></span>), PCV (Pneumococcal), and RV (<span rel="noindex">Rotavirus</span>).</li><li>4 months: Time for round two of the same five vaccines, because immunity is built gradually. </li><li>6 months: Another wave of protection with more DTaP, Hib, IPV (if needed), PCV, and RV doses. This is also when flu vaccines can be taken, and they will be recommended annually thereafter.</li><li>12–15 months: A milestone moment! Toddlers get the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Varicella (<span rel="noindex"><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/chickenpox">Chickenpox</a></span>), and HepA (Hepatitis A) vaccines. Some of the earlier series, like Hib and PCV, are also completed here.</li><li>15–18 months: The final DTaP dose in this stage rounds out protection against those three bacterial infections.</li><li>4–6 years: The finale before they head deeper into the school years; boosters for DTaP, IPV, MMR, and Varicella to ensure immunity stays strong.</li></ul>

<h3>Why this timing matters</h3>Spacing out vaccines is not about convenience; it is about giving the immune system the right cues at the right time. Too early, and the body might not respond effectively; too late, and there is a risk window where the child is vulnerable. That is why following the schedule is important. 

Vaccines do not just protect your child; they protect your child’s classmates, teachers, grandparents, and the stranger next to them. With schools reopening, the mix of close contact, shared surfaces, and high-energy kids is a perfect chance for germs to hop from one host to another. 

Vaccines are not about fear; they are about freedom. Freedom from the diseases that once claimed far too many young lives. They work quietly so your kids can focus on learning their ABCs, art, and running the school playground without worry. It is time to take a moment to check that your child’s vaccine schedule is up to date. 

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National Immunisation Awareness Month: Alongside the excitement of meeting new teachers and friends, the start of the US school year will also bring runny noses, hacking coughs, and bugs that somehow make their way through the entire classroom in a week. If you are sick, it is important to stay home. With a lot of people touching the same thing and germs everywhere, it is just important to watch your child's health and make sure to not spread it to other people.Of course, handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow, avoiding close contact with sick people, and regularly disinfecting frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs and de the first and necessary steps of everyday disease prevention. But there is another powerful shield that should not be ignored at any cost: vaccines.Vaccines are not just for babies. They are a long-term health investment that keeps everything from the common flu to life-threatening infections at bay. Vaccines work; they help prevent diseases, and they help prevent infections. When enough people in a community are vaccinated, it creates herd immunity, meaning even those who cannot be vaccinated (due to medical reasons) get indirect protection. Yes, there are conversations and concerns around vaccines, but the best way to clear the air is to get accurate, up-to-date information from trusted sources. Here is Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) age-by-age vaccine cheat sheetAt birth: The journey starts right away with the first dose of the Hepatitis B (HepB) vaccine, which protects against a serious liver infection.At 2 months: It is a busy month for tiny humans. They get doses of DTaP (Diphtheria, tetanus, and Pertussis), Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b), IPV (Polio), PCV (Pneumococcal), and RV (Rotavirus).4 months: Time for round two of the same five vaccines, because immunity is built gradually. 6 months: Another wave of protection with more DTaP, Hib, IPV (if needed), PCV, and RV doses. This is also when flu vaccines can be taken, and they will be recommended annually thereafter.12–15 months: A milestone moment! Toddlers get the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Varicella (Chickenpox), and HepA (Hepatitis A) vaccines. Some of the earlier series, like Hib and PCV, are also completed here.15–18 months: The final DTaP dose in this stage rounds out protection against those three bacterial infections.4–6 years: The finale before they head deeper into the school years; boosters for DTaP, IPV, MMR, and Varicella to ensure immunity stays strong.Why this timing mattersSpacing out vaccines is not about convenience; it is about giving the immune system the right cues at the right time. Too early, and the body might not respond effectively; too late, and there is a risk window where the child is vulnerable. That is why following the schedule is important. What do vaccines do?Vaccines do not just protect your child; they protect your child’s classmates, teachers, grandparents, and the stranger next to them. With schools reopening, the mix of close contact, shared surfaces, and high-energy kids is a perfect chance for germs to hop from one host to another. Vaccines are not about fear; they are about freedom. Freedom from the diseases that once claimed far too many young lives. They work quietly so your kids can focus on learning their ABCs, art, and running the school playground without worry. It is time to take a moment to check that your child’s vaccine schedule is up to date. 

us schools reopen: here is your guide to the lifesaving vaccines every child should have

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A viral social media video warning against “power peeing”, pushing while urinating, has opened up a surprising discussion: many of us may be using the bathroom in ways that can harm our bodies. Pelvic health experts say there is, in fact, a right and wrong way to pee, and the wrong habits could cause lasting problems.

While urination seems automatic, the way you do it can have long-term effects on the bladder and pelvic floor muscles. The pelvic floor acts like a hammock, supporting organs such as the bladder, uterus, and bowels. 

For urination to happen, these muscles need to relax so the bladder can squeeze urine out. If the process is disrupted, by straining, holding too long, or going too often, it can weaken muscles, interfere with bladder signals, and contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction.

This dysfunction can lead to urinary leakage, incomplete emptying, urinary tract infections, sexual difficulties, and pelvic organ prolapse, where pelvic organs shift out of their normal position.

<h4>Habits That Can Harm Pelvic Health</h4>

Experts point to several common but harmful urination habits:

<strong>Pushing to Pee: </strong>Trying to speed things up by straining actually tightens the pelvic floor instead of relaxing it. Over time, this can result in incomplete emptying, post-void dribbling, and difficulty coordinating the bladder and pelvic muscles.

<strong>Hovering Over the Toilet: </strong>Often done in public restrooms to avoid contact with surfaces, hovering engages hip and leg muscles, making pelvic relaxation difficult. This can leave urine behind in the bladder and raise the risk of infections.

<strong>Peeing “Just in Case”:</strong> Going to the bathroom before the bladder is full trains it to signal the need to urinate with smaller volumes, leading to overactive bladder and frequent urges.

<strong>Holding It Too Long:</strong> Ignoring the urge can overstretch the bladder, reduce elasticity, and make the brain less responsive to bladder signals. This increases the risk of bacterial buildup and infections.

<strong>Peeing in the Shower: </strong>Standing can make it harder for some people, particularly those with pelvic floor dysfunction or certain prostate issues, to fully empty the bladder. It can also condition the body to associate running water with the urge to urinate.

<h4>Why You’ll Never Be Completely “Empty”</h4>

The bladder is continuously filling with urine, so it will never be completely empty. Forcing out the last drops by pushing is unnecessary and can cause more harm than good.

Experts say healthy urination habits can be learned and practiced:

<strong>Belly Breathing: </strong>Sit on the toilet, lean forward slightly, and breathe deeply from the belly. This encourages the pelvic floor to relax so urine flows naturally.

<strong>Reverse Kegels:</strong> Instead of squeezing and lifting, focus on releasing and opening the pelvic muscles as you exhale.

<strong>Double Voiding:</strong> After finishing, stand up briefly and then sit down again to allow the bladder to finish emptying.

<strong>Shift Your Position:</strong> Gently moving the hips can help the bladder release more urine without straining.

<strong>Track Your Patterns: </strong>Keep a three-day “pee diary” to monitor timing, fluid intake, and urges. Ideally, aim to urinate every two to four hours in the day and no more than twice at night.

If issues such as leakage, frequent urges, or difficulty emptying persist, consulting a pelvic floor therapist or urologist is recommended. With proper guidance, it is possible to retrain the bladder and muscles for healthier urination.

Ultimately, the simplest advice is to sit, relax, and let the body do its job naturally, no pushing, no rushing, and no multitasking on the phone. Your bladder, it turns out, prefers a calm, unhurried routine.

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A viral social media video warning against “power peeing”, pushing while urinating, has opened up a surprising discussion: many of us may be using the bathroom in ways that can harm our bodies. Pelvic health experts say there is, in fact, a right and wrong way to pee, and the wrong habits could cause lasting problems.Why Bathroom Habits MatterWhile urination seems automatic, the way you do it can have long-term effects on the bladder and pelvic floor muscles. The pelvic floor acts like a hammock, supporting organs such as the bladder, uterus, and bowels. For urination to happen, these muscles need to relax so the bladder can squeeze urine out. If the process is disrupted, by straining, holding too long, or going too often, it can weaken muscles, interfere with bladder signals, and contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction.This dysfunction can lead to urinary leakage, incomplete emptying, urinary tract infections, sexual difficulties, and pelvic organ prolapse, where pelvic organs shift out of their normal position.Habits That Can Harm Pelvic HealthExperts point to several common but harmful urination habits:Pushing to Pee: Trying to speed things up by straining actually tightens the pelvic floor instead of relaxing it. Over time, this can result in incomplete emptying, post-void dribbling, and difficulty coordinating the bladder and pelvic muscles.Hovering Over the Toilet: Often done in public restrooms to avoid contact with surfaces, hovering engages hip and leg muscles, making pelvic relaxation difficult. This can leave urine behind in the bladder and raise the risk of infections.Peeing “Just in Case”: Going to the bathroom before the bladder is full trains it to signal the need to urinate with smaller volumes, leading to overactive bladder and frequent urges.Holding It Too Long: Ignoring the urge can overstretch the bladder, reduce elasticity, and make the brain less responsive to bladder signals. This increases the risk of bacterial buildup and infections.Peeing in the Shower: Standing can make it harder for some people, particularly those with pelvic floor dysfunction or certain prostate issues, to fully empty the bladder. It can also condition the body to associate running water with the urge to urinate.Why You’ll Never Be Completely “Empty”The bladder is continuously filling with urine, so it will never be completely empty. Forcing out the last drops by pushing is unnecessary and can cause more harm than good.How to Pee the Right WayExperts say healthy urination habits can be learned and practiced:Belly Breathing: Sit on the toilet, lean forward slightly, and breathe deeply from the belly. This encourages the pelvic floor to relax so urine flows naturally.Reverse Kegels: Instead of squeezing and lifting, focus on releasing and opening the pelvic muscles as you exhale.Double Voiding: After finishing, stand up briefly and then sit down again to allow the bladder to finish emptying.Shift Your Position: Gently moving the hips can help the bladder release more urine without straining.Track Your Patterns: Keep a three-day “pee diary” to monitor timing, fluid intake, and urges. Ideally, aim to urinate every two to four hours in the day and no more than twice at night.When to Seek HelpIf issues such as leakage, frequent urges, or difficulty emptying persist, consulting a pelvic floor therapist or urologist is recommended. With proper guidance, it is possible to retrain the bladder and muscles for healthier urination.Ultimately, the simplest advice is to sit, relax, and let the body do its job naturally, no pushing, no rushing, and no multitasking on the phone. Your bladder, it turns out, prefers a calm, unhurried routine.

have we been peeing wrong? turns out there is a right and wrong way to do it

Explained: An Overview Of How Vaccine Policies Have Changed Under RFK Jr

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When RF Kennedy Jr took over HHS, he promised he would not “take away” Americans’ vaccines. In practice, though, his office has made a string of moves that reshape who is recommended to get which shots, who decides those recommendations, and where federal vaccine money goes. 

The changes so far include replacing the federal vaccine advisory panel, narrowing some <span>COVID vaccine</span> guidance, removing a flu preservative from recommendations, pulling funding for certain mRNA vaccine projects, and ordering new reviews of the childhood shot schedule. 

These moves matter because federal recommendations and HHS approvals strongly influence insurance coverage, which vaccines are stocked in clinics and pharmacies, and what doctors tell patients. 

<h4>New management: what happened to the advisory panel</h4>

One of Kennedy’s first major steps was to remove the existing members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or ACIP. ACIP is the independent panel that for decades has advised the Centers for Disease Control (<span>CDC</span>) on who should get which vaccines and when.

<strong>READ: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/top-u-s-medical-associations-ousted-from-cdc-vaccine-workgroups-in-sudden-shake-up-article-152394922" data-type="tilCustomLink">Top U.S. Medical Associations Ousted from CDC Vaccine Workgroups in Sudden Shake-Up</a></strong>

Kennedy dismissed the 17 sitting members and installed a much smaller, handpicked panel. He said the old committee had conflicts of interest and was not trusted by the public. 

Critics say the move breaks long-standing safeguards meant to keep scientific review independent and transparent. The change also shifted which outside experts are invited to brief the committee and who sits on the working groups that prepare the technical evidence.

<strong>READ MORE:<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/rfk-jr-overhauls-and-shakes-up-the-vaccine-advisory-panel-again-find-out-the-whos-who-on-this-new-team-article-152415486" data-type="tilCustomLink"> RFK Jr. Overhauls And Shakes-Up The Vaccine Advisory Panel Again, Find Out The Who’s Who On This New Team</a></strong> 

<h4>COVID-19 shots: who is recommended to get them now</h4>

Under Kennedy, federal guidance on COVID-19 vaccination has narrowed in key ways:

For healthy children and for people who are pregnant, the government removed the blanket “routine” recommendation and moved to a weaker status. 

HHS announced that healthy children and pregnant women are no longer on the routine immunization schedule, saying these groups should make decisions in discussion with their doctors.

<strong>READ: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/rfk-jr-announces-cdc-no-longer-recommends-covid-vaccine-for-kids-and-pregnant-women-what-do-experts-think-article-151745014" data-type="tilCustomLink">CDC No Longer Recommends COVID Vaccine For Kids And Pregnant Women - What Do Experts Think?</a></strong>

That change was public and political, and it happened before ACIP had a formal vote. Medical groups such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Pediatrics criticized the move and warned it would cause confusion. 

Separately, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has signaled that approval will be focused on older adults and people at high risk for severe disease. The FDA’s guidance narrows the groups for which updated COVID shots can be authorized unless vaccine makers run larger trials or meet new evidence requirements. That means many healthy adults and children may not be covered or prioritized for the updated shots unless ACIP or HHS changes course later.

<strong>READ MORE: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/new-covid-19-vaccine-policies-are-already-blocking-people-from-getting-shotswho-is-at-real-risk-article-152076301" data-type="tilCustomLink">New Covid-19 Vaccine Policies Are Already Blocking People From Getting Shots—Who Is At Real Risk?</a></strong>

Why this matters: when the CDC labels a vaccine as “recommended,” insurance plans and public programs usually pay for it. Removing routine recommendations or narrowing approvals can make shots harder or more expensive to get, and can change what pharmacies and health centers stock. That creates practical barriers for people who might otherwise want or need protection. 

<h4>Flu shots and thimerosal: a controversial preservative ban</h4>

At an ACIP meeting under Kennedy’s new appointees, the committee voted to recommend that seasonal influenza vaccines used in the U.S. be free of the preservative thimerosal.

<strong>READ: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/rfk-jr-orders-thimerosal-removed-from-all-us-flu-shots-article-152334591" data-type="tilCustomLink">RFK Jr. Orders Thimerosal Removed From All US Flu Shots</a></strong>

Thimerosal contains ethylmercury and has long been a focus of concern among vaccine skeptics even though public health agencies have found no credible evidence that it causes autism or long-term harm at the tiny amounts historically used in multi-dose vials. 

In the United States most flu doses are already supplied in single-dose syringes that do not contain thimerosal, but some clinics and global programs still use multi-dose vials because they are cheaper and easier to ship. Removing thimerosal from U.S. recommendations could raise costs and complicate access for settings that rely on multi-dose vials, like some rural clinics and international programs.

<strong>READ MORE: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/former-anti-vaccine-leader-to-weigh-in-on-cdc-vaccine-strategy-article-152140081" data-type="tilCustomLink">Former Anti-Vaccine Leader to Weigh In On CDC Vaccine Strategy</a></strong>

What the agencies said: HHS and the new ACIP members framed the choice as restoring public trust and eliminating a preservative that activists have long criticized. Critics point out that the science does not support that thimerosal at vaccine doses causes harm, and they worry removing it will reduce vaccine availability or increase price without improving safety. 

<h4>Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV: more access for some ages, new options for infants</h4>

Two big RSV moves happened during this period:

For infants, the CDC advisory group recommended a second long-acting monoclonal antibody product, clesrovimab (brand name Enflonsia), to prevent severe RSV disease in babies under eight months who are not protected by maternal vaccination.

<strong>READ: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/new-recommendations-made-on-rsv-meningitis-and-chikungunya-vaccines-article-151439504" data-type="tilCustomLink">New Recommendations Made On RSV, Meningitis, And Chikungunya Vaccines</a></strong>

The FDA had already approved the product and ACIP voted to include it so it can be used and covered for infants entering their first RSV season. Having a second product helps guard against shortages and can lower costs over time. 

For older adults, ACIP recommendations were expanded so that adults in their 50s with high-risk conditions can receive an RSV vaccine. Kennedy signed off on accepting the advisory committee’s recommendation for that broader high-risk group. That change means people in their 50s with specific health problems may now be eligible for RSV shots. 

One of the most notable policy shifts is the new panel’s decision to examine the cumulative health effects of the entire childhood immunization schedule. That means ACIP will look again at the timing and combination of routine childhood vaccines that, for decades, have been recommended to protect children against measles, polio, pertussis, hepatitis B, and many other diseases. The committee also signaled possible re-examination of specific items such as the birth dose of hepatitis B and the combined MMRV vaccine that mixes measles, mumps, rubella and varicella. 

Supporters of the review say it is a reasonable recheck. Critics say the review is driven by unfounded concerns and risks undermining long-standing, evidence-based prevention.

<strong>READ: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/fda-approves-new-covid-vaccine-for-kids-with-selective-eligibility-article-152262209" data-type="tilCustomLink">FDA Approves New Covid Vaccine For Kids With Selective Eligibility</a></strong>

Why people are worried: federal recommendations guide school vaccine rules, insurance coverage, and what pediatricians routinely offer. Even talk about changing the schedule or re-opening decisions that were closed decades ago can trigger parents’ doubts and lead to lower vaccination rates. That is especially concerning during a resurgent measles outbreak in parts of the country. Public health groups and pediatricians have pushed back strongly. 

<h4>HPV, MMRV, Hepatitis B and other specific vaccines</h4>

Several single-vaccine items that were moving through the advisory pipeline have been delayed or placed under further review:

<strong>HPV: </strong>A planned vote that would have moved the routine recommendation window earlier, to routinely recommend vaccination starting at age 9 instead of 11, was removed from the agenda. That delay left clinicians and program planners uncertain about the future of younger-age recommendations. Kennedy has prior legal involvement in litigation related to the HPV vaccine that adds context to the committee’s caution.

<strong>READ: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/who-needs-hpv-vaccine-guide-for-every-parent-teen-and-adult-article-151318524" data-type="tilCustomLink">Who Needs HPV Vaccine? Guide For Every Parent, Teen And Adult</a></strong> 

<strong>MMRV (the combined measles-mumps-rubella-varicella shot): </strong>the new panel signaled it would weigh the risks and benefits of the combination vaccine, in part because of data on rare febrile seizures in very young children. Pediatricians say the increased seizure risk is small and generally benign, but the panel’s attention to the issue has stirred fresh debate.

<strong>READ: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/amid-measles-outbreak-texas-makes-vaccine-exemption-easier-for-kids-article-151735741" data-type="tilCustomLink">Amid Measles Outbreak, Texas Makes Vaccine Exemption Easier For Kids</a></strong> 

Hepatitis B at birth: ACIP said it will review whether the birth dose for infants should remain routine when the mother tests negative. The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly defends the birth dose because it prevents lifelong hepatitis B infections. The review has alarmed many clinicians who see no credible evidence that newborns are at low enough risk to change the practice.

<strong>READ: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/can-a-quick-visit-to-a-salon-increase-your-risk-of-hepatitis-b-article-152023173" data-type="tilCustomLink">Can A Quick Visit To A Salon Increase Your Risk Of Hepatitis B?</a></strong>

<h4>Money and research: mRNA funding pulled or reshaped</h4>

HHS under Kennedy announced a large shift in federal investments tied to mRNA vaccine development. The department moved to wind down or restructure a set of BARDA and other contracts that supported mRNA vaccine projects, including high-profile programs aimed at pre-pandemic influenza and other threats. The cited reason was concern about the platform’s effectiveness for upper respiratory infections and a stated desire to invest in what the department calls “broader” or alternative vaccine technologies. Scientists warn that pulling this money risks hampering rapid-response vaccine capacity in future outbreaks. Industry groups and researchers have pushed back, noting that mRNA technology enabled the rapid COVID-19 response and remains a major tool for future pandemics.

<strong>READ:<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/rfk-jr-pulls-500-million-funds-from-mrna-vaccine-projects-says-the-focus-will-be-shifted-to-traditional-vaccines-article-152416445" data-type="tilCustomLink"> RFK Jr Pulls 500 Million Funds From mRNA Vaccine Projects, Says The Focus Will Be Shifted To 'Traditional' Vaccines</a></strong> 

<h4>Legal fights, professional pushback, and the practical fallout</h4>

Several national medical organizations and public health groups have publicly protested or taken legal steps to challenge Kennedy’s changes. In July a coalition led by the American Academy of Pediatrics, along with other large medical societies and public health organizations, filed a lawsuit seeking to reverse the HHS directive that removed COVID-19 vaccines for healthy children and pregnant women from routine recommendations. Other associations were removed from vaccine workgroups, which has raised concerns about sidelining established expert voices. Meanwhile, some pharmacies and clinics began to report confusion about whether to offer COVID shots to pregnant women or healthy kids, and whether insurers would cover them. 

<h4>Who keeps easy access, who might lose it, and what to watch</h4>

Right now access looks most secure for people the new guidance and approvals clearly protect: older adults and people with underlying health conditions are largely still being recommended for key vaccines like COVID boosters and RSV shots. For healthy children and some healthy adults, access has become more uncertain because of narrower recommendations and the potential insurance implications.

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When RF Kennedy Jr took over HHS, he promised he would not “take away” Americans’ vaccines. In practice, though, his office has made a string of moves that reshape who is recommended to get which shots, who decides those recommendations, and where federal vaccine money goes. The changes so far include replacing the federal vaccine advisory panel, narrowing some COVID vaccine guidance, removing a flu preservative from recommendations, pulling funding for certain mRNA vaccine projects, and ordering new reviews of the childhood shot schedule. These moves matter because federal recommendations and HHS approvals strongly influence insurance coverage, which vaccines are stocked in clinics and pharmacies, and what doctors tell patients. New management: what happened to the advisory panelOne of Kennedy’s first major steps was to remove the existing members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or ACIP. ACIP is the independent panel that for decades has advised the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on who should get which vaccines and when.READ: Top U.S. Medical Associations Ousted from CDC Vaccine Workgroups in Sudden Shake-UpKennedy dismissed the 17 sitting members and installed a much smaller, handpicked panel. He said the old committee had conflicts of interest and was not trusted by the public. Critics say the move breaks long-standing safeguards meant to keep scientific review independent and transparent. The change also shifted which outside experts are invited to brief the committee and who sits on the working groups that prepare the technical evidence.READ MORE: RFK Jr. Overhauls And Shakes-Up The Vaccine Advisory Panel Again, Find Out The Who’s Who On This New Team COVID-19 shots: who is recommended to get them nowUnder Kennedy, federal guidance on COVID-19 vaccination has narrowed in key ways:For healthy children and for people who are pregnant, the government removed the blanket “routine” recommendation and moved to a weaker status. HHS announced that healthy children and pregnant women are no longer on the routine immunization schedule, saying these groups should make decisions in discussion with their doctors.READ: CDC No Longer Recommends COVID Vaccine For Kids And Pregnant Women - What Do Experts Think?That change was public and political, and it happened before ACIP had a formal vote. Medical groups such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Pediatrics criticized the move and warned it would cause confusion. Separately, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has signaled that approval will be focused on older adults and people at high risk for severe disease. The FDA’s guidance narrows the groups for which updated COVID shots can be authorized unless vaccine makers run larger trials or meet new evidence requirements. That means many healthy adults and children may not be covered or prioritized for the updated shots unless ACIP or HHS changes course later.READ MORE: New Covid-19 Vaccine Policies Are Already Blocking People From Getting Shots—Who Is At Real Risk?Why this matters: when the CDC labels a vaccine as “recommended,” insurance plans and public programs usually pay for it. Removing routine recommendations or narrowing approvals can make shots harder or more expensive to get, and can change what pharmacies and health centers stock. That creates practical barriers for people who might otherwise want or need protection. Flu shots and thimerosal: a controversial preservative banAt an ACIP meeting under Kennedy’s new appointees, the committee voted to recommend that seasonal influenza vaccines used in the U.S. be free of the preservative thimerosal.READ: RFK Jr. Orders Thimerosal Removed From All US Flu ShotsHHS adopted that recommendation. Thimerosal contains ethylmercury and has long been a focus of concern among vaccine skeptics even though public health agencies have found no credible evidence that it causes autism or long-term harm at the tiny amounts historically used in multi-dose vials. In the United States most flu doses are already supplied in single-dose syringes that do not contain thimerosal, but some clinics and global programs still use multi-dose vials because they are cheaper and easier to ship. Removing thimerosal from U.S. recommendations could raise costs and complicate access for settings that rely on multi-dose vials, like some rural clinics and international programs.READ MORE: Former Anti-Vaccine Leader to Weigh In On CDC Vaccine StrategyWhat the agencies said: HHS and the new ACIP members framed the choice as restoring public trust and eliminating a preservative that activists have long criticized. Critics point out that the science does not support that thimerosal at vaccine doses causes harm, and they worry removing it will reduce vaccine availability or increase price without improving safety. Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV: more access for some ages, new options for infantsTwo big RSV moves happened during this period:For infants, the CDC advisory group recommended a second long-acting monoclonal antibody product, clesrovimab (brand name Enflonsia), to prevent severe RSV disease in babies under eight months who are not protected by maternal vaccination.READ: New Recommendations Made On RSV, Meningitis, And Chikungunya VaccinesThe FDA had already approved the product and ACIP voted to include it so it can be used and covered for infants entering their first RSV season. Having a second product helps guard against shortages and can lower costs over time. For older adults, ACIP recommendations were expanded so that adults in their 50s with high-risk conditions can receive an RSV vaccine. Kennedy signed off on accepting the advisory committee’s recommendation for that broader high-risk group. That change means people in their 50s with specific health problems may now be eligible for RSV shots. Childhood schedule reviewOne of the most notable policy shifts is the new panel’s decision to examine the cumulative health effects of the entire childhood immunization schedule. That means ACIP will look again at the timing and combination of routine childhood vaccines that, for decades, have been recommended to protect children against measles, polio, pertussis, hepatitis B, and many other diseases. The committee also signaled possible re-examination of specific items such as the birth dose of hepatitis B and the combined MMRV vaccine that mixes measles, mumps, rubella and varicella. Supporters of the review say it is a reasonable recheck. Critics say the review is driven by unfounded concerns and risks undermining long-standing, evidence-based prevention.READ: FDA Approves New Covid Vaccine For Kids With Selective EligibilityWhy people are worried: federal recommendations guide school vaccine rules, insurance coverage, and what pediatricians routinely offer. Even talk about changing the schedule or re-opening decisions that were closed decades ago can trigger parents’ doubts and lead to lower vaccination rates. That is especially concerning during a resurgent measles outbreak in parts of the country. Public health groups and pediatricians have pushed back strongly. HPV, MMRV, Hepatitis B and other specific vaccinesSeveral single-vaccine items that were moving through the advisory pipeline have been delayed or placed under further review:HPV: A planned vote that would have moved the routine recommendation window earlier, to routinely recommend vaccination starting at age 9 instead of 11, was removed from the agenda. That delay left clinicians and program planners uncertain about the future of younger-age recommendations. Kennedy has prior legal involvement in litigation related to the HPV vaccine that adds context to the committee’s caution.READ: Who Needs HPV Vaccine? Guide For Every Parent, Teen And Adult MMRV (the combined measles-mumps-rubella-varicella shot): the new panel signaled it would weigh the risks and benefits of the combination vaccine, in part because of data on rare febrile seizures in very young children. Pediatricians say the increased seizure risk is small and generally benign, but the panel’s attention to the issue has stirred fresh debate.READ: Amid Measles Outbreak, Texas Makes Vaccine Exemption Easier For Kids Hepatitis B at birth: ACIP said it will review whether the birth dose for infants should remain routine when the mother tests negative. The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly defends the birth dose because it prevents lifelong hepatitis B infections. The review has alarmed many clinicians who see no credible evidence that newborns are at low enough risk to change the practice.READ: Can A Quick Visit To A Salon Increase Your Risk Of Hepatitis B?Money and research: mRNA funding pulled or reshapedHHS under Kennedy announced a large shift in federal investments tied to mRNA vaccine development. The department moved to wind down or restructure a set of BARDA and other contracts that supported mRNA vaccine projects, including high-profile programs aimed at pre-pandemic influenza and other threats. The cited reason was concern about the platform’s effectiveness for upper respiratory infections and a stated desire to invest in what the department calls “broader” or alternative vaccine technologies. Scientists warn that pulling this money risks hampering rapid-response vaccine capacity in future outbreaks. Industry groups and researchers have pushed back, noting that mRNA technology enabled the rapid COVID-19 response and remains a major tool for future pandemics.READ: RFK Jr Pulls 500 Million Funds From mRNA Vaccine Projects, Says The Focus Will Be Shifted To 'Traditional' Vaccines Legal fights, professional pushback, and the practical falloutSeveral national medical organizations and public health groups have publicly protested or taken legal steps to challenge Kennedy’s changes. In July a coalition led by the American Academy of Pediatrics, along with other large medical societies and public health organizations, filed a lawsuit seeking to reverse the HHS directive that removed COVID-19 vaccines for healthy children and pregnant women from routine recommendations. Other associations were removed from vaccine workgroups, which has raised concerns about sidelining established expert voices. Meanwhile, some pharmacies and clinics began to report confusion about whether to offer COVID shots to pregnant women or healthy kids, and whether insurers would cover them. Who keeps easy access, who might lose it, and what to watchRight now access looks most secure for people the new guidance and approvals clearly protect: older adults and people with underlying health conditions are largely still being recommended for key vaccines like COVID boosters and RSV shots. For healthy children and some healthy adults, access has become more uncertain because of narrower recommendations and the potential insurance implications.

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The UK government is taking firm action against unsafe and unregulated cosmetic procedures by introducing new legislation aimed at cleaning up what has been described as a “wild west” industry. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has announced that only qualified professionals will be allowed to carry out high-risk aesthetic treatments, including liquid <span>Brazilian butt lifts</span> (BBLs), under new rules expected next year.

<h4>Tighter Rules to Protect Patients</h4>

At present, no license is required to perform procedures like Botox injections or dermal fillers in England. This lack of oversight has led to a rise in botched treatments, some of which have caused permanent scarring, serious health complications, and even death. The government now plans to limit high-risk treatments to qualified healthcare professionals and require providers to be regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Lower-risk cosmetic treatments, such as standard Botox and fillers, will also be subject to new licensing rules. Clinics offering these services must register with their local authority, ensuring they meet minimum safety and hygiene standards.

Liquid Brazilian butt lifts involve injecting filler into the buttocks to enhance their shape and size. While marketed as a less invasive alternative to surgical BBLs, the procedure comes with serious risks. These include the possibility of blood clots, infections like sepsis, and in rare cases, death.

In one tragic incident, a 33-year-old woman named Alice Webb died in Gloucestershire last year due to complications linked to a suspected liquid <span>BBL</span> procedure. Cases like hers have raised urgent questions about who is allowed to perform such high-risk treatments.

<h4>Crackdown on Unqualified Providers</h4>

Health officials are also investigating reports that treatments including BBLs, fat injections, and Botox are being offered by unqualified individuals in unregulated settings such as public toilets. The Chartered Trading Standards Institute recently issued a warning about these unsafe practices. Several people reported adverse reactions to Botox-like injections earlier this year, prompting further investigations.

To tackle this, the government is encouraging the public to verify providers’ qualifications and insurance, and to avoid unusually cheap offers that could signal unsafe practices.

The proposed changes will be introduced through amendments to the CQC’s regulations and secondary legislation. In addition to restricting who can offer these treatments, the government also plans to limit access to high-risk cosmetic procedures for under-18s unless they are approved by a qualified healthcare provider. England already made it illegal in 2021 for minors to receive Botox or dermal fillers.

Scotland has also announced similar regulatory plans, while Wales and Northern Ireland have yet to make any moves.

<h4>Support From Experts and Industry Leaders</h4>

Tim Mitchell, president of the Royal College of Surgeons, welcomed the move but called for stronger safeguards. He believes procedures like buttock or breast augmentation should only be carried out by board-recognised cosmetic surgeons. This, he said, would improve standards of care and reduce preventable harm.

Sue Davies of the consumer group Which? warned that these new rules would not be effective unless local enforcement teams, such as trading standards, are given more resources to act against rogue providers.

Millie Kendall, chief executive of the British Beauty Council, said the changes would restore public trust and reduce the number of horror stories associated with the beauty industry.

The UK government is taking firm action against unsafe and unregulated cosmetic procedures by introducing new legislation aimed at cleaning up what has been described as a “wild west” industry. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has announced that only qualified professionals will be allowed to carry out high-risk aesthetic treatments, including liquid Brazilian butt lifts (BBLs), under new rules expected next year.Tighter Rules to Protect PatientsAt present, no license is required to perform procedures like Botox injections or dermal fillers in England. This lack of oversight has led to a rise in botched treatments, some of which have caused permanent scarring, serious health complications, and even death. The government now plans to limit high-risk treatments to qualified healthcare professionals and require providers to be regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).Lower-risk cosmetic treatments, such as standard Botox and fillers, will also be subject to new licensing rules. Clinics offering these services must register with their local authority, ensuring they meet minimum safety and hygiene standards.Why Liquid BBLs Are a ConcernLiquid Brazilian butt lifts involve injecting filler into the buttocks to enhance their shape and size. While marketed as a less invasive alternative to surgical BBLs, the procedure comes with serious risks. These include the possibility of blood clots, infections like sepsis, and in rare cases, death.In one tragic incident, a 33-year-old woman named Alice Webb died in Gloucestershire last year due to complications linked to a suspected liquid BBL procedure. Cases like hers have raised urgent questions about who is allowed to perform such high-risk treatments.Crackdown on Unqualified ProvidersHealth officials are also investigating reports that treatments including BBLs, fat injections, and Botox are being offered by unqualified individuals in unregulated settings such as public toilets. The Chartered Trading Standards Institute recently issued a warning about these unsafe practices. Several people reported adverse reactions to Botox-like injections earlier this year, prompting further investigations.To tackle this, the government is encouraging the public to verify providers’ qualifications and insurance, and to avoid unusually cheap offers that could signal unsafe practices.Planned Legislative ChangesThe proposed changes will be introduced through amendments to the CQC’s regulations and secondary legislation. In addition to restricting who can offer these treatments, the government also plans to limit access to high-risk cosmetic procedures for under-18s unless they are approved by a qualified healthcare provider. England already made it illegal in 2021 for minors to receive Botox or dermal fillers.Scotland has also announced similar regulatory plans, while Wales and Northern Ireland have yet to make any moves.Support From Experts and Industry LeadersTim Mitchell, president of the Royal College of Surgeons, welcomed the move but called for stronger safeguards. He believes procedures like buttock or breast augmentation should only be carried out by board-recognised cosmetic surgeons. This, he said, would improve standards of care and reduce preventable harm.Sue Davies of the consumer group Which? warned that these new rules would not be effective unless local enforcement teams, such as trading standards, are given more resources to act against rogue providers.Millie Kendall, chief executive of the British Beauty Council, said the changes would restore public trust and reduce the number of horror stories associated with the beauty industry.A Step Towards Safer PracticesHealth minister Karin Smyth said the government’s actions are aimed at protecting individuals from being exploited by untrained or dishonest practitioners. She emphasized that people will still be free to choose cosmetic treatments, but in a safer and more regulated environment. The goal is to provide peace of mind for consumers while easing the burden on the NHS, which often deals with the consequences of botched procedures.

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