Category Archive

A recent American Academy of Physician Associates poll found that 65% of Americans say coordinating and managing healthcare is overwhelming and time-consuming, and 73% feel that the healthcare system fails to meet their needs.
Further, most patients want more digital options for managing their care.

As the United States enters another flu season, looking back at previous data highlights why vaccinations are essential to protecting children.
In the FluView Key Updates for Week 33, ending August 17, 2024, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) disclosed that 194 influenza-associated pediatric deaths were confirmed during the 2023-2024 flu season.
This data exceeds the National Center for Health Statistics Mortality Surveillance (NCHS) data reported for the previous three flu seasons: 186, 49, and 1.

Whether diseases start at home or school, parents can take action today to protect their children against viruses such as influenza and measles.
In the United States, the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program has effectively removed a significant barrier to protecting children from diseases by eliminating financial costs for eligible children.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today issued Health Alert Network Health Advisory (CDCHAN-00514) confirming increases in human parvovirus B19 activity in the United States and Europe.
Parvovirus B19 is a seasonal respiratory virus transmitted through respiratory droplets by people with symptomatic or asymptomatic infection.
In the first quarter of 2024, public health authorities in 14 European countries observed unusually high numbers of parvovirus B19 cases.

As the Fall 2024 respiratory season approaches, recent studies reveal disparities in who consumers trust regarding medical information.
According to the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Pharmacy 16th Study released today, overall satisfaction with mail-order pharmacies is rising steadily this year.
Meanwhile, chain drug stores have seen their overall satisfaction scores slide far below the brick-and-mortar category average,

The Lancet Infectious Disease recently published a Correspondence offering insights regarding the current influenza A(H5N1) outbreak in dairy cattle and poultry, raising concerns about increased risk for sustained human-to-human transmission.
On July 24, 2024, these researchers wrote that avian influenza viruses' increasing host range and ability to spread between mammals and humans raise concerns about a potential pandemic risk. This pandemic risk is a concern as mortality was 52% of the 876 influenza A(H5N1) cases reported in Europe since 2002.

GSK plc and Flagship Pioneering today announced they have entered a collaboration to discover and develop a portfolio of future transformational medicines and vaccines, starting in respiratory and immunology.
This alliance combines GSK’s disease area expertise and development capability with Flagship’s ecosystem of bioplatform companies, including its novel modalities and technologies, to make significant advances in healthcare.

While many people have recently learned about the clinical trial research process, most are unaware these studies are conducted according to a plan containing an essential fourth type of study: phase four.
These late-stage studies, often called post-marketing research, are conducted after the U.S. FDA has approved a vaccine or medication.
Clinical research leaders wrote a comprehensive Perspective, suggesting an innovative method for increasing the number of phase four studies.

According to Stefan Merlo, Vice President of Commercial Operations, North America, CSL Seqirus, pharmacies in the United States will soon offer updated flu shots.
Mr. Merlo exclusively informed Precision Vaccinations News that as of July 9, 2024, CSL Seqirus was already shipping its differentiated influenza vaccines for the 2024/25 Northern Hemisphere flu season.
"This year, we've transitioned to trivalent vaccine formulations, aligning with U.S. FDA guidelines."

During the second day of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recent  Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) meeting, influenza vaccines became the main focus.
As the current flu season comes to a close, the ACIP reported that the next round of influenza vaccines, which are scheduled to arrive in pharmacies in August 2024, will be different.
On June 27, 2024, the ACIP confirmed all influenza vaccines marketed in the U.S. for the 2024-25 flu season would be trivalent, not quadrivalent.