Feb 09, 2024

Hey there! I have some exciting news to share with you today. First off, there’s a stunner on the empty seats on a federal vaccine advisory committee. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is facing an exodus of expertise, with eight vacancies on what has been a 15-person panel in recent years. This is a critical government advisory committee charged with charting U.S. vaccination policy and making timely decisions on how vaccines should be used in the country.

In other news, there’s an incredible story about a gene therapy called B-VEC that has not only helped preserve a boy’s vision but has also shown promising results in treating epidermolysis bullosa, a difficult disease that causes the skin to be incredibly fragile. Additionally, researchers have made strides in understanding how memory cells contribute to allergies, which could lead to better treatments for certain allergies.

On the healthcare front, a new study has shown that offering mental health and mild exercise therapy has helped some people with long Covid, providing hope for those struggling with post-exertional malaise. And the CDC has released new syphilis testing recommendations, signaling a step forward in addressing the growing concern of syphilis in the U.S.

Lastly, there’s an inspiring story about a midsized company that managed to nearly halve its per-person health spending in just five years, without dropping benefits. This success story provides a case study of how employers can cut costs, demonstrating the potential for positive change in the healthcare industry.

That’s all for now, but stay tuned for more inspiring and impactful healthcare news. Take care and stay healthy!

Summy

Stay Well!