|
|
The proportion of U.S. kindergartners exempted from school vaccination
requirements has reached its highest level ever at 3%, reflecting a trend
of increasing parental hesitancy toward routine childhood vaccinations.
Despite this rise in exemptions, the national vaccination rate for
kindergartners remained steady at 93% for the 2022-2023 school year, the
same as the previous year but down from 95% before the COVID-19
pandemic.
|
US public health officials are sounding the alarm about a significant rise
in the number of babies born with syphilis, a preventable and sometimes
life-threatening infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) reported that more than 3,700 babies were born with syphilis in the
US in 2022, marking a 32% increase from the previous year and a tenfold
rise since 2012. The CDC termed the situation "dire" and "alarming",
emphasizing the preventability of congenital syphilis with timely treatment
during pregnancy.
|
Puerto Rico has declared an influenza epidemic as the island reports
over 25,900 flu cases since July, with 42 deaths and over 900
hospitalizations. Health officials note a significant increase compared to
the same period last year, particularly affecting those aged 0 to 19 years,
and emphasize the availability of vaccines, tests, and treatments.
|
The newly approved postpartum depression drug, Zurzuvae, is priced at
$15,900 for a 14-day course, raising concerns about accessibility. While
Sage Therapeutics aims to work with insurers to enable broad access, the
high cost has sparked worries about potential barriers, particularly for
patients without adequate insurance coverage. Mental health specialists
emphasize the importance of accessibility to such treatments, given the
severity of postpartum depression and its impact on maternal and infant
well-being.
|
Amazon has launched a virtual care service for its Prime customers,
allowing them quick access to healthcare providers for $9 per month or
$99 annually. This move comes after Amazon's acquisition of One Medical,
a membership-based primary care provider, last year. The virtual care
service includes video chats and the option for in-person visits at One
Medical locations. The membership fee covers the cost of virtual visits, but
patients would need to pay separately for in-person visits to One Medical
offices, where insurance can be used.
|
|
