Day: November 14, 2021

CDC shifts pandemic goals away from reaching herd immunity

Ms. Cat

CDC shifts pandemic goals away from reaching herd immunity

Vaccines have been quite effective at preventing cases of COVID-19 that lead to severe illness and death, but none has proved reliable at blocking transmission of the virus, Jones noted. Recent evidence has also made clear that the immunity provided by vaccines can wane in a matter of months.

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The CDC’s new approach will reflect this uncertainty. Instead of specifying a vaccination target that promises an end to the pandemic, public health officials hope to redefine success in terms of new infections and deaths — and they’ll surmise that herd immunity has been achieved when both remain low for a sustained period.

Biden Nominates (Pharma) Industry Insider Robert Califf to Head the FDA

Ms. Cat

Nature.com

After nearly ten months without a permanent commissioner, US President Joe Biden has nominated Robert Califf, former head of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to lead the agency once again. Although some in the research community are opposed to the nomination because of Califf’s ties to industry, others welcome a permanent director after such a long delay, particularly amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, in which the agency plays a crucial part.

Biden Nominates (Pharma) Industry Insider Robert Califf to Head the FDA

Apple is sticking taxpayers with part of the bill for rollout of tech giant’s digital ID card

Ms. Cat

Apple is sticking taxpayers with part of the bill for rollout of tech giant’s digital ID card

The agreement, obtained through public record requests from CNBC and other sources, mostly portrays Apple as having a high degree of control over the government agencies responsible for issuing identification cards.

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Apple has “sole discretion” for key aspects of the program, including what types of devices will be compatible with the digital IDs, how states are required to report on the performance of the effort, and when the program is launched, according to the documents. Apple even gets to review and approve the marketing that states are required to do.

Medicare officials say costly Alzheimer’s drug to blame for large monthly jump in premium

Ms. Cat

Medicare officials say costly Alzheimer’s drug to blame for large monthly jump in premium

The increase guarantees that health care will gobble up a big chunk of the recently announced Social Security cost-of-living allowance, a boost that had worked out to $92 a month for the average retired worker, intended to help cover rising prices for gas and food that are pinching seniors.

Related:

Biogen probes death of Aduhelm user after brain swelling

Cost and controversy are limiting use of new Alzheimer’s drug

How an Unproven Alzheimer’s Drug Got Approved