Largest U.S. pediatricians’ professional body
New safety measures are being rolled out after multiple drownings highlighted by the Independent and AP reports. The push emphasizes swift rescue, pool safety, and funding for swimming lessons following a family tragedy that inspired a charitable foundation.
Andrea Shaw has been indicted on two counts of first-degree murder in the May 2025 deaths of her 18-month-old twins, Dallas and Tyson, in Payette, Idaho. Prosecutors say she suffocated them; defense links the deaths to vaccines. Shaw faces life imprisonment or the death penalty if convicted.
Multiple sources report a rebound in measles cases across the U.S., with 2,260 confirmed cases now documented in 44 states and D.C. Public health officials say vaccination coverage below 95% threatens herd immunity and risks losing measles elimination status. A review in November will decide on that status.
The CDC reports 2,318 measles cases in 2026, making it the worst year in decades. Outbreaks in South Carolina, Utah and Arizona have prompted renewed concern over vaccination coverage as officials weigh loss of measles-free status.
Measles cases in the U.S. have surged to 2,371 this year, the highest in years, prompting renewed calls for vaccination amid political and public health pressures. Outbreaks are intensifying in several states as officials warn that vaccination alone may not curb spread. Health Secretary Kennedy faces scrutiny over his vaccine stance while states push to bolster immunization programs.
Back-to-school season finds backpacks carrying more devices, notebooks and gear, with experts warning about potential strain. The American Academy of Pediatrics says signs of overload include leaning forward or difficulty walking, and advocates lightening loads where possible. Teachers are urging families to audit daily contents, balancing technology and traditional textbooks as districts weigh the role of print vs. digital learning.
Moderna has won FDA approval for its mRNA flu vaccine mFlusiva for adults 50–64 and accelerated approval for those 65 and older. The decision follows a contentious review earlier this year, a unanimous advisory panel recommendation in June and political disputes inside US health agencies over mRNA vaccines. Retail availability is expected in coming weeks.
President Trump has signed an executive order directing federal health officials to cut the federal recommended childhood vaccine list, to split the combined MMR vaccine into separate measles, mumps and rubella doses once single‑disease products are available, and to space routine immunisations across separate medical visits. Public health groups and drugmakers have said the changes lack scientific support and will increase missed vaccinations during a major U.S. measles outbreak.
The White House has issued an executive order reducing federal vaccine recommendations to 11 core shots and urging the separation of the MMR vaccine into three injections. Physicians warn the move risks confusion and slower protection, while public health groups stress that CDC guidance remains unchanged and vaccines should proceed as recommended.
The administration has finalized a rule that ends federal Medicaid and CHIP funding for gender-affirming care for minors, including puberty blockers, hormones, and surgeries. Mental health services remain funded. Seventeen states currently cover some degree of gender-affirming care under Medicaid and CHIP, while many hospitals have paused treatments.
A 40-year-old Jefferson County resident has died of complications described as measles-related, the county coroner has announced, bringing Pennsylvania state officials' total to three deaths linked to this year's outbreak. The CDC's public tracker currently shows no measles deaths and federal officials are reviewing whether the Pennsylvania fatalities meet their criteria.
Major U.S. medical societies have published coordinated guidance for flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccinations after the FDA approved updated COVID and flu shots. The American Medical Association and partner groups have compiled evidence and tailored recommendations for age and risk groups while the CDC advisory process remains delayed by political and legal disputes. Enhanced and mRNA flu options are available for older adults.
New data from Truveta shows vitamin K refusals at birth have surged in 2026, driven by political messaging around vaccines. The rate of non-administration increased sharply in the first half of the year, with 81-fold higher risk of life-threatening bleeding without the shot for infants in their first six months. Health officials warn the trend risks newborn lives as US debates policy changes echoed by Kennedy and Trump.
Flu vaccines are underway and updated COVID-19 shots are arriving nationwide after FDA approval. RSV remains a threat, prompting guidance from medical societies as Trump health officials rethink autumn vaccine policies. An advisory panel remains in a legal dispute, while doctors push clear, science-based guidance. Older adults and high-risk groups are urged to vaccinate, with a new mRNA flu shot showing improved effectiveness.