English surgeon and anti-vaccine campaigner whose 1998 Lancet paper linked MMR to autism
The CMS chief has defended the notion of three separate MMR vaccines, amid President Trump’s push to offer parents the option. He has stated the combined MMR vaccine is not lethal and is widely used internationally; experts warn splitting vaccines could worsen hesitancy and reduce protection as measles cases rise.
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.
Health ministers push binding national maternity standards and a new commissioner to end postcode gaps, following multiple investigations into failures. The plan aims to improve patient experience and address racial inequalities in maternity care.
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.