Vaccine-preventable infection; sometimes mild but dangerous in pregnancy
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 Trump administration has urged states to separate the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine into individual shots. Several officials caution that doing so could fuel vaccine hesitancy and leave immunity gaps while some leaders push for more personal choice in immunization policies. New reporting shows the policy debate is unfolding amid mixed messages from health agencies and political leaders.
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.
New documents obtained by AP and The Guardian show RFK Jr. wrote to Samoa’s prime minister proposing investigations into MMR vaccines, contradicting his prior testimony that his Samoa trip had nothing to do with vaccines. The revelations have triggered calls for investigations and potential political consequences as lawmakers debate next steps.
New documents obtained by AP and The Guardian contradict Kennedy's congressional testimony about his 2019 Samoa visit, showing he asked to study MMR vaccines and used
Pennsylvania has reported four measles-related deaths this year — including an 18-year-old and a 40-year-old who were unvaccinated — as the state has recorded nearly 700 cases across 38 counties. Globally, Bangladesh has recorded a much larger epidemic this year, with authorities reporting hundreds of confirmed deaths and more than 166,000 suspected cases despite mass vaccination drives.
Measles cases have surged nationwide with Pennsylvania reporting the highest tally this year. Health officials say vaccinations have risen, but distrust and political tensions are complicating containment. Fatalities from measles and related complications have occurred, including several unvaccinated individuals. The state faces hospitalizations and ongoing debates over public health responses.
The measles outbreak is spreading within the United States, with Pennsylvania reporting over 1,200 cases and dozens of hospitalizations as vaccination rates remain below the level needed to halt transmission. Public health authorities are deploying resources and monitoring the evolving situation, while vaccination clinics seek to reach hesitant communities.