The U. S. vaccine program just got a major shake-up. Seventeen experts who advised on vaccines were suddenly let go. They believe this move has weakened the program. These experts had been part of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or ACIP. Their job was to look at the safety and effectiveness of vaccines. They also decided who should get which shots a...
In the current political climate, NASA's advisory committees are facing significant changes. The Aerospace Safety Advisory Committee, mandated by Congress, has continued its work. However, the NASA Advisory Council and its various subcommittees have been on hold since the start of the second Trump administration. The agency has announced plans to replace several scie...
A significant group of vaccine experts recently held their first meeting under the new U. S. Health Secretary. This meeting was notable because of the uncertainty surrounding who would ultimately approve the committee's suggestions. The committee, known for its role in shaping vaccine policies, tackled several important topics. These included discussions on an mpox v...
Imagine this: A surgeon with a big vision for healthier school lunches is up for a major job. Dr. Marty Makary, a well-known figure from Johns Hopkins University, is in the running to lead the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If he gets the job, he's got some big plans. First off, he wants to take a close look at what's in school lunches. Makary believ...
So, there was supposed to be a big vaccine meeting next week. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a group called the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). They meet three times a year to talk about new or updated vaccines. This time, it was the first meeting since a new person took charge at the Health and Human Services (HHS). But...