sara g miller
@saragmiller.bsky.social
health editor @nbcnews.com med unit
An FDA advisory committee narrowly voted in favor of loosening restrictions on peptides over strong objections from agency career scientists. with @berkeleyjr.bsky.social
FDA panel recommends easing restrictions on several peptides, including BPC-157
The panel went against the conclusions of the agency’s career scientists, who said there was not enough evidence to support the move.
nbcnews.com
After reviewing the cases, the FDA reported that no cases were “certain” to be linked to Covid vaccination. The conclusions differ from Prasad’s characterization of the deaths, who said in a November memo that the children died “after and because of receiving” the vaccine. @berkeleyjr.bsky.social
No child deaths definitively linked to Covid shots, FDA says
The agency’s analysis contradicts claims made by former vaccine chief Dr. Vinay Prasad.
nbcnews.com
Two weeks after our @nbcnews.com investigation into TriWest, the company's president posted a public apology to its 4 million beneficiaries for problems with coverage that led to denials of claims.
Military healthcare contractor issues apology to 4 million beneficiaries
The apology came two weeks after an NBC News investigation into the benefits program.
nbcnews.com
Former top officials at USAID, CDC, NIH and the White House said that if USAID was still intact, it’s possible its resources might have helped contain the virus in this new outbreak and even saved lives. www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
Absence of USAID likely slowed Ebola detection and response, former officials say
The State Department denies that changes to USAID have hampered the response to the outbreak.
nbcnews.com
He pitched military service with a promise of lifetime healthcare. When he needed it, the system failed. really proud of this one. @berkeleyjr.bsky.social @nbcnews.com
He pitched military service with a promise of lifetime healthcare. When he needed it, the system failed.
More than a year after the military’s health insurance program transitioned millions of people to TriWest, problems continue to plague the program, leaving patients in limbo.
nbcnews.com
While testifying last week, RFK Jr. dismissed Medicaid programs that pay families to care for disabled loved ones as “rife with fraud” and claimed that they pay people to complete menial tasks they “used to do as family members for free.” Disability rights advocates & family caregivers are furious.
RFK Jr. draws backlash for ripping Medicaid programs that pay people to care for relatives
Advocates for disabled people and those who care for them said they were insulted by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s allegations that the programs are "rife with fraud."
nbcnews.com
I reported on the illicit iboga trade for @theguardian.com back in 2023, and the complicated ethics of who gets to profit from protected plants . www.theguardian.com/society/2023...
The psychedelic ibogaine can treat addiction. The race is on to cash in
Clinics and scientists around the world aim to turn a profit from a powerful Gabonese plant – but it’s an ethical and legal wild west
theguardian.com
Reliable sources within HHS and CDC tell us this tweet is inaccurate and no decision has been made.
New KFF poll on expired ACA subsidies (among 2025 marketplace enrollees) —80% report higher health care costs —51% say "a lot" higher —28% switched plans, 9% went uninsured —78% say Congress was wrong to let the funds expire —62% blame Trump or Republicans —14% blame Democrats
BREAKING: Federal judge blocks RFK Jr.'s changes to childhood vaccine schedule
Federal judge blocks RFK Jr.'s changes to childhood vaccine schedule
The ruling stems from a lawsuit brought by major medical organizations including the American Academy of Pediatrics.
nbcnews.com
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which crafts evidence-based recommendations for cancer screenings and other preventive care hasn't met for almost a year under RFK Jr. by @berkeleyjr.bsky.social @nbcnews.com
Federal panel behind cancer screening recommendations hasn’t met in nearly a year
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force's meetings have stalled as Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has reshaped other federal advisory committees.
nbcnews.com
Bhattacharya confirmed to @nbcnews.com that he's taking on the role of acting CDC director, in addition to running the NIH.
NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya will take over leadership of CDC temporarily
The transition is the latest in a monthslong series of leadership shake-ups across federal health agencies.
nbcnews.com
The FDA issued an unusual defense of its decision to not review Moderna's mRNA flu shot. by @berkeleyjr.bsky.social @nbcnews.com
FDA defends its decision to not review Moderna’s mRNA flu shot
The agency said it denied Moderna’s application because it refused to follow “very clear” guidance. The drugmakers says the FDA approved the design of its clinical trial.
nbcnews.com
Measles in South Carolina has spread to almost 800 people, surpassing the 2025 West Texas outbreak that sickened hundreds and killed two young girls.
South Carolina measles outbreak reaches 789 cases, surpassing Texas
The ongoing outbreak has spread to at least 3 other states, sending hundreds of people into quarantine.
nbcnews.to
What lies ahead for health care in 2026 by @berkeleyjr.bsky.social @nbcnews.com
Health care will get more expensive for some in 2026 — and cheaper for others
People covered by Obamacare and Medicaid may see health care costs rise, but for people on Medicare, Biden-era negotiated drug prices are set to go into effect.
nbcnews.com
“I don’t think I ever remember seeing it this severe, this soon." "Our emergency department is full of kids coming in with the flu.” by @erikaedwards.bsky.social @nbcnews.com
'So much flu': What to know as flu season ramps up early this year
Doctors say that so far, kids are hit hardest with the flu. The flu shot is helping to keep them out of the hospital.
nbcnews.com
RFK Jr and the Trump admin are moving to prohibit hospitals from providing puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgeries to transgender minors if they want to participate in Medicare and Medicaid. by @joyurcaba.bsky.social and @erikaedwards.bsky.social
HHS moves to slash funding and access to care for transgender minors
The proposals announced Thursday would bar hospitals that receive federal funding from providing transition-related care to minors.
nbcnews.com
An NBC News investigation found that whooping cough vaccination rates are plummeting across the country. It's part of a larger, troubling trend of growing vaccine hesitancy that is fueling a resurgence of preventable diseases. by @erikaedwards.bsky.social @joemurph.bsky.social @nbcnews.com
Whooping cough cases soar as vaccination rates drop
In an NBC News data investigation of 31 states, about 70% of counties and jurisdictions fell below the target vaccination rate needed for community protection.
nbcnews.com
FDA says it may relax warning label rule for dietary supplements by @berkeleyjr.bsky.social
FDA says it may relax warning label rule for dietary supplements
Supplements aren’t reviewed for safety and effectiveness, but disclaimers about health benefits are required on products.
nbcnews.com
CDC study says Covid shots continue to protect healthy kids from severe illness
CDC study says Covid shots continue to protect healthy kids from severe illness
Researchers found that Covid vaccines reduced the risk of emergency room and urgent care visits by 56% to 76%. It comes as some federal health officials have sowed doubt in the shots.
nbcnews.com
ACIP just voted to rescind the recommendation to give all newborns the hepatitis B vaccine, overturning a decadeslong policy that cut acute hep B cases in kids by 99% by Aria Bendix and @erikaedwards.bsky.social @nbcnews.com
CDC advisory panel expected to vote on hepatitis B vaccine for newborns
The vote was delayed on Thursday because of disagreements and confusion over the voting language.
nbcnews.com
Years after the reign of Warren Jeffs, the Short Creek community on the Utah-Arizona border is focused on rebuilding. Missed vaccines were low on the list of priorities, until now. by @erikaedwards.bsky.social
This tight-knit community was recovering from a cultlike leader. Then measles got in.
Years after the reign of Warren Jeffs, the Short Creek community on the Utah-Arizona border is focused on rebuilding. Missed vaccines were low on the list of priorities, until now.
nbcnews.com
