ABC reports that health officials in
the United States want to make COVID-19
vaccinations more like the annual flu shot.
On January 23, the Food and Drug Administration
proposed a new vaccination effort that would allow
most adults and children to get a once-a-year COVID shot.
ABC points out that this means people in the U.S. would
no longer have to keep track of how many shots
they've received or when they last got boosted.
According to ABC, the proposal comes as over 80% of
the U.S. population has received at least one dose of the
vaccine, while just 16% have received the latest booster.
On January 26, the FDA will refer
to a panel of outside vaccine experts
to weigh the new proposal.
According to FDA scientists, many Americans now
have “sufficient preexisting immunity” because of
vaccination, infection or a combination of the two.
.
Scientists at the FDA and vaccine companies suggest
that further study could be done to decide who should
receive a single shot and who requires a two-dose series.
The FDA plan also includes streamlining the process
by switching all vaccines to target the same strains,
thus eliminating the current complicated system.
The proposal also includes a similar approach to the annual
flu shot by having the agency, independent experts and
manufacturers select which strains to target annually.
The FDA has expressed that the move to an annual
schedule would also help promote future vaccination
campaigns and boost nationwide vaccination rates
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2 More Eyedrop Brands , Have Been Recalled.
ABC News reports that the FDA has posted recall notices for eyedrops distributed by Pharmedica and Apotex.
ABC News reports that the FDA has posted recall notices for eyedrops distributed by Pharmedica and Apotex.
Pharmedica said it is recalling
Purely Soothing 15% MSM Drops for issues
"that could result in blindness.".
The OTC eyedrops are intended
to soothe eye irritation.
That recall affects
approximately 2,900 bottles.
Apotex recalled Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Solution 0.15%.
The eyedrops treat a form of glaucoma.
No injuries have been reported, but the recall was issued after cracks were found in several caps.
The two recalls come after
EzriCare Artificial Tears were recalled last month.
In that instance, five people suffered permanent vision loss and one person died
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Walgreens to Stop , Selling Abortion Pills , by Mail in 20 States.
On March 2, one of America's largest
pharmacies said it would not distribute
abortion pills by mail in some states.
On March 2, one of America's largest
pharmacies said it would not distribute
abortion pills by mail in some states.
CBS reports that Walgreens confirmed the decision
to stop dispensing Mifepristone, stating that
the abortion drug will no longer be available in 20 states.
CBS reports that Walgreens confirmed the decision
to stop dispensing Mifepristone, stating that
the abortion drug will no longer be available in 20 states.
According to a letter dated February 1, Walgreens was warned by 20 attorneys general that the sale of abortion
drugs would violate both state and federal laws.
According to a letter dated February 1, Walgreens was warned by 20 attorneys general that the sale of abortion
drugs would violate both state and federal laws.
Last summer, following the overturning of Roe v. Wade,
Missouri was among several states to
implement strict prohibitions on abortion. .
Other states that Mifepristone will
no longer be available in include
Arkansas, Florida, Texas and West Virginia.
Other states that Mifepristone will
no longer be available in include
Arkansas, Florida, Texas and West Virginia.
We will only dispense in those
jurisdictions where it is legal
to do if we are certified, Walgreens, via statement.
CBS reports that over half
of all abortions in the U.S.
utilize Mifepristone.
For over 20 years, the FDA limited
the dispensing of the drug
due to safety concerns. .
For over 20 years, the FDA limited
the dispensing of the drug
due to safety concerns. .
Those restrictions were lifted amid
the COVID pandemic as a means of eliminating
the need for in-person appointments.
CBS reports that at least one lawsuit has been
filed against the FDA, claiming the agency
overstepped its authority in approving Mifepristone.
CBS reports that at least one lawsuit has been
filed against the FDA, claiming the agency
overstepped its authority in approving Mifepristone
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
145,000 Cans of Enfamil ProSobee , Infant Formula Recalled.
CNN reports that two batches of the company's plant-based formula have been recalled by one of its manufacturers, Reckitt.
The formula was possibly cross-contaminated with Cronobacter sakazakii bacteria.
According to Reckitt, the cause
“was linked to a material from a third party.”.
The company has taken “all appropriate corrective actions, including no longer sourcing this material from the supplier.”.
So far, product tests have come back negative for the bacteria and illnesses have not been reported. .
The recalled 12.9-ounce cans have a
use-by date of March 1, 2024.
They also contain the codes
ZL2HZF or ZL2HZZ.
CNN reports that while Cronobacter
infections are rare, they can be fatal.
The bacteria caused the recall of
Abbott Nutrition formula in 2022 which contributed to a nationwide shortage. .
The FDA says it's devising a plan to better detect Cronobacter in baby formula
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Starbucks Vanilla Frappuccino , Bottles Recalled.
Starbucks Vanilla Frappuccino , Bottles Recalled.
ABC News reports that over
25,000 cases of the beverage have been recalled for possibly containing glass.
A representative for PepsiCo, which sells the drinks, issued a statement on behalf of the North American Coffee Partnership.
The impacted products have best buy dates of March 8, 2023; May 29, 2023; June 4, 2023; and June 10, 2023 and were distributed across the United States, PepsiCo representative, via statement.
The removal of these products from the marketplace is currently underway. The products are not sold at Starbucks retail locations, PepsiCo representative, via statement.
While the PepsiCo representative did not divulge why the product was being recalled.
the FDA confirmed it was because of
"foreign objects (glass)" in the bottles.
The PepsiCo representative went on
to talk about the company's commitment
to a quality consumer experience.
The North American Coffee Partnership is committed to a high level of quality in the products we serve. , PepsiCo representative, via statement.
Delivering a quality experience to our consumers is our top priority and we always act with an abundance of caution whenever a potential concern is raised, PepsiCo representative, via statement.
If a consumer has purchased a product and has questions or concerns, they can call Consumer Relations at 1-800-211-8307, PepsiCo representative, via statement
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
FDA Advisers Recommend , Anti-Opioid Overdose Drug for OTC Use.
'The Hill' reports that on Feb. 15,
an FDA panel voted 19-0 in favor of Naloxone
being made available over the counter.
'The Hill' reports that on Feb. 15,
an FDA panel voted 19-0 in favor of Naloxone
being made available over the counter.
Currently, the anti-opioid overdose drug
is only available with a prescription.
Sold under the brand name Narcan,
the drug is widely considered to be the
best treatment for opioid overdoses. .
It was first approved in 2015 to treat opioid overdoses in people of all ages, even newborns. .
The advisory panel agrees that there is little to no risk in making the drug available over the counter.
The advisory panel agrees that there is little to no risk in making the drug available over the counter.
There’s no reason to keep this
as a prescription, let’s get it
out there and save some lives, Elizabeth Coykendall, temporary panel member
and a paramedic in North Carolina, via 'The Hill'.
The cost of the drug has yet to be determined.
'The Hill' reports that harm reduction advocates fear it may be too expensive for groups that give it to those who need it most.
The FDA is expected to make a decision
about whether Naloxone should be made available over the counter by March 29.
The FDA is expected to make a decision
about whether Naloxone should be made available over the counter by March 29
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
This Day in History: , First St. Patrick's
Day Parade.
March 17, 1762.
The first St. Patrick's Day parade is widely
regarded as having been celebrated in New York City
by Irish soldiers serving in the British army.
The day honors the patron saint of Ireland, who was born to a Christian family in Britain in the 4th century.
St. Patrick is credited with converting
almost all of Ireland to Christianity
before his death.
One of the most revered legends about
the saint is his explanation of the Holy Trinity
using a three-leafed shamrock.
Early Irish immigrants brought his
feast day with them to America.
According to the National Retail Association, Americans spent nearly $6 billion for St. Patrick's Day in 2018
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 00:59Published
DOJ and SEC Launch Investigations , Into SVB Collapse.
Last week, the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation shut down Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and made the FDIC its receiver.
Last week, the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation shut down Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and made the FDIC its receiver.
NBC News reports that on March 14,
the U.S. Justice Department opened an investigation into the bank's demise.
According to two sources with knowledge of the matter, part of the DOJ's probe will seek to determine whether bank executives unloaded any stock ahead of the collapse.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has launched a separate investigation. .
According to the FDIC, SVB's collapse marked the second-biggest on record after Washington Mutual.
According to the FDIC, SVB's collapse marked the second-biggest on record after Washington Mutual.
NBC News reports that on March 12, the FDIC, Federal Reserve and Treasury Department said SVB deposits would be backed in excess of the federally-insured cap of $250,000.
The fall of SVB prompted Signature Bank customers to withdraw over $10 billion in deposits out of fear on March 10, ultimately leading to the bank's collapse as well.
The fall of SVB prompted Signature Bank customers to withdraw over $10 billion in deposits out of fear on March 10, ultimately leading to the bank's collapse as well.
President Biden attempted to
reassure the public that America's
banking system is safe on March 13.
Thanks to the quick action of my administration over the past few days, Americans can have confidence that
the banking system is safe. , President Joe Biden, via statement.
Your deposits will be there
when you need them, President Joe Biden, via statement
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
This Day in History: , First Cases Reported in
Deadly Influenza Pandemic.
March 11, 1918.
Private Albert Glitchell
reported flu-like symptoms at
the Fort Riley hospital in Kansas.
Hours later,
more than 100 soldiers on the
base reported symptoms.
The virulent influenza
spread to other army bases, prisons
and then across the Atlantic, where
World War I continued to rage.
The virus came to be known as Spanish flu.
The influenza was responsible
for eight million deaths in Spain.
Even after the end of the war,
Spanish flu continued to wreak international havoc.
28 percent of Americans
became infected. 675,000 Americans died.
Worldwide, deaths due
to the Spanish flu pandemic are
estimated between 20 and 50 million
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:00Published
This Day in History:, The Boston Massacre.
March 5, 1770.
A skirmish in front of the Boston Custom House
between British soldiers and angry colonists ended in
violence when the troops opened fire on the crowd.
Three Americans were killed instantly and several
other men eventually died from their injuries.
The incident followed several years of tensions
and violence in colonial Massachusetts.
... partly due to revenue duties imposed on the colonists by
the Townshed Acts passed by British Parliament.
The violence turned colonial sentiment against
the British and King George in the years leading
up to the American Revolution.
John Adams wrote that the "foundation of
American independence was laid" by the massacre
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 00:48Published