Study Examines Delayed Hepatitis B Vaccination Policy Impacts on Infants

last year, the Trump administration adopted a policy recommending a delay in hepatitis B vaccination for most infants. This reversed a 30-year policy associated with a decline in disease cases. The studies are the type typically reviewed by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices before recommendations.

The committee was replaced with political appointees last year. There is no evidence of adverse effects or safety concerns with the vaccine.

and Addiction Treatment Documents

indicate the Trump administration is opposing harm reduction services for individuals using illicit drugs. A second letter the same day advised against using certain addiction medications without support services. The agency stated this represents a shift away from harm reduction practices that facilitate illicit drug use and are incompatible with federal law.

STAT reported on the implications for addiction treatment evidence.

A survey by the 2026 Edelman Trust Barometer of 16,000 people in 16 countries found that 70% believe at least one of six health claims about food, vaccines, or medicine. Confidence in making informed health decisions or finding health answers has decreased.

Results were consistent across education levels, demographics, and political affiliations. Similar trust levels apply to medical scientists and scientists generally, higher than for journalists at 49% or elected officials at 36%.

Mental Health Developments Google announced updates to its Gemini app to feature crisis hotlines more prominently when detecting self-harm risk, following a lawsuit alleging the chatbot contributed to a suicide. A clinical director told STAT’s Mario Aguilar that restricting AI could cause more harm than good psychologically.

The company is improving detection of indirect mental health struggle signals. pregnancies, causing high blood pressure and risks to parent and baby. Aspirin can reduce some risks, but delivery is the primary resolution, sometimes premature. The method involves removing excess sFlt-1 protein from blood using a filtering device, similar to kidney dialysis.

Among 16 patients, pregnancies extended an average of 10 days. Researchers, some with financial interests, noted the need for larger trials.

this month, the EPA proposed a rule identifying microplastics and pharmaceuticals in drinking water as threats warranting federal attention. A First Opinion essay in STAT discussed potential for action on microplastics or limited follow-through. It highlighted emerging cross-partisan consensus on plastic-related environmental concerns.