The Gist Healthcare Podcast Monday, August 18, 2025
Aug 18, 2025
A new task force for childhood vaccine safety is being revived by the Department of Health and Human Services, promising crucial insights within two years. Illinois is cracking down on AI in mental health care, requiring human oversight to prevent risks associated with AI-only therapies. UnitedHealth successfully merges with home health provider Amedisys after addressing antitrust concerns. Plus, New Hampshire is putting an end to surprise billing for ground ambulance services starting in 2026. Stay tuned for more healthcare developments!
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Federal Vaccine Task Force Returns
- HHS reinstated a childhood vaccine safety task force disbanded in 1998 to report to Congress within two years.
- The task force will include senior leaders from NIH, CDC, and FDA and is led by NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya.
Legal Pressure And Political Context
- The reinstatement follows legal pressure from Children's Health Defense and its founder Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
- HHS plans to release a report to Congress, signaling heightened federal attention and scrutiny on childhood vaccine safety.
Pediatric COVID Vaccine Access Could Change
- The FDA may revoke Pfizer's authorization for its COVID shot for healthy children under five, which would remove the only available option for that group.
- Moderna and Novavax vaccines remain limited to specific populations, so policy shifts could significantly change pediatric COVID vaccine availability.