AHIP says its members will cover vaccines, including updated COVID-19 and flu shots, with no cost-sharing through next year. The announcement comes as the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices prepares to discuss vaccine recommendations. "While health plans continue to operate in an environment shaped by federal and state laws, as well as program and customer requirements, the evidence-based approach to coverage of immunizations will remain consistent," AHIP said.

Research presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress highlights the cardiovascular benefits of vaccines against influenza, respiratory syncytial virus and herpes zoster. The studies showed that these vaccines can reduce hospitalizations and cardiovascular events, even though messaging focused on cardiovascular benefits did not increase vaccine uptake.

Researchers have developed a tool to track measles at the county level in the US, noting more than 1,350 cases in 42 counties by mid-August, the highest in over 30 years. The tool, detailed in the Journal of the American Medical Association, provides real-time data and maps to aid public health interventions and vaccination efforts.

A study in the journal Nature Medicine found that metabolic surgery may offer long-term health benefits, including lower risk of death, compared with GLP-1 agonists in patients with obesity and diabetes. Bariatric surgery was associated with a 32% lower risk of death, a 47% lower risk of nephropathy and a 35% lower risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. "Surgery should not be reserved as a last resort," said researcher Dr. Ali Aminian.

Hospitals in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas are significantly behind in adopting health information technology such as telehealth and joining a health information exchange, according to a study in JAMA Health Forum. The study cites barriers like limited infrastructure and funding, though it notes that adoption has increased overall since 2018.

Low-income individuals show a higher prevalence of eating disorders, challenging the stereotype that these disorders affect only the affluent, according to a study in JAMA Network Open. The research notes that food insecurity can lead to unhealthy eating patterns and mental health issues, and experts warn that recent cuts to nutrition programs could exacerbate the situation.

Improving housing conditions, particularly by eradicating mold and damp, could significantly reduce health care costs and enhance public health, according to a study by researchers in Australia. The research suggests how poor housing can increase the risk of respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular issues, and injuries, estimating a potential reduction in health expenditures by $77.8 million in US dollars per million people.

The HealthySteps program, part of the nonprofit Zero to Three, embeds specialists in pediatric clinics to support families with children ages 3 and younger, addressing concerns beyond what doctors can cover during regular visits. The program supports low-income families, providing parenting guidance, developmental screenings and help with social determinants of health. HealthySteps serves more than 33,000 children in North Carolina.