A study in JAMA Network Open found that the influenza vaccine provides higher protection for younger children aged 6 months to 8 years compared to older children aged 9 to 17 years. Specifically, the vaccine effectiveness was 58.1% for the younger age group and 42.6% for the older age group, highlighting the age-based differences in vaccine protection.

Neglect can harm a child's social development as much as abuse, according to a study in Child Abuse and Neglect. The study found that neglected children struggle with forming friendships and romantic relationships, withdrawing from peers and being less popular. "Maltreated children often feel shame and may have lower self-esteem and sense of belonging as a consequence of maltreatment, which precipitates withdrawal from their peers," says lead researcher Christina Kamis of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

The average duration of respiratory syncytial virus illness in children under the age of 5 was found to be 11.7 days, with 36% of children still experiencing symptoms 30 days post-infection, according to a study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine and involving children in five European countries. This extended illness period contributes to a high burden on health care systems and parental work absence.

A study published in JAMA Cardiology highlights the importance of maintaining healthy behaviors during adolescence to improve cardiovascular health into adulthood. Researchers used data from the Project Viva cohort to identify inflection points where CV health begins to decline, as early as age 10. The study found that behavioral factors like diet and physical activity, rather than biological factors, may have more of an impact on CV health trajectories.

The American Thoracic Society released updated guidelines for tuberculosis treatment in children and adults, recommending shorter regimens for both drug-susceptible and drug-resistant TB. The guidelines, published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, suggested a four-month regimen for pulmonary TB and a shortened four-month regimen for non-severe TB in children.

Falling asleep while feeding an infant can pose significant safety risks, including suffocation and injury. Dr. Fern Hauck emphasizes the dangers of overlying the infant or the baby getting tangled in bedding, which can lead to suffocation or airway obstruction. She advises creating a safe feeding environment by removing pillows and comforters.

Research published in JAMA Pediatrics found that children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome related to COVID-19 showed significant recovery by six months post-hospitalization. The study found 99% of children had normalized heart function, 92.3% had normal coronary artery dimensions and more than 95% were mostly back to baseline health.

Vaccines have played a crucial role in nearly eradicating polio in the United States, with only one case in the past decade linked to international travel. However, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his skepticism about vaccine safety and effectiveness, may influence future vaccination policies if appointed as secretary of health and human services, and his stance could potentially impact the accessibility and public perception of vaccines.

The "medical freedom" movement in the US, which has gained momentum since the COVID-19 pandemic, is driven by growing distrust in health care institutions and the spread of misinformation, according to experts. This movement, which has become a political identity, advocates for access to unproven treatments and opposes certain public health measures. Experts note that this trend poses significant challenges to public health efforts.

The FDA has released a long-term strategy to enhance the resiliency and safety of the US infant formula market, building on an immediate strategy from 2023. The plan addresses issues highlighted during the 2022 formula crisis and prioritizes oversight, contamination prevention and supply chain integrity.

Danielle Jones is a health care editor at SmartBrief where she edits content about pediatrics, biotechnology and nuclear medicine. She's been a medical editor and writer for 15 years now and has a background in clinical practices. You can contact her by email with feedback and ideas. If you find this newsletter helpful, please share it with a friend or colleague who might like to subscribe. It's free!