What We’re Reading: Novavax Authorization; HHS Urges Abortion Pill Access; Veteran Health Care Bill

FDA Authorizes Novavax Vaccine

The FDA approved the protein-based Novavax COVID-19 vaccine for adults on July 13, providing an alternative vaccine option to Americans, as the vaccine is different in composition to the Moderna and Pfizer mRNA-based vaccines. The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices plans to meet on July 19 to discuss its recommendation on use of the vaccine, which is a 2-shot series given 21 days apart. The vaccine had already been approved in 40 different countries and the European Union, although manufacturing issues had hindered its US approval. The Biden administration announced that it had secured 3.2 million doses of the vaccine, which will be shipped to states pending the CDC committee recommendation.

HHS Officials Urge Pharmacists to Fill Abortion Medication

Guidance issued by HHS urges pharmacies to continue filling prescriptions for abortion medication after reports of pharmacists turning women away. The federal officials have pointed to federal civil rights laws and provisions in the Affordable Care Act that say that pharmacists cannot make their own decisions on the suitability of the medication. Health care providers who do not comply could risk losing federal funding and incurring financial penalties. The warning comes as women nationwide are facing restrictions on medications that could be used to cause miscarriages and end ectopic pregnancies, among other medical uses.

Veteran Benefits Bill Passes House, Heads for Senate

The House passed a revised version of a bill that would expand benefits for veterans. The bill, which was passed in a 342-88 vote, would expand health care and disability benefits to more than 3.5 million veterans who were exposed to toxic substances in the line of duty. The core of the bill would allow veterans who contracted 23 different conditions, including brain cancer and hypertension, while deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other countries to receive health care and disability benefits. This is a change to the current law, which requires veterans to prove that an illness was a direct result of their deployment.