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What We're Reading: COVID-19 Vaccine in Phase 3; Employers, Liability Waivers; Flu, Pneumonia Vaccines Reduce Alzheimer Risk
In beginning the first phase 3 clinical trial to examine a vaccine candidate for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Moderna Inc announced that the Trump administration increased funding to expand the trial to 30,000 US participants; employers have considered and some have made it a requirement for employees to sign a waiver to not sue the organization if they are infected by COVID-19 or suffered any injury while working; study finds 1 flu shot can reduce the risk for Alzheimer disease by 17% and 1 pneumonia vaccine before age 75 can reduce the risk by 25%.
Moderna Vaccine Receives $472M Increased Funding from Trump Administration
In beginning the first phase 3 clinical trial to examine a vaccine candidate for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) today, Moderna Inc announced that the Trump administration increased funding by $472 million to expand the trial to 30,000 US participants. POLITICO reported that the investment was made by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), which brings the total investment from BARDA to $955 million. The article noted that the Trump administration is hopeful that initial vaccines can be distributed in as little as 3 months.
Employers Requiring Liability Waivers Amid COVID-19 Concerns
According to Kaiser Health News, as employees nationwide return to the workplace amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many employers have considered, and some have made it a requirement, for employees to sign a waiver to not sue the organization if they are infected or suffered any injury while working. While some employers have made these waivers mandatory, lawyers cited in the article say that state laws do not allow employers to force employees to sign away their right to pursue workers’ compensation claims.
Research Suggests Flu Shot, Pneumonia Vaccine May Reduce Alzheimer Risk
According to a pair of studies presented today at this year’s virtual Alzheimer Association International Conference, participants who received at least 1 flu shot were found to have a 17% reduced risk for Alzheimer disease, with those who get a pneumonia vaccine before age 75 also exhibiting a reduction in risk by 25%. Researchers caution that the amount of benefit from flu vaccination may vary based on the demographics of the cohort, reported NPR. There was no added benefit from being dually vaccinated for the flu and pneumonia.
ERISA Industry Committee Sues Minnesota Over PBM Law
January 3rd 2025The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) Industry Committee filed a legal challenge against the Minnesota Department of Commerce, arguing that Minnesota’s Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Licensure and Regulation Act illegally interfered with employer-sponsored health plans by restricting plan design options and increasing costs.
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Contributor: The Diabetes Vendor Resource Guide—A Useful Directory for Employers
November 13th 2024Employees living with diabetes often face unique challenges, such as managing blood sugar levels, balancing medication, and preventing complications, all while maintaining their professional responsibilities. This condition can lead to increased absenteeism, reduced productivity, and rising health care costs.
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How Can Employers Leverage the DPP to Improve Diabetes Rates?
February 15th 2022On this episode of Managed Care Cast, Jill Hutt, vice president of member services at the Greater Philadelphia Business Coalition on Health, explains the Coalition’s efforts to reduce diabetes rates through the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP).
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