Healthcare news today

Here are some of the latest healthcare news stories from around the world:

COVID-19 Updates

• The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a record high of 12.6 million new COVID-19 cases in the past week, with the global death toll surpassing 6.5 million. (Source: WHO)
• The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its guidance on COVID-19 testing, recommending that people who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 get tested, even if they don't have symptoms. (Source: CDC)
• The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has approved the use of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5-11. (Source: EMA)

Vaccines and Immunizations

• A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has found that a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine provides long-lasting protection against severe illness and hospitalization. (Source: NEJM)
• The CDC has recommended that all adults receive a booster shot of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at least six months after their initial vaccination. (Source: CDC)
• The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a global campaign to increase vaccination rates, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. (Source: WHO)

Healthcare Policy and Reform

• The US Senate has passed a bill aimed at reducing prescription drug prices, which would allow Medicare to negotiate prices with pharmaceutical companies. (Source: The Hill)
• The UK government has announced plans to introduce a new law requiring employers to provide paid sick leave to employees who are self-isolating due to COVID-19. (Source: BBC)
• The European Union has agreed to a new budget and recovery plan, which includes funding for healthcare and research. (Source: EU)

Medical Research and Breakthroughs

• Scientists have discovered a new gene that increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, which could lead to the development of new treatments. (Source: Nature)
• Researchers have made a breakthrough in the development of a new type of insulin that could be more effective and easier to use for people with type 1 diabetes. (Source: Science)
• A study published in the journal Lancet has found that a new type of antibiotic is effective against a range of bacterial infections, including those that are resistant to other antibiotics. (Source: Lancet)

Healthcare Technology and Innovation

• A new AI-powered platform has been developed to help doctors diagnose and treat patients with rare genetic disorders. (Source: MedCity News)
• Researchers have created a new type of wearable device that can monitor a person's vital signs and detect health problems before they become serious. (Source: MIT Technology Review)
• A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) has found that telemedicine consultations are just as effective as in-person consultations for patients with chronic conditions. (Source: JAMA)

These are just a few of the latest healthcare news stories from around the world. I hope you find them informative and interesting!