• District of Columbia: ACOG has released vaccine recommendations for the first time, targeting them specifically toward pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding patients. The organization recommends patients receive four routine vaccinations during pregnancy for the flu; COVID-19; tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis; and respiratory syncytial virus. ACOG also recommends the human papillomavirus; measles, mumps, and rubella; and chickenpox vaccines before pregnancy or after birth. Patients with certain risk factors may also need other vaccines, like the pneumococcal or hepatitis A vaccines. These new recommendations align with prior recommendations made by CDC before HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made changes, particularly regarding COVID-19 vaccines. Last May, Kennedy announced that COVID-19 vaccines were no longer recommended for healthy pregnant people and children. ACOG has previously disagreed with federal changes to vaccine recommendations, even withdrawing from a CDC advisory committee on vaccines earlier this year. "[F]or the first time, ACOG has made the decision to formally release its own immunization schedule to provide and communicate clear evidence-based guidance and to address the growing vaccine misinformation that is circulating," said Christopher Zahn, ACOG's chief of clinical practice. So far, ACOG's recommendations have been endorsed by 13 other professional and medical societies. (Associated Press/MedPage Today, 6/10)
• Florida: Judge Federico Moreno of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida has granted a preliminary injunction in a lawsuit filed by Eli Lilly against a group of pharmacies, wholesalers, and individuals. In the lawsuit, Lilly alleged that the defendants were involved in a rebate fraud scheme that cost the company over $200 million. Under the injunction, the defendants are not allowed to submit rebate claims for Lilly's medications without providing supporting information like prescribing physician information, copies of prescriptions, and patient identification data associated with claims. The defendants are also required to preserve records related to their operations, finances, Lilly medications, and rebate claims. According to Becker's Hospital Review, the injunction will remain in place until the case concludes or the court modifies it. (Jeffries, Becker's Hospital Review, 6/11)
• Maryland: FDA has approved AstraZeneca's new medication Baxfendy to treat adults with uncontrolled hypertension when used with other antihypertensive drugs. Baxfendy is an oral aldosterone synthase inhibitor, reducing hormone synthesis for aldosterone, which can raise blood pressure by stimulating water and sodium retention. In a Phase 3 trial, researchers found that Baxfendy was able to improve systolic blood pressure in adults who were on at least two antihypertensive medications for uncontrolled or resistant hypertension. "[Baxfendy's] novel way of lowering blood pressure has the potential to transform clinical practice by targeting a root cause of persistently uncontrolled hypertension," said Bryan Williams, an investigator on the trial from University College London. "Epidemiological data indicate that a 10 mm Hg decrease in systolic blood pressure is associated with a roughly 20% lower risk of serious cardiovascular events." According to AstraZeneca, Baxfendy will be available in pharmacies starting in June. (Rudd, MedPage Today, 5/18)

Host Rae Woods gives an update on what’s happening with federal vaccine policy and what leaders must do to prepare for a turbulent respiratory illness season (and beyond).