RFK Jr., Vape Flavors, Cancer Research & More: Health News Roundup

Morning Rounds delivers a daily checkup on health and medicine. Today: vaccine skepticism at the White House, potential new vape flavors, a promising target in cancer immunotherapy, flu shot updates, and a surprising link between surrealism and dementia care.

A Brewing Battle Over Vaccines

The Biden administration is reportedly attempting to distance itself from the vaccine skepticism championed by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., particularly as the 2024 election cycle heats up. Kennedy Jr. Has spent his first year in office reshaping the federal government’s approach to vaccines, a move that’s causing friction within the Trump administration, despite the fact that Kennedy Jr. Serves under President Trump. Some officials are eager to move past the issue, citing polling data indicating broad bipartisan support for childhood vaccination schedules in key congressional districts. “We’re just kind of done with the vaccine issue,” one White House official reportedly stated, according to STAT News.

However, Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) allies are pushing back, creating a divide between the Trump and Kennedy Jr. Movements. This tension highlights the ongoing debate surrounding vaccine policy and the challenges of navigating public health messaging in a politically charged environment. Kennedy Jr., as noted in his Wikipedia profile, has a history as an anti-vaccine activist, a position that contrasts with mainstream medical consensus.

The FDA and Flavored Vapes: A Delicate Balance

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released draft guidance that could pave the way for the authorization of additional vape flavors. The proposed flavors include coffee, mint, and cinnamon. This move has sparked concern among public health experts who fear it could reverse progress made in reducing youth vaping rates. The FDA’s guidance specifically avoids sweet, candy-like flavors that were popular among young people in the late 2010s.

The issue is complex. While flavored vapes can be appealing to youth, some experts argue that they can also serve as a tool for adults looking to switch from traditional cigarettes. The FDA is seeking data from manufacturers to demonstrate that any new flavors will not increase youth vaping rates. STAT News provides further details on the potential benefits and risks of authorizing new vape flavors.

“Barfing” Cancer Cells: A Novel Immunotherapy Target

Researchers have identified an unusual protein, Src, on the surface of cancer cells that could serve as a promising target for immunotherapy. A study published in Science suggests that this protein, which is typically found inside cancer cells, is “barfed” onto the cell’s outer membrane, making it accessible to the immune system. This discovery is significant because most existing immunotherapies struggle to effectively target solid tumors due to the similarity between cancer cell surface proteins and those found in healthy cells.

While not a guaranteed cure, the identification of Src represents an exciting step forward in cancer research. The study’s findings could lead to the development of new therapies that specifically target and destroy cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy tissue.

Flu Shot Effectiveness and Supply Concerns

An advisory committee to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recommended that flu vaccine manufacturers produce shots for the upcoming winter season using the strains recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). This recommendation comes after concerns that a late-emerging strain of H3N2 would reduce the effectiveness of this year’s vaccine.

Preliminary data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that this year’s flu shots provided moderate protection against hospitalization, even with the emergence of the new strain. However, there’s a concerning trend: the supply of flu shots has been declining, with 40 million fewer doses distributed in the 2025-2026 season compared to four years ago. The CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) provides detailed information on flu vaccine effectiveness and coverage rates.

Americans Provide Trump More Credit for Drug Price Efforts

Despite efforts from both the Trump and Biden administrations to lower prescription drug prices, a recent KFF poll indicates that Americans give former President Trump more credit for these efforts. 41% of respondents believe Trump’s policies are likely to lower their drug costs, compared to 31% who believe the same about Biden’s initiatives. This perception may be due to the visibility of TrumpRx, a website launched by the Trump administration to provide information on drug prices.

The KFF poll also revealed that many Americans are unaware of key provisions of Biden’s drug pricing law, such as Medicare’s ability to negotiate lower prices. STAT News has a comprehensive analysis of the poll results and the factors contributing to these perceptions.

Surrealism and Dementia Care: A New Perspective

An intriguing article explores the potential benefits of incorporating surrealist principles into dementia care. Jason Karlawish, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania, argues that surrealism’s rejection of a strict distinction between reality and illusion can be helpful for individuals with dementia who often struggle with these boundaries. Techniques like collage and the “exquisite corpse” game, a collaborative drawing exercise, can provide a framework for understanding and connecting with patients in a meaningful way.

This approach offers a novel perspective on dementia care, moving beyond traditional methods focused on correcting or challenging a patient’s perception of reality. Read more about this innovative approach on STAT News.

Looking Ahead: The interplay between political agendas and public health policy, particularly regarding vaccines, will continue to be a critical area to watch. The FDA’s decision on flavored vapes will have significant implications for youth vaping rates and public health efforts. Ongoing research into cancer immunotherapy, like the discovery of Src, offers hope for more effective treatments. And, as the population ages, innovative approaches to dementia care, such as those inspired by surrealism, will become increasingly important.