Vax Requirements Ending; Long COVID’s Viral Reservoirs; ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Fish

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The U.S. will end COVID-19 vaccine requirements for federal employees and contractors as well as international travelers on May 11, the same day the public health emergency ends, the White House announced.

Attorneys general from 23 states as well as the District of Columbia and two U.S. territories are calling on Medicare to cover Alzheimer’s treatments without restrictions. (CNBC)

In the wake of the overturn of Roe v. Wade, CMS is investigating two hospitals for not offering necessary stabilizing care to an individual experiencing an emergency medical condition, in violation of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), HHS announced.

The National Women’s Law Center identified the two facilities in question as Freeman Hospital West in Joplin, Missouri, and the University of Kansas Health System in Kansas City, Kansas. (CNN)

An American doctor was killed in Sudan. (Politico)

Following a risk assessment, the WHO said there was moderate risk associated with the seizure of a public health laboratory in Sudan. (Reuters)

This is why long COVID sleuths view viral reservoirs as a prime suspect. (NPR)

Health plan participants, employers, and medical providers harmed by a multiple employer welfare arrangement (MEWA) operating in 36 states will begin receiving payments related to more than $54 million in unpaid health claims, the U.S. Department of Labor announced.

Teen dating violence may be a risk factor for a wide range of long-term adverse outcomes, with females possibly at higher risk of such outcomes than males. (Pediatrics)

The FDA granted final approval to Avadel Pharmaceuticals’ extended-release formulation of sodium oxybate (Lumryz) for the treatment of cataplexy or excessive daytime sleepiness in adults with narcolepsy, the company announced.

Denmark’s Ascendis Pharma announced the FDA declined to approve the company’s new drug application for the hypoparathyroidism drug palopegteriparatide (TransCon PTH) due to manufacturing concerns.

Gilead Sciences and the U.S. Government will head to federal court this week, with the former set to fight claims it owes the latter a share of multibillion-dollar profits from its HIV-prevention drug regimen. (Reuters)

Australia is set to ban recreational vaping in a major public health move. (BBC)

The settlement of a class-action lawsuit will mean more dental coverage for millions of New Yorkers. (New York Times)

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals,” have been found in freshwater fish in nearly every state. (CBS News)