A new CDC report finds that low vaccination uptake for the COVID-19 bivalent vaccine was due to lack of awareness about eligibility status as well as overconfidence in immunity against the virus.

CDC said last week that disruptions in health care access during the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to declining rates of routine immunizations among young children. In a new report, the agency said that uptake of state-mandated vaccines dropped somewhat in 2021–22 for kindergarteners.

Findings from a new study published in NEJM suggest that pharmacists can safely and effectively start patients with opioid use disorder on buprenorphine.

Researchers of a new study published in JAMA found that among critically ill patients with COVID-19, there was a high likelihood of improved 180-day mortality among patients treated with IL-6 receptor antagonists and antiplatelet agents.

A nasal spray version of naloxone (Rivive—Harm Reduction Therapeutics) is now on the FDA fast track for OTC clearance. According to the manufacturer, FDA is aiming for April 28, 2023, as an approval date after priority review. With cost and access in mind, Harm Reduction Therapeutics also noted that it would price the overdose antidote at about $18 per dose for sale to pharmacies, public-sector workers, and advocacy organizations. The nonprofit company will also donate one-tenth of its production, which is slated to reach 2 million doses annually.