Health Highlights: April 22, 2022

Public health experts weigh in on the CDC's new forecasting service for infectious diseases: The novel data-gathering group showed its mettle in predicting the Omicron surge last winter, and those in the field have high hopes for the new effort. Read more

Many kindergartners fell behind on their childhood vaccinations during the pandemic: U.S. health officials say it could be that families skipped routine pediatrician visits during the pandemic, there was an easing of immunization requirements for remote schooling, and there was more evidence of a backlash against COVID vaccines. Read more

New immunotherapy combo a powerful weapon against kidney cancer: The use of immunotherapy revolutionized the treatment of many cancers, but some people grow resistant to the drugs. Now, a new drug used with an existing therapy appears to extend survival for patients with advanced disease. Read more

Firearms now leading cause of death among young Americans: Guns have surpassed road crashes as the leading killer of kids and teens, with gun-related deaths rising 29% from 2019 to 2020. Read more

U.S. extends COVID vaccination rule for international travelers at land borders: Those who arrive in this country through land ports or ferry terminals will still need to show they have been fully vaccinated against COVID, but unlike visitors flying into the country, they will not need to show a negative COVID test. Read more