- The FDA released draft guidance for creating a new category of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids to help foster competition and bring down prices. In 2017, Congress asked the agency to explore an OTC option, but the agency missed the deadline due to the pandemic. The FDA’s proposal comes as progressive and moderate Democrats continue to debate components of the infrastructure proposal, which could include additional Medicare benefits like hearing, vision, and dental. (Draft guidance here; Articles here, here, here, and here)
- CDC data indicates that the Pfizer Inc.-BioNTech SE vaccine was found to be 93 percent effective against COVID-19 hospitalization among children ages 12 to 18. In the CDC study, which included nearly 3 in 4 children with at least one underlying health condition, vaccinated kids with COVID-19 were found to have comparatively brief hospital stays to those who were unvaccinated. (Article here)
October 20, 2021
Wednesday, October 20, 2021: Life Sciences
Jordana Choucair
Jordana is the senior vice president of communications and executive advisor. In this role, she collaborates closely with the CEO and president to design and implement policies, practices, and communications plans to help the firm shape a future system that actualizes a sustainable culture of health nationwide. Jordana has over 17 years of health, communications, and strategic planning experience in the private and public sector. She is certified to teach group fitness through the American Council and Exercise and holds a RYT-200 yoga teacher certification.