FRI, AUG 04, 2023

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Families in the U.S. this fall will for the first time have a simple, effective option to protect their infants and newborns against respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday approved AstraZeneca and Sanofi’s single-dose shot nirsevimab, which is branded under the name Beyfortus.

Doctors have described the shot as breakthrough in efforts to protect babies against RSV, which is the leading cause of hospitalization among infants.

Elsewhere in health news, CVS is slashing 5,000 jobs, Annika reports. The company is implementing cost-cutting measures in the wake of its recent acquisitions of Oak Street Health and Signify.

And Amazon is rolling out its virtual health clinic service nationwide, the e-commerce giant’s latest attempt to break into the challenging health-care space after several failed efforts.

Feel free to send any tips, suggestions, story ideas and data to me at spencer.kimball@nbcuni.com.

Spencer Kimball | Health Reporter

@spencekimball

Table of Contents

Infant RSV shot wins CDC backing, paving way for fall availability

Sanofi has said the companies are prepared to roll the shot out before RSV season this fall and do not foresee any challenges meeting demand.

– Spencer Kimball

CVS to slash 5,000 jobs as company deepens costly health-care push

The pharmacy chain had about 300,000 employees in the U.S. at the end of last year, according to a securities filing.

– Annika Kim Constantino

CVS beats on earnings and revenue as the company slashes costs

CVS is cutting costs as it pushes deeper into health-care services after its acquisitions of Signify Health and Oak Street Health.

– Spencer Kimball

Amazon rolls out its virtual health clinic nationwide

Amazon Clinic allows patients to connect with telemedicine providers to help receive treatment for common conditions such as acne and hair loss.

– Annie Palmer

Moderna raises Covid vaccine outlook despite sharp drop in quarterly sales

Moderna and its rivals Pfizer and Novavax have all seen a steep drop in sales of Covid vaccines and treatments as the world moves on from the pandemic.

– Annika Kim Constantino

Pfizer misses revenue estimates, says it may cut costs if Covid product sales continue to disappoint

Pfizer is in a transition period as it pivots away from its blockbuster Covid vaccine and drug Paxlovid while the world emerges from the pandemic.

– Annika Kim Constantino

Humana shares rise after insurer’s medical costs came in lower than expected

The results ease investor concerns after Humana and rival UnitedHealth Group warned of a surge in demand for nonurgent surgeries and outpatient services.

– Annika Kim Constantino