In response to concerns over a potential spread of bird flu from dairy cows to humans, US federal health officials have announced their readiness to deploy vaccines. While there is currently no evidence of person-to-person transmission, the virus is prevalent in dairy herds across multiple states. Vaccine candidates are ready, with plans to distribute hundreds of thousands of doses if the situation worsens.
Meanwhile, Walmart’s decision to close its Walmart Health centers in five states and virtual care services highlights the challenges faced by retail companies attempting to disrupt primary care. The closure of all 51 health centers raises concerns about sustainability, profitability, and operational costs. This move is a departure from the retailer’s prior plans to expand its healthcare services, mirroring similar struggles experienced by retailers like Walgreens as they downsize their primary care clinic chains.
In other news, Arizona lawmakers have voted to repeal the state’s historic Civil War–era abortion ban, preserving abortion access for millions of women. This marks a significant change from previous efforts to uphold the 1864 ban. Democrats had used the ban as a rallying point leading up to the November election, but Republicans, concerned about potential electoral repercussions, joined Democrats in passing the repeal.