Japan could become one of the first countries in the world to end the HIV epidemic, says the president of Gilead Sciences Japan, Kennet Brysting. The idea for now could seem a little too ambitious, but it is not entirely unrealistic, given that the availability of medicines that can prevent transmission of HIV. Drugs are not the cure, but control over the spread of virus to the point where the disease is no longer a major public health threat.

What Is The Role Of Preventative HIV Medicines?

Gilead's have two key drugs, Truvada and lenacapavir. These two are playing a crucial role in prevention. Truvada is taken as a daily pill, while lenacapavir requires two injections per year. It can make the virus undetectable in infected individuals and prevent transmission to those who are not infected yet. In trials, lenacapavir showed 100% efficacy in preventing HIV infections. This is why it is describe as "almost a vaccine".

In 2024, Japan also approved Truvada for HIV prevention, but the country has yet to approve lenacapavir for the same. Until now, people in Japan had been importing generic versions of Truvada or purchasing it from clinics that source it from overseas.

HIV In Japan

Up until now, Japan reported around 25,000 HIV infections, whereas 669 new cases were reported in 2023. For seven consecutive years, the number of new infections remained under 1,000. The downward trend thus shows that the virus has been controlled, however, getting to zero new infections remains the ultimate goal.

Brysting too acknowledged that simply having effective drug is not enough. What is important is to have a proper implementation, access and healthcare support to make sure that these treatments are widely available and effective.

What Are The Challenges In Implementation?

The biggest challenges is testing rates. There is a need to increase testing rates. At this very moment, around 86% people infective with Japan have been tested, but the goal is to increase it up to 95%, with an ideal goal of 100%. Without widespread testing, many infected people may not even know that they are infected and it could transmit the virus.

Another measure issue is the cost of preventative medication. While Japan's health insurance covers treatments for diseases, it does not cover preventative drugs. Those who purchase Truvada for prevention, pay around $470 per month. Some clinics in Tokyo offer generic alternatives too, which is cheaper, but they are not ideal.

Better Healthcare Support

Brysting expressed concern that individuals importing medications might not be consulting doctors regularly, which is essential for monitoring HIV status and overall health. Truvada users need to be tested for HIV initially and every three months, along with screenings for other infections and kidney function checks. Without proper medical supervision, there is a risk of misuse and inadequate protection.

Gilead is in discussions with Japanese authorities to improve access and insurance coverage for Truvada, and progress is being made. Japan has shown efficiency in approving critical medicines, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic when Gilead’s remdesivir was approved in just three days.

What Is The Way Ahead?

Gilead at this moment is not only focused on HIV and hepatitis C, but also expanding into oncology with innovative treatments like CAR-T cell therapy, which strengthens a patient's immune system to fight cancer.

However, Japan’s strict approval processes can slow down drug availability. Phase 3 clinical trials often need to be conducted within the country, and Japan tends to approve medicines much later than other regions. For instance, Truvada was approved for prevention in Japan 12 years after the U.S. and nearly 20 years after its approval for treatment. inancial factors also play a role. The Japanese government adjusts drug prices annually, often reducing them, which can make long-term investment challenging for pharmaceutical companies.

"We just saw it, and everyone is freaking out," told one scientists to the Washington Post on account of anonymity on seeing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) update its website backpedaling on the link between vaccines and autism. The said link had long been debunked, however, the Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. has echoed the thought, and has a long history of critiquing vaccines and linking it to autism.

The agency's website was updated on Thursday and under Autism and Vaccine, it notes: 'The claim "vaccines do not cause autism" is not an evidence-based claim because studies have not ruled out the possibility that infant vaccine cause autism.'

The first header reads: 'Vaccine do not cause autism', the reason the header has not been removed is all thanks to an agreement with the chair of the US Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pension Committee that it would remain on the CDC website, as per the website.

As the Post reported, the scientists did not have any prior information about the changes to the website, neither were they consulted for it. Before the Wednesday update, the CDC website stated that studies have shown that there is "no link" between vaccines and developing autism in infants. The website previously stated that "no links" have been found between any vaccine ingredients and disorders.

Read: CDC Plans Vaccine-Autism Study Despite Scientific Consensus

The CDC's Claim: Autism and Vaccine Link

As per the CDC website, approximately 1 in 2 surveyed parents of autistic children believe vaccines played a role in their child's autism. For this, the CDC cites a 2006 survey published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. The CDC notes that these vaccines are often those that the child receives in the first six months of life, including Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTaP), Hepatitis B (HepB), Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), Poliovirus, inactivated (IPV), and Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV) and one given at or after the first year of life (Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)).

According to CDC a timeline has been provided that shows the correlation between the prevalence in autism cases and higher doses of the above mentioned vaccines. In 1986, the CDC recommended five infant vaccine doses: two oral polio (OPV) doses and three DTP injections. By 2025, the schedule expanded to include multiple doses of rotavirus, HepB, DTaP, Hib, PCV, IPV, influenza, and, at 12 months, MMR, varicella, and HepA.

Autism rates have risen since the 1980s, and while this trend coincides with an increase in recommended childhood vaccines, correlation alone does not establish causation. Autism is believed to have multiple contributing factors, and some researchers have examined possible environmental links. One study reported a statistical correlation between aluminum adjuvants and autism prevalence.

Read: Fact Check: Does Aluminum In Vaccines Cause Food Allergies As RFK Jr Claims?

While the CDC notes that correlation does not prove causation it also mentions that "it does merit further study".

What Are The Scientists Saying?

“CDC cannot currently be trusted as a scientific voice,” said Demetre Daskalakis, who formerly led the agency’s center responsible for respiratory viruses and immunizations. He resigned in August. “My question is, how language that misrepresents decades of research ended up on a CDC website,” said Debra Houry, the CDC’s former chief medical officer who also resigned in August.

However, the spokesman for the Department of Health and Human Services that oversees the CDC, Andrew Nixon, said, "We are updating the CDC’s website to reflect gold standard, evidence-based science.”

The Origin Of This Vaccine-Autism Theory

This originated from now debunked 1998 study, which was retracted after its author, Andrew Wakefield, was found guilty of professional misconduct and barred from practicing medicine in the UK. Despite decades or research no such link could be proven, however, the claim still continues in the political and public discourse.

Kennedy, who had long been anti-vaxxer, also made numerous claims, even though studies have long debunked this theory.

Many years of extensive study has shown that there is no real connection between vaccines and autism. As per a 2019 study, which was conducted over a decade in Denmark, involving half a million children, confirmed that the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine does not increase any risk of autism. Other studies too have confirmed the same, being studied over large sample sizes. It had reinforced the medical consensus that vaccines are safe and essential for public health.

Los Angeles County has recorded its first flu-related death of the season, the LA County Department of Public Health announced Wednesday.

The individual was an “older adult” with pre-existing health conditions. Officials noted that the person had likely not received a flu vaccine for this season, which generally spans from October through May.

Although flu cases are still low in November, health authorities expect the number of infections to rise as holiday travel and indoor gatherings increase.

First Flu Death In LA County

"The LA County Department of Public Health reported Wednesday the first flu-related death of the season in Los Angeles County. “We extend our condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased. This sad loss underscores the serious risks posed by influenza,” said Dr. Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County health officer, in a news release.

Flu activity remains low for now, but it is anticipated to climb around Thanksgiving and the broader holiday period, when travel and indoor events are more common.

Experts advise getting vaccinated at least two weeks before holiday travel or gatherings, since it takes time for immunity to develop.

They also recommend wearing a properly fitted mask in crowded indoor settings, particularly for households with older adults, children under five, or pregnant women.

Flu Shot Guidelines and Eligibility

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone aged six months and older receive an annual influenza vaccine, with rare exceptions for specific medical conditions. Annual vaccination is especially important for high-risk groups, including:

• Older adults, particularly those aged 65 and above
• Young children under five, especially under two years
• Pregnant individuals
• People with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease
• Residents of long-term care facilities

Timing: The ideal time to get a flu shot is before flu activity peaks, usually in early fall. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body to build full immunity, so getting vaccinated before holiday travel and gatherings is crucial.

Flu Shot: Types of Vaccines

Several flu vaccines are available, including standard-dose, high-dose for older adults, and nasal spray options for certain age groups. Your healthcare provider can recommend the most appropriate option based on age, health status, and any contraindications.

Flu vaccines are generally safe. Mild side effects like soreness at the injection site, low-grade fever, or fatigue may occur, but serious reactions are extremely rare. Individuals with severe allergies to vaccine components should consult their healthcare provider before vaccination.

Even after vaccination, preventive measures such as frequent handwashing, wearing masks in crowded indoor spaces, and avoiding contact with sick individuals can help reduce flu transmission.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is promoting a long-debunked theory, suggesting a potential link between vaccines and autism, and claiming that studies supporting this connection “have been ignored by health authorities.”

CDC Pushes Controversial Vaccine-Autism Theory

The disputed theory appeared on a revised section of the CDC’s website under “Autism and Vaccines” on Wednesday. The website now states: “The statement ‘Vaccines do not cause autism’ is not an evidence-based claim. Scientific studies have not ruled out the possibility that infant vaccines contribute to the development of autism.

However, this statement has historically been shared by the CDC and other federal health agencies within HHS to prevent vaccine hesitancy.” The agency added that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has “launched a thorough review of the causes of autism, including investigations on plausible biological mechanisms and potential causal links.”

It also noted, “This webpage will be updated with gold-standard science.” Prior to Wednesday, the page stated there is “no link” between vaccines and autism, and no vaccine ingredients were connected to the condition, according to archived versions cited by The Washington Post.

CDC Faces Criticism

Another part of the site, “About Vaccines for Your Children,” last updated in August 2024, still asserts, “Scientific studies and reviews continue to show no relationship between vaccines and autism.” Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, a former CDC official who resigned earlier this year as head of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, criticized the changes, saying on X, “The weaponization of the voice of CDC is getting worse. DO NOT TRUST THIS AGENCY. This is a national embarrassment.” Despite the new language, the header “Vaccines do not cause autism” remains due to an agreement with Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), chair of the Senate Health Committee, who cast the deciding vote to advance Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination to the full Senate floor.

CDC Staff Shocked

The revisions surprised CDC staff, including those overseeing vaccine safety and autism information, leaving them blindsided, according to The Post. “We just saw it, and everyone is freaking out,” one scientist said, as per NBC News.

While the changes could undermine public confidence in vaccines, Kennedy and Trump have historically supported this theory. Both have also warned against Tylenol use during pregnancy, claiming a link to autism, despite large-scale studies disproving any connection.

What Is The Vaccine And Autism Link About?

Autism spectrum disorder, or autism, is a condition that affects the brain, making it challenging for some people to communicate and interact with others. Experts still don’t fully understand what causes it.

The idea that vaccines might play a role largely began with a 1998 study suggesting that the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine—or infection with the natural measles virus—could lead to autism. Since then, numerous scientific studies have shown there is no connection between vaccines or any of their ingredients and autism.

The 1998 study itself was later discredited: the research was found to be false, the doctor responsible lost his medical license, and the journal that published the paper retracted it, acknowledging it should never have been published.

Despite strong evidence showing vaccines are safe and effective, some parents still choose to delay or skip vaccinations for their children. This can be very dangerous, as diseases like measles, which vaccines prevent, are still circulating. An unvaccinated child who contracts one of these illnesses can become seriously ill or even die and may also put others at risk.

While mild reactions like a fever or rash can occur after vaccination, the chance of a serious side effect from the MMR or other recommended vaccines is very small compared to the risks of the diseases they protect against.