National Updates
FDA to Roll Back Oversight of Lab-Developed Tests (LDTs)
Following a court decision, the FDA will officially rescind a regulation increasing oversight of lab-developed diagnostic tests starting September 19, 2025. Critics say the prior rule threatened innovation and raised costs; supporters of the rollback say it restores flexibility. Reuters
Vaccine Advisory Panel Limits Combined MMRV Vaccine for Young Children
U.S. vaccine advisers voted to stop using the combined measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccine for children under age 4. Separate shots for varicella are recommended instead. Reuters
Texas Updates
Colgate to Alter Toothpaste Packaging After AG Concerns
Colgate-Palmolive will update packaging graphics to show “pea-sized” amounts for children under six, following concerns from the Texas Attorney General over how toothpaste marketing may mislead caregivers about safe fluoride use. The changes roll out online first, then in store. Effective Nov 1, 2025. Reuters
Global Health Alerts
U.S. Releases New “America First Global Health Strategy”
The Trump administration has announced a new global health plan that shifts U.S. foreign aid toward direct medical supplies, healthcare staffing, and recipient country self-reliance. Diseases like HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis are prioritized; maternal/child health and vaccine-preventable programs receive less emphasis. Reuters
Clinical Tips for Providers
- For pediatric care, review vaccine schedules and inform families of separate MMR + Varicella options for young children.
- Educate caregivers on proper fluoride use in early childhood dental care; monitor toothpaste use and supervise brushing in young kids.
- Stay aware of shifts in global health funding—partners and programs that used to rely on U.S. aid may face adjustments.
- For labs and diagnostic orders, verify which LDTs remain valid/non-impacted under the rollback and ensure quality control.
