What We’re Reading: Military Suicides Decrease; Paid Pregnancy Loss Leave; Positive Flu-COVID Shot Trial Results

Military Suicides Decreased in 2022

The number of suicides among US military members and their families slightly decreased in 2022, according to the Associated Press. US officials clarified that although the total number of deaths decreased, suicides among active-duty troops slightly increased due to significant spikes in the Marine Corps and the Air Force. Overall, US officials explained that, due to the decreasing number of active-duty members, they believe the rate of suicides, rather than the number, is a more accurate measure. Because most military suicides are by firearm, an independent committee recommended the Department of Defense implement gun safety measures to reduce suicides in the force, but the department has so far shied away from any major changes.

Democratic Lawmakers Advocate for Pregnancy Loss Paid Leave

Democratic lawmakers introduced legislation on Thursday that would require employers to provide paid time off following a pregnancy loss, according to Axios. The bill proposed by Sen Tammy Duckworth (D, Illinois) and Rep Ayanna Pressley (D, Massachusetts) would require employers to provide 7 days of paid leave annually for those who experience a miscarriage, a medical issue affecting pregnancy or fertility, or an unsuccessful adoption or surrogacy. The bill would also provide the National Institutes of Health with $45 million for pregnancy loss research and require the CDC to develop educational resources on the topic. Axios explained that the bill currently stands little chance in Congress due to the divide, but Duckworth said she is still pushing to get Republican cosponsors.

Trial Shows Pfizer, BioNTech Flu–COVID-19 Shot Generates Strong Immune Response

Pfizer and BioNTech announced Thursday that their vaccine used to prevent both the flu and COVID-19 generated a strong immune response against strains of the viruses in an early- to mid-stage trial, according to Reuters. During the trial, they compared a licensed influenza vaccine and the companies’ updated COVID-19 vaccine, both of which were given to vaccine candidates during the same visit. The companies noted that the trial data showed that the flu–COVID-19 vaccine demonstrated robust immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 strains, influenza A, and influenza B. Consequently, the companies plan to start a late-stage trial in the coming months.