A new study has found no evidence that COVID-19 shots increase the incidence of Guillain-Barré syndrome, according to researchers. “This is important because we can say that there is no significant increased risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome in the population,” said study first author Mustafa Jaffry, a medical student at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in…  read on >  read on >

For many kids with autism, Rhett, a black Labrador retriever, has been a calming and comforting influence in his seven years as a therapy dog. But parents shouldn’t assume that a service pooch is the solution for every child on the autism spectrum, a new study finds. Not all kids with autism enjoy interacting with…  read on >  read on >

For older adults, getting vaccinated provides protection against COVID-19, but getting a booster is a key part of maintaining that immunity, a new study confirms. “The data support the CDC guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination and affirm that the vaccine is initially able to mount a good antibody response,” said study co-author Dr. Sean Leng. He’s…  read on >  read on >

Exposure to air pollution can impede COVID-19 recovery, whether someone is vaccinated or not, according to new research. “These findings are important because they show that, while COVID-19 vaccines are successful at reducing the risk of hospitalization, people who are vaccinated and exposed to polluted air are still at increased risk for worse outcomes than…  read on >  read on >

Birth control pills that contain both estrogen and progestin do not contribute to growth of enlarged breasts in teens and young women, a new study finds, and may actually be associated with developing less severe breast enlargement. Moreover, the combination pills don’t increase the risk of regrowth after breast-reduction surgery, said researcher Dr. Brian Labow…  read on >  read on >

The U.S. government will invest $266 million to shore up the community and public health workforce using American Rescue Plan funding. About $225.5 million will go to 83 recipients to support training and apprenticeship for 13,000 new community health workers, CNN reported before Friday’s announcement. These workers specialize in helping people find care and serve…  read on >  read on >

Public health officials tried everything to convince Americans to get vaccinated against COVID, including giving away cash, but that wasn’t enough to change hesitant minds, a new study shows. Researchers were surprised by the findings. “There is literature and evidence from other vaccination campaigns like the flu, and even some childhood vaccinations, showing that financial…  read on >  read on >