Reminders—but not free rides—boost COVID-19 booster uptake Text messages increased 30-day COVID-19 booster uptake by 21%. CIDRAP

Nature has published a large study showing that text message reminders to receive a COVID-19 booster worked to increase vaccine uptake, but that offering free rides to pharmacies did not. 

Exclusive: Congo authorities approve mpox vaccines to try to contain outbreak Authorities in the Democratic of Congo have approved the use of two mpox vaccines to try to tackle an upsurge in cases and a dangerous new strain spreading in the country. Jennifer Rigby Reuters

...The Congo has seen 20,000 cases and more than 1,000 deaths from mpox, mainly among children, since the start of last year.

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US CDC narrows age recommendation for RSV shots in US The U.S. CDC on Wednesday narrowed its recommendation for use of respiratory syncytial virus vaccines in older adults this year and held off on recommending their use for adults under age 60. Michael Erman Reuters

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Three months into bird flu outbreak in U.S. dairy cows, experts see deep-rooted problems in response Three months into the H5N1 bird flu outbreak in U.S. dairy cows, experts see deep-rooted problems in the government's response. Andrew Joseph STAT

Three months since an outbreak of avian influenza in U.S. dairy cattle was declared, the country is failing to take the necessary steps to get in front of the virus and possibly contain its spread among cows, according to interviews with more than a dozen experts and current and former government officials.