Robert F. Kennedy Jr. secures a prominent health role, pledging reform in vaccine approval. The FDA plans significant changes under Dr. Vinay Prasad's leadership, sparking debates on the future of vaccinations.

What sets JN.1 apart is a unique mutation in the spike protein — the part of the virus that binds to human cells. This mutation may give the virus an edge in terms of transmissibility and immune escape.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a decline in U.S. vaccine uptake, while widespread misinformation and distrust make it challenging to craft effective public health responses.

The rising coronavirus cases once again in many parts of the world, especially in Asian countries (such as Hong Kong and Singapore), have raised concerns for health experts. Recent reports show that there has been a sharp increase in coronavirus cases here for the last few weeks.

JN.1 may not be more severe, but it spreads fast, and that’s reason enough to stay alert. Across Asia, the priority is clear: stay prepared, stay informed, and use lessons from past outbreaks to keep ahead of the virus.

South Korean diagnostic kit maker Sugentech Inc. was among the top performers, jumping as much as 29% on Monday. In Japan, shares of Covid vaccine maker Daiichi Sankyo rose as much as 7.4% after its price target was raised at UBS. In Hong Kong, shares of Shanghai Junshi Biosciences Co., which also makes Covid jabs, gained as much as 4.3%.

A measles outbreak in the state has not stopped “medical freedom” activists from pushing forward with their goal. They now have an influential ally in Washington: Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.