CDC panel ends COVID-19 vaccine recommendation
The CDC's advisory committee votes to replace its recommendation for the COVID-19 vaccine with a personal choice approach, while affirming that vaccines remain available and covered for most Americans.
Herald section
Health
The latest health reporting from The Belfast Herald.
Two deaths and two hospitalisations after Emerge festival in Belfast
Investigations continue into the deaths of two young people and hospitalisations of two others following the Emerge dance music festival in Belfast over the August Bank Holiday weekend.
Tri-national Maya Forest reserve established by Mexico, Guatemala, Belize
Leaders of Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize announced a tri-national nature reserve to protect the Maya Forest, covering over 14 million acres across southern Mexico and northern Central America.
NI civil servants to return to office for at least two days weekly from September
A new policy mandates Northern Ireland civil servants to work at least two days in the office from September, requiring 40% of weekly hours to be spent in designated workplaces. The change follows a formal consultation and affects over 24,000 staff across the Northern Ireland Civil Service.
Botulism outbreak in southern Italy kills three people and hospitalizes at least 17 others following the consumption of contaminated meat and vegetables in Diamante, Calabria
A botulism outbreak in southern Italy kills three people and hospitalizes at least 17 others following the consumption of contaminated meat and vegetables in Diamante, Calabria, and Cagliari, Sardinia, a week prior.
Trump signs order to restore fitness test in public schools
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on 31 July 2025 to reinstate the Presidential Fitness Test in all public schools nationwide. The measure was announced in the White House Roosevelt Room.
Five hospitalized after chemical spill at County Down cheese factory
Five people were taken to hospital following a chemical spill at a cheese factory in County Down, with emergency services responding to a significant incident involving a chemical reaction.
Gonorrhoea vaccination programme approved for Northern Ireland in August
The Department of Health has approved a targeted vaccination programme against gonorrhoea for Northern Ireland, to begin in August 2025, focusing on high-risk groups.