Action on menthol cigarettes; faster protection from vaccines; royal pains and prognoses – Morning Medical Update

Menthol cigarette ban?

Adovcates – and some opponents too – are clamoring this week for a White House decision on the potential ban of menthol cigarettes, according to CNN. A decision this week is needed for a one-year implementation period to take effect by next year’s presidential inauguration. Will there be an announcement today? Wait and see.

Faster vaccine action

COVID-19 vaccines offer helpful protection, but may take several weeks for people to develop antibodies against the virus. Researchers are testing whether preexisting immunity to influenza might reduce the time needed to make antibodies, according to a new study in Journal of Virology and an accompanying news release.

Health in Kensington Palace

Princess of Wales Kate Middleton had abdominal surgery this week and King Charles will have prostate surgery next week. Details are scant about her medical condition, while the king hoped to inspire men to seek care for enlarged prostate. Royal watchers were wondering why the procedure and plan were announced on the same day.