AMA, Vaccine Integrity Project launch independent vaccine review; tirzepatide tied to lower diabetic eye disease risk; ACLM updates guidance of treatment, prevention of chronic disease – Morning Medical Update

AMA, Vaccine Integrity Project launch independent review for 2026–27 respiratory vaccines

The American Medical Association (AMA) and the University of Minnesota’s Vaccine Integrity Project are launching a structured, evidence-based review of influenza, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines ahead of the 2026–27 respiratory season. The effort aims to create a transparent, durable process for evaluating vaccine safety and effectiveness, with medical societies helping define policy questions and review updated data. Organizers say the initiative is designed to provide clinicians with clear, science-driven guidance as the federal vaccine advisory infrastructure faces ongoing strain.

Tirzepatide tied to lower risk of eye disease in diabetic patients

Patients with diabetes taking tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) were significantly less likely to develop or experience worsening diabetic retinopathy compared with similar patients pursuing lifestyle changes alone, according to a study of about 174,000 patients published in Ophthalmology. After one year, new mild retinopathy occurred in 0.49% of tirzepatide users versus 1.2% of controls, and treated patients were less likely to require injections or laser therapy. The findings may help ease concerns raised by earlier studies suggesting some GLP-1 drugs could temporarily worsen eye disease.

ACLM updates dietary guidance for treatment, prevention of chronic disease

The American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) released an updated dietary position statement this week, urging clinicians to lean more heavily on whole, minimally processed plant foods to prevent, treat and even reverse chronic disease. The group recommends a diet centered on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, while minimizing red and processed meat, saturated fat and ultra-processed foods. ACLM also emphasized that “food as medicine” works best when physicians, dietitians and other health professionals collaborate to deliver clear, evidence-based nutrition guidance to patients.