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The U.S. is facing its worst year for drug shortages in a decade, with Sanofi and AstraZeneca's new RSV shot for infants as a high-profile example. The issue is attributed to both supply chain problems and growing demand. Health disparities are driving school absenteeism and loneliness. Young people in the U.S. are spending less time with friends, potentially due to the rise of instant personal entertainment, leading to social skills impediments. The shortage in primary care physicians and the fee-for-service healthcare model are seen as major hurdles for chronic disease prevention. Research shows that loneliness and social isolation are shortening lifespans, contradicting the belief that canceling plans is a form of self-care. Lack of access to nearby pharmacies can have significant health consequences by hindering people's ability to get vaccinations and keep up with prescriptions.