Osterholm Update Episode 201: The Twilight Zone of Immunization
Jan 29, 2026
They debate recent CDC remarks about measles and rising gaps in vaccination. They examine the U.S. withdrawal from WHO and how it affects global health collaboration. They review this winter’s respiratory virus trends, including flu, COVID-19 wastewater signals, and RSV. They discuss mpox immunity, evolving strains, and barriers families face accessing healthcare amid immigration enforcement.
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Remembering William Foege
- Michael Osterholm shared a personal dedication to Dr. William Foege, highlighting his mentorship and role in smallpox eradication.
- He reflected on Foege's humility, leadership, and shared Iowa roots.
Measles Elimination Was Hard-Won
- Measles elimination in 2000 was a major public health milestone that required decades of investment and vaccines.
- Undermining vaccines and treating loss of elimination as 'cost of doing business' risks rising hospitalizations and deaths.
Sanitation Didn't Eliminate Polio Risk
- Improved sanitation historically increased polio disease severity by shifting infections to older children.
- Suggesting sanitation alone removes the need for polio vaccine shows a misunderstanding of disease dynamics.
