Osterholm Update

Dr. Osterholm dives into the pressing issues of the emerging flu season and its regional impacts. The discussion highlights concerns over vaccine effectiveness, especially regarding the MMR vaccine's declining public confidence. Urgency for vaccination is emphasized alongside the effectiveness of antiviral treatments. There’s a notable update on COVID activity and RSV trends, as well as a close look at the Vaccine Integrity Project’s recent video. The podcast wraps up with a reflection on public health history and the importance of community resilience.

The discussion highlights the complexities of comparing vaccine schedules between the US and other nations. Concerns arise over recent infant botulism cases linked to baby formula. There’s a critical overview of the FDA's handling of RSV medications and ongoing respiratory virus trends. The episode also touches on the resurgence of measles in communities with low vaccination rates. Finally, new antibiotics for gonorrhea signal hope in public health advancements.

A recent decision by the ACIP to end universal hepatitis B birth dose recommendations raises alarms about public health. Dr. Osterholm expresses concerns over the implications for trust in federal vaccine guidance. He reviews the effectiveness of historical strategies against hepatitis B and highlights critical gaps in prenatal screening. Without new safety data, he predicts a rise in infant infections. The discussion also touches on the ideological motivations behind the decision, suggesting future threats to other vaccine recommendations.

The discussion reveals shocking changes to the CDC's stance on vaccines and autism, eroding public trust. Dr. Osterholm highlights an alarming infant botulism outbreak linked to formula and criticizes potential bureaucratic changes affecting vaccine recommendations. He expresses concerns over the recent appointment of an anti-vaccine advocate to the CDC. Additionally, perspectives on the implications of stricter standards for vaccine approvals raise ethical questions. The latest updates on respiratory viruses and C. difficile vaccine candidates provide crucial insights.

Explore the latest trends in flu, including a potential vaccine mismatch with emerging H3N2 subclade. Discover the unfortunate loss of measles elimination status in Canada and the implications for the U.S. Learn about the H5N1 outbreak affecting mammals in Antarctica and why its severity varies by species. Delve into the serious issue of infant botulism linked to formula recalls. The discussion emphasizes the critical importance of vaccination and public health efforts against respiratory illnesses.

Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall dive into the latest on measles outbreaks in the U.S., highlighting low vaccination rates and the urgency of public health efforts. They discuss the Vaccine Integrity Project's recent findings on COVID-19, RSV, and influenza vaccines, along with upcoming public health alerts. Concerns around avian flu surveillance and the impact of a government shutdown on public health data are raised. The episode emphasizes the importance of effective vaccine messaging and community engagement in health advocacy.

The discussion delves into recent layoffs and reinstatements at the CDC, highlighting the implications for public health. Experts examine vaccine guidance for COVID, especially concerning pregnancy. Rising pertussis cases spark conversations on vaccine schedules and booster importance. The hosts analyze low flu and RSV activity, recommending timely vaccinations. Insights into H5N1 outbreaks in poultry are shared, alongside a comprehensive look at herd immunity and its significance in communities.

<p>In "Fevers, Furloughs, and Falsehoods," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall break down the CDC’s recent ACIP meeting and the ongoing uncertainty around updated vaccine recommendations. Dr. Osterhom discusses state-level differences in vaccine access, possible changes to the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, and reviews the latest data on COVID-19, Ebola, and STIs. Dr. Osterholm also answers an ID Query on the studies associating acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) use during pregnancy and autism, and share the latest installment of This Week in Public Health History on the 2001 anthrax attacks.</p> <p><a href="https://www.kff.org/covid-19/tracking-state-actions-on-vaccine-policy-and-access/">Tracking State Actions on Vaccine Policy and Access (KFF)</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/vaccine-integrity-project/viewpoint-four-tips-understanding-week-s-acip-meeting">Vaccine Integrity Project Viewpoint: Four tips for understanding this week’s ACIP meeting</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/vaccine-integrity-project/immunization-info">Vaccine Integrity Project - Fall Immunization Information</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Resources for vaccine and public health advocacy:</strong></p> <p><a href="https://www.voicesforvaccines.org/get-involved/"><strong>Voices for Vaccines</strong></a></p> <p><a href="https://familiesfightingflu.org/take-action/"><strong>Families Fighting Flu</strong></a></p> <p><a href="https://vaccinateyourfamily.org/get-involved/"><strong>Vaccinate Your Family</strong></a></p> <p><a href="https://shotatlife.org/take-action/"><strong>Shot@Life</strong></a></p> <p><a href="https://aspr.hhs.gov/MRC/Pages/index.aspx"><strong>Medical Reserve Corps</strong></a></p> <p>Learn more about the <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/vaccine-integrity-project"><strong>Vaccine Integrity Project</strong></a></p> <p><a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/osterholm-update-covid-19"><strong>MORE EPISODES</strong></a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/support-cidrap"><strong>SUPPORT THIS PODCAST</strong></a></p>

In a recent update, hosts dive into the chaos at the ACIP meeting, highlighting disarray in COVID-19 vaccine guidelines. They discuss the contentious debates surrounding childhood vaccinations, particularly the MMRV febrile seizure risks. The confusion over hepatitis B newborn vaccinations adds to the drama of the meeting. Tune in for insightful commentary on these critical vaccine discussions and what they mean for public health.

Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall dive into the FDA's recent authorization of updated COVID vaccines for select groups, alongside confusion regarding vaccine access for those under 65. They discuss turmoil at the CDC, providing current COVID statistics and addressing the resurgence of measles in the U.S. The conversation also highlights the significance of Chagas disease, explaining its transmission and prevention. Listeners can look forward to historical public health insights and advocacy tips, all while navigating these pressing health issues.