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Polio Survivor Advocates for Continued Immunization Amidst Changing Public Health Landscape

Polio Survivor Advocates for Continued Immunization Amidst Changing Public Health Landscape

Ina Pinkney, a polio survivor, emphasizes the importance of polio vaccination as part of World Immunization Week. Despite the near-eradication of polio globally, Pinkney warns against complacency, citing the reemergence of polio in the U.S. in 2022 in areas with low vaccination rates. She highlights the success of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, which has reduced polio cases by 99.9% since 1988. Pinkney's advocacy comes at a time when public health efforts face challenges from vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and education.
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Silent Measles Spread in US Threatens Elimination Status

Silent Measles Spread in US Threatens Elimination Status

Newer testing methods have revealed a significant silent spread of measles in the United States, particularly in Utah and Arizona, threatening the country's measles elimination status. Reports indicate that measles cases have topped 1,700 in the first four months of the year, with a major outbreak in a community spanning northern Arizona and southern Utah. The outbreak, which has grown to over 600 reported cases, is linked to low vaccination rates and distrust in vaccines within certain communities. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is using molecular evidence to trace the origins and true size of the outbreak, which may have started much earlier than initially reported.
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Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr's Vaccine Policy Faces Judicial Block Amid Measles Outbreak

Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr's Vaccine Policy Faces Judicial Block Amid Measles Outbreak

Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, known for his vaccine skepticism, has been attempting to reshape U.S. vaccine policy since taking office. His proposal to reduce the number of recommended vaccinations for children was recently blocked by a judge in March. This development comes amid a significant measles outbreak in the United States, marking the worst in decades. Last year, over 2,000 cases were reported, resulting in three deaths, and the trend continues with more than 1,500 cases already recorded in 2026. A recent poll by Politico suggested that more Americans doubt vaccine safety than trust it, although Dr. David Higgins, a pediatrician and public health assistant professor, argues that this interpretation of the survey results is misleading.
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WHO's Big Catch-Up Initiative Delivers Over 100 Million Childhood Vaccinations Amid COVID-19 Disruptions

WHO's Big Catch-Up Initiative Delivers Over 100 Million Childhood Vaccinations Amid COVID-19 Disruptions

The World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and UNICEF, has successfully delivered over 100 million vaccine doses to approximately 18.3 million children across 36 countries through the Big Catch-Up initiative. Launched during World Immunization Week 2023, this effort aimed to address the decline in vaccination rates caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative targeted 'zero-dose children' who had not received any vaccines and those who had missed measles vaccinations. The program concluded in March 2026 and is on track to meet its goal of reaching 21 million children. Despite this success, WHO and its partners emphasize the need for sustainable routine immunization programs to prevent future outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.
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King's College London Researchers Unveil Vibrio Bacteria Structure, Paving Way for New Therapies

King's College London Researchers Unveil Vibrio Bacteria Structure, Paving Way for New Therapies

Researchers at King's College London have mapped the structure of Vibrio bacteria in unprecedented detail, a breakthrough that could lead to new treatments for infections caused by these bacteria. The study, published in Nature Communications, highlights the potential for targeting the bacteria's flagellum, a microscopic 'propeller' essential for its movement and infection capability. Vibrio bacteria, responsible for diseases like cholera and vibriosis, are increasingly resistant to antibiotics, posing a significant global health threat. The research team, led by Dr. Julien Bergeron, used advanced cryo-electron microscopy to visualize the flagellum and its protective sheath at atomic resolution. This detailed understanding could lead to interventions that impair the bacteria's ability to cause infections without promoting antibiotic resistance.
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CDC Reports Doubling of Norovirus Cases in the U.S. Since August

CDC Reports Doubling of Norovirus Cases in the U.S. Since August

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a significant increase in norovirus cases across the United States, with the rate of positive tests doubling since August. As of the most recent data, nearly 14% of tests for norovirus have returned positive, compared to approximately 7% three months ago. Norovirus, often referred to as the 'stomach bug,' is a highly contagious virus and the leading cause of viral gastroenteritis in the U.S. It is responsible for 58% of foodborne illnesses annually. The virus causes symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea, and typically resolves within one to three days in healthy adults. The CDC emphasizes the importance of handwashing with soap and water to prevent the spread of the virus, as hand sanitizers are not effective against it.
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PEPFAR Data Reveals Mixed Outcomes in U.S. Anti-HIV Efforts Amid Funding Cuts

PEPFAR Data Reveals Mixed Outcomes in U.S. Anti-HIV Efforts Amid Funding Cuts

The U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has released new data showing mixed results in its efforts to combat HIV/AIDS globally. The program, which was launched in 2003 and is credited with saving millions of lives, has faced challenges due to recent funding cuts. The latest figures indicate an increase in the number of pregnant and breastfeeding women starting PrEP medication, rising from 43,000 in late 2024 to 103,000 in late 2025. However, experts express concern over a decline in HIV testing and prevention services, with significant disruptions reported across PEPFAR service areas. The data also shows a slight decrease in the number of people receiving HIV treatment, with over 20 million supported as of September last year.
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Moderna Begins Trial of mRNA Vaccine for H5N1 Bird Flu in US and UK

Moderna Begins Trial of mRNA Vaccine for H5N1 Bird Flu in US and UK

Moderna has initiated a pivotal trial for its mRNA-based vaccine targeting the H5N1 bird flu strain, with the trial taking place in both the United States and the United Kingdom. The vaccine, known as mRNA-1018, is designed to combat a new strain of the influenza virus that has significantly impacted bird populations and livestock globally, while also being responsible for hundreds of human fatalities. The trial aims to assess the vaccine's safety and immunogenicity in approximately 4,000 healthy adults aged 18 and older. This development highlights the potential of mRNA technology to revolutionize pandemic responses, building on the success of mRNA vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic. The trial is particularly focused on recruiting participants from the poultry industry and individuals over 65, who are considered most at risk.
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U.S. Health Officials Halt Publication of COVID Vaccine Effectiveness Study Amid Methodology Dispute

U.S. Health Officials Halt Publication of COVID Vaccine Effectiveness Study Amid Methodology Dispute

U.S. health officials have stopped the publication of a study on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in preventing hospitalizations. The study was set to be published in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. The decision was made due to concerns about the study's methodology, which involved comparing the odds of a positive COVID-19 test among vaccinated and unvaccinated patients admitted to hospitals or emergency rooms. This approach has been used in other reputable journals, but officials argue that factors like prior infection and patient behavior could affect results. The study had concluded that vaccines reduced ER visits and hospitalizations by about half among healthy adults during the past winter.
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U.S. Health Officials Halt Publication of COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness Study Amid Methodology Dispute

U.S. Health Officials Halt Publication of COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness Study Amid Methodology Dispute

U.S. health officials have stopped the publication of a study that evaluated the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in preventing hospitalizations and emergency room visits. The study, which was set to be published in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, concluded that the vaccine reduced ER visits and hospitalizations by about half among healthy adults during the past winter. The decision to halt the publication was confirmed by a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services spokesman, citing concerns over the study's methodology. This methodology, which involves comparing the odds of a positive COVID-19 test among vaccinated and unvaccinated patients, has been used in other reputable journals. However, HHS officials argue that factors such as prior infection and patient behavior could affect the results.
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US health officials nix publication of a study on COVID vaccine effectiveness

US health officials nix publication of a study on COVID vaccine effectiveness

U.S. health officials have stopped the publication of a study on the COVID-19 vaccine's effectiveness in preventing hospitalizations
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Moderna Secures EU Approval for Flu/COVID-19 Combo Vaccine Amid U.S. Challenges

Moderna Secures EU Approval for Flu/COVID-19 Combo Vaccine Amid U.S. Challenges

Moderna Secures EU Approval for Flu/COVID-19 Combo Vaccine Amid U.S. Challenges