Health
Departures from this desk, newest publication first.
- 013Health
Pediatricians reaffirm broader childhood vaccination guidance amid CDC schedule shift
The American Academy of Pediatrics released recommendations endorsing vaccinations against 18 diseases, diverging from a CDC childhood schedule that now recommends vaccines for fewer diseases, according to health-policy reporting.
- 014Health
AAP issues 2026 vaccine schedule, diverging from CDC guidance and urging broader routine protection
The American Academy of Pediatrics released its 2026 childhood vaccine schedule and maintained broader routine recommendations than the CDC’s updated schedule. Pediatric leaders said the AAP plan is grounded in decades of evidence and better fits U.S. public‑health realities.
- 015Health
Bottled water vs. tap: microplastics, PFAS fears and what experts suggest
Many Americans choose bottled water believing it is safer than tap, but experts say the tradeoffs are more complicated. A Washington Post analysis notes that bottled-water drinkers may ingest far more microplastics annually than people relying on tap, even as concerns about contaminants such as lead and PFAS keep consumers uneasy.
- 016Health
Pediatricians back broader 2026 vaccine schedule, diverging from CDC’s reduced list
The American Academy of Pediatrics released its recommended 2026 vaccine schedule and kept guidance largely intact, continuing to support immunization against 18 diseases for children and adolescents. The updated schedule differs from the CDC’s 2026 schedule, released Jan. 5, which reduced universal recommendations for several familiar vaccines and moved some shots toward risk-based or shared decision-making approaches.
- 017Health
Ethiopia declares the end of its first Marburg virus outbreak after 42 days with no new cases
Ethiopia announced the end of its first Marburg virus outbreak after completing the required 42-day period without new confirmed cases. Officials reported 14 confirmed infections with nine deaths, while WHO supported surveillance, diagnostics and infection control during the response.
- 018Health
Ethiopia ends Marburg outbreak, highlighting ongoing need for outbreak preparedness
Ethiopia’s declaration that its first Marburg outbreak has ended marks a milestone after weeks of surveillance and containment work. Health officials and partners emphasized how infection control, contact tracing, and rapid diagnostics remain essential tools as countries prepare for future flare-ups of high-fatality viral hemorrhagic diseases.
- 019Health
U.S. nears a decision point on measles as officials warn elimination status could be at risk
Public health experts say the United States could lose its measles elimination status if ongoing transmission continues long enough to meet international criteria. A long-running outbreak that began in West Texas in early 2025 has spread to other states, and the next assessment is expected in April 2026, putting renewed focus on vaccination coverage and outbreak control.
- 020Health
Nationwide chocolate recall expands as FDA warns more flavors may be linked to Salmonella risk
Spring & Mulberry has expanded a nationwide chocolate bar recall after FDA information flagged potential Salmonella contamination. While no illnesses have been reported, consumers are advised to check lot codes, avoid eating affected products, and follow refund instructions to reduce foodborne illness risk.
- 021Health
FDA links Salmonella outbreak to ‘Super Greens’ dietary supplement and urges consumers to stop using recalled product
U.S. regulators say an ongoing Salmonella outbreak has been associated with a powdered greens supplement, with dozens of illnesses reported across multiple states. The FDA is advising consumers to avoid specific lots and follow recall guidance.
- 022Health
KFF Health News: Hospitals launch their own Medicare Advantage plans as patients push back on insurers
KFF Health News reports that some hospitals are creating Medicare Advantage plans—pitching lower prices, more tailored benefits, and smoother care coordination—as seniors describe frustration with traditional insurers and as policy and payment pressures reshape coverage choices.
- 023Health
U.S. nears a measles elimination-status review as outbreaks persist and vaccination gaps widen
Public health officials warn the U.S. is approaching a key benchmark that could trigger loss of its measles elimination designation, as a long-running outbreak continues and experts point to falling vaccination rates and uneven public health capacity.
- 024Health
CDC calls 2025–26 flu season ‘moderately severe’ as U.S. cases estimated at 11 million
U.S. flu activity rose in late December, prompting the CDC to classify the 2025–26 season as “moderately severe” as of early January. Reuters reported CDC estimates of at least 11 million illnesses so far, alongside rising hospitalizations and deaths.