Health
Departures from this desk, newest publication first.
- 025Health
HHS says CDC accepted recommendations to update U.S. childhood immunization schedule
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced that CDC leadership accepted recommendations following a review of childhood immunization practices. The move is drawing attention from medical groups and public-health advocates, who are weighing the implications for how guidance is communicated and how states use federal recommendations in school and daycare requirements.
- 026Health
Pediatric groups sue over CDC’s revised childhood immunization schedule as providers weigh whether to follow it
Medical and public health organizations are challenging the CDC’s revised childhood vaccine recommendations in court, warning of confusion and reduced uptake, while some health systems say they may keep prior guidance.
- 027Health
AP: U.S. risks losing measles elimination status as outbreaks spread into 2026
Public health officials warn the United States is approaching the threshold for losing measles elimination status amid prolonged transmission, with vaccination gaps and multiple outbreaks driving continued spread.
- 028Health
Guinea-Bissau halts newborn hepatitis B vaccine study for ethical review
Guinea-Bissau suspended a hepatitis B vaccine study involving newborns pending an ethics review, amid controversy over a trial design that withholds vaccination from some infants.
- 029Health
CDC investigates multistate Salmonella outbreak linked to Super Greens supplement powder
Federal and state health officials are investigating Salmonella infections connected to a recalled greens supplement and urging consumers to discard affected products.
- 030Health
U.S. risks losing measles elimination status as outbreak persists; review expected in April 2026
Public health officials warn the U.S. could lose its measles elimination designation if ongoing transmission continues, with a Pan American Health Organization review expected in April 2026 amid falling vaccination rates and expanding outbreaks.
- 031Health
U.S. completes withdrawal from WHO, prompting warnings about disease surveillance and vaccine coordination
The United States has formally completed its withdrawal from the World Health Organization, ending decades of membership. Health experts warn the move could weaken access to global outbreak data and complicate coordination on issues like influenza monitoring and pandemic preparedness.
- 032Health
Measles surge continues: CDC reports 416 confirmed cases in 2026 across 14 jurisdictions as outbreak-associated spread dominates
The CDC says 416 confirmed measles cases have been reported in the United States so far in 2026, with the vast majority associated with outbreaks that began in 2025. Public health officials continue urging vaccination as multiple states report cases and exposures.
- 033Health
CDC says flu remains elevated as pediatric impact stays severe; officials urge vaccination and early antiviral treatment
CDC surveillance shows the 2025–26 flu season remains elevated nationally, with pediatric severity classified as high even as overall activity has stabilized. Public health officials emphasize vaccination, early use of antivirals for high-risk patients, and continued monitoring for another post-holiday rise.
- 034Health
CDC reports 416 confirmed U.S. measles cases so far in 2026, mostly linked to outbreaks that began in 2025
The CDC’s latest update shows 416 confirmed measles cases reported in the U.S. in 2026 as of January 22, with most cases associated with ongoing outbreaks that started in 2025.
- 035Health
CDC labels the 2025–26 flu season ‘moderately severe’ as U.S. cases pass 11 million, Reuters reports
U.S. health officials have classified the 2025–26 influenza season as “moderately severe,” with CDC estimates pointing to at least 11 million illnesses so far. Public health experts cite holiday travel, low vaccination uptake and misinformation as factors that may be contributing to elevated activity.
- 036Health
U.S. cuts routine childhood vaccine recommendations; physicians warn of preventable disease resurgence
U.S. health officials revised the childhood immunization schedule, reducing the number of vaccines broadly recommended for all children. Medical organizations and many doctors criticized the move, warning it could weaken protections and increase outbreaks of preventable illnesses.