Category: Featured Headlines
H9N2 avian influenza cases reported in China
Outbreak News Today According to the World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific Region, from 9 to 15 January 2026, three new cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H9N2) virus were reported. All three cases were reported from China. The first case is a five-year-old male from Hubei Province, with an onset of symptoms on […]
Jan 21, 2026
RFK Jr. is moving to remake a little-known vaccine panel. It could have big consequences
STAT Kennedy has indicated that he wants to revamp the system that compensates people who are injured by vaccines. Health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appears to be reshaping another little-known piece of federal vaccine infrastructure, a move that could have big consequences for the availability of immunizations in the U.S. Kennedy has removed at least four […]
Jan 21, 2026
The CDC just sidelined these childhood vaccines. Here’s what they prevent
NPR The federal government has drastically scaled back the number of recommended childhood immunizations, sidelining six routine vaccines that have safeguarded millions from serious diseases, long-term disability, and death. Just three of the six immunizations the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it will no longer routinely recommend — against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, […]
Jan 14, 2026
Medical Groups Will Try to Block Childhood Vaccine Recommendations
NYT The groups, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, say the C.D.C.’s revised vaccine schedule is not based on scientific evidence and will harm the public. Six leading medical organizations plan to ask the courts to throw out revisions to the childhood vaccination schedule announced last week by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and […]
Jan 14, 2026
New RFK Jr. pick for vaccine panel: ‘I was not anti-vaccine. I am now.’
Washington Post Two OB/GYNs appointed to an influential federal vaccine advisory panel have criticized vaccination during pregnancy and more broadly. One called the vaccine industry “disgusting.” Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Tuesday expanded a key federal vaccine advisory panel to include more critics of vaccines who have contradicted mainstream medical guidance, including one […]
Jan 14, 2026
CDC staff ‘blindsided’ as child vaccine schedule unilaterally overhauled
Washington Post The Trump administration took unprecedented steps to recommend fewer vaccines for children without extensive consultations with career scientists. Vaccine experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were blindsided by a top deputy toHealth Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s decision to unilaterally overhaul the childhood immunization schedule, according to current and former agency staff. […]
Jan 7, 2026
Viral outbreaks are always on the horizon – here are the viruses an infectious disease expert is watching in 2026
The Conversation A new year might mean new viral threats. Old viruses are constantly evolving. A warming and increasingly populated planet puts humans in contact with more and different viruses. And increased mobility means that viruses can rapidly travel across the globe along with their human hosts. As an infectious diseases physician and researcher, I’ll be keeping an eye on a […]
Jan 7, 2026
Why flu seems to be everywhere — even if ‘super flu’ is not a thing
STAT News Subclade K is making its impact felt. Australia’s 2025 flu season lasted weeks longer than it normally does. Hong Kong’s hit so early that the rollout of seasonal flu shots hadn’t yet started. New York has reported record-breaking flu hospitalizations for the past two weeks. Welcome to the winter of subclade K. Even if you weren’t already aware of […]
Jan 7, 2026
Kennedy Scales Back the Number of Vaccines Recommended for Children
NYT Federal health officials now recommend that children be routinely inoculated against 11 diseases, not 17, citing standards in other wealthy nations. Federal health officials on Monday announced dramatic revisions to the slate of vaccines recommended for American children, reducing the number of diseases prevented by routine shots to 11 from 17. Jim O’Neill, acting […]
Jan 7, 2026
What to Know About Norovirus
NYT The virus, sometimes called the stomach bug, is incredibly contagious. Here’s how to stay safe this season. Every year, there’s a surge in norovirus cases between November and April, and this holiday season is no different. Sometimes known as the stomach bug, norovirus is incredibly contagious, infecting about one in 15 people in the United States annually. Norovirus […]
Dec 30, 2025