Right now, health officials out in LA County in California are telling people, "Please, please go get the measles shot after a child there recently died after complications from the virus." It's just one case out of more than 1,450 across the country, according to the CDC. Of course, for that family, it is not just a statistic. It is a living nightmare here.And these numbers are growing as the outbreaks of measles spread in nearly every state, 41 states. talking fever, runny nose, this blotchy rash that can ...

What happens to US public health without a fully functioning CDC? Americans will get a taste this upcoming cold and flu season https://t.co/b0jkW73vew ...

In a key move for the administration, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. . has released his report on childhood health from his Make America Healthy Again commission.Yet, its core findings that kids in the US spend too much time on screens, are stressed, unhealthy, and eat far too many ultrarocessed foods are hardly revoly. And while it calls for access to healthier food, better nutrition labels, and greater oversight of food additives, 128 ideas in all, it is short on how to accomplish or pay for the recommendations. O ...

Policy & Leadership - The report highlights Trump's support for RFK Jr, the health and human services secretary [1] - The report mentions potential dismantling of public health institutions [1] - The report suggests an overhaul of U S vaccine policy [1]

Kush, a potent mix of synthetic opioids and cannabinoids, is wrecking lives in west Africa. Many users first try it as students and end up dropping out of school or university https://t.co/sNEUsNt6d3 ...

Do you think CDC is sort of broken beyond repair. Like how do how are you going to understand the guidance and official pronouncements of this institution you worked at that's just so central that so many people depend on god forbid if we have another pandemic which is not totally a crazy idea. How are you going to parse what comes out of that institution now.So there's still thousands of you know wonderful scientists and you know on the ground responders at CDC. I think the things I would have more um hesi ...

Public Health Threats & Challenges - Public health faces a dangerous time due to US pullback on programs like PEPAR and WHO involvement, threatening the public health structure [3] - The world is constantly in a battle with microbes, which still kill more people than wars [5] - Current vaccine production capacity is limited to vaccinating about 25% of the world's population within 12-15 months after an influenza pandemic begins [6] Vaccine Access & Policy - There is confusion regarding vaccine access, particularly for children, with concerns that guidelines could create barriers to vaccination [8][9][10] - Concerns exist that some statements may discourage vaccine use, even though over 160 children in the US died from COVID in the past year, many without known risk factors [9] - Claims that there is only one study on childhood vaccines are false; 511 such studies have been published [11] Future Pandemic Preparedness - The degradation of public health services coincides with the potential for even more serious pandemics than COVID-19 [4] - mRNA technology is crucial for rapidly producing vaccines, potentially enough to vaccinate the entire world in the first year of a pandemic [6][7]

Vaccine Hesitancy and Political Polarization - The discussion revolves around vaccine hesitancy, particularly concerning COVID-19 vaccines, and its entanglement with political polarization [2][10] - The report highlights a shift in the anti-vaccine stance from left-leaning groups to the far-right, impacting political discourse and public health [11][13] - The piece criticizes figures like RFK Jr for spreading misinformation about vaccines, despite evidence of their own families being vaccinated [2][10] Government and Public Health - The report mentions the HHS pulling back $500 million in funding for mRNA vaccine development, raising concerns about government support for vaccines [2] - The discussion questions the consistency of the HHS secretary's statements regarding mRNA vaccines and their availability [2] - The report references Florida's actions regarding public health measures, specifically pulling out of established public health practices [8] Public Opinion and Mandates - A Harvard School of Public Health poll indicates that 80% of Americans support vaccine mandates for children attending school [15] - This support includes 68% of Republicans and 66% of MAGA supporters, suggesting a broader consensus than political rhetoric might indicate [16]

Public Health & Vaccination - Vaccines significantly decreased illnesses in the 20th century, with a 99% to 100% reduction in the 21st century [2] - Misinformation on social media platforms undermines trust in vaccines, creating a battle for public opinion [6] - Distrust in public health institutions has grown due to COVID-19 policies, leading people to rely on unqualified sources for health advice [18][19] - The US may face vaccine-related conflicts between states, impacting travel and public health measures [12][13] - Public policy surrounding COVID-19 did not adapt quickly enough to evolving scientific understanding, leading to resentment towards experts [15][16] Political Landscape - Undermining public health can be politically risky, as seen with the impact of COVID-19 mismanagement on the 2020 election [7][8] - RFK Jr's views on vaccines have gained a following, influencing political dynamics and potentially impacting the 2024 election [11][12] - Republican senators are holding RFK Jr accountable due to the tricky territory of undermining public health [7] Information & Media - The way information is distributed has radically transformed, with local media collapsing and people relying on online sources [8][9][10] - Conspiracy theories and skepticism towards authority are amplified through social media [8] - People are increasingly questioning the ingredients in their food and seeking alternative health solutions [22] Health Trends - Americans are becoming sicker, which is contributing to the distrust in public health and the search for alternative solutions [16][22] - Chronic disease is a growing problem in America [14] - Measles, polio, and whooping cough remain dangerous, highlighting the importance of vaccination [25]

Secretary Kennedy, in your confirmation hearings, you promised to uphold the highest standards for vaccines. Since then, I've grown deeply concerned. Uh, Americans don't know who to rely on.If we're going to make America healthy again, we can't allow public health to be undermined. I'm not a doctor. I'm not a trial lawyer. I'm a boring management consultant.So, as somebody who advised executives on hiring strategies, number one, I would suggest in the interview, you ask them if they're truthful rather than ...