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PHCC Resource: Understanding the Childhood Immunization Schedule
Questions about why children receive multiple vaccines during the first years of life are creating a need for clear, accessible information for parents and caregivers.
A new resource from the Public Health Communications Collaborative, Understanding the Childhood Immunization Schedule, provides answers to common questions about how the childhood immunization schedule is developed and why following it is important.
Based on the recommended immunization schedule from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the resource is designed for public health communicators to share directly with families. Ready-to-post graphics also offer adaptable messaging to explain when and why childhood vaccines are given and how they support children’s health.
What's Going on With Fall COVID and Flu Shots?
Confusion surrounding federal vaccine recommendations could reduce uptake of fall respiratory virus vaccines, public health experts warn, as the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has not held its usual March or June meetings.
The FDA issued influenza vaccine composition recommendations in March and COVID-19 vaccine recommendations in May, but ACIP has not provided its typical guidance on vaccine use by age group or additional doses for immunocompromised people.
Medical groups, including IDSA, AAP, ACOG, and AAFP, have issued guidance, while insurers have pledged coverage without cost-sharing through 2027. Experts say conflicting policies may discourage vaccination. Read more from MedPageToday here.
With 101 New Cases, US Measles Total Tops 2,500
U.S. measles cases have surpassed 2,500 this year, with continued transmission increasing the national total to 2,566 and 101 new cases reported in the latest week.
The increase marks a second consecutive week with roughly 100 new infections, after several weeks of lower weekly totals. Pennsylvania reported 61 of the new cases, while Ohio added 24, bringing its 2026 total to 69. Children and adolescents account for 67% of cases, and 19% involve children age 5 and younger.
Overall, 93% of patients are unvaccinated or have unknown vaccination status, highlighting gaps in measles prevention. Read more from CIDRAP here.
FEATURED TOPICS
Medicaid's Work Requirement Crunch Arrives
Medicaid beneficiaries in states implementing new work requirements are beginning to face coverage losses as eligibility rules take effect, increasing the risk of insurance disruptions for eligible enrollees.
Nebraska, the first state to enforce the requirements ahead of the Jan. 1 national deadline, expects about 200 people to lose coverage this week, while projections estimate up to 7 million people nationwide could lose Medicaid coverage by 2028.
Patients with serious illnesses, including cancer, and clinicians report concerns about reporting requirements, exemption processes, and administrative burden. The rollout highlights implementation challenges that could affect access to care and continuity of coverage as states adopt the new rules. Read more in Axios here.
New CDC Data Shows Decline in Healthcare-Associated Infections
According to new CDC data, healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in U.S. hospitals declined between 2015 and 2023, signaling progress in patient safety while highlighting ongoing risks. In 2023, about 1 in 38 hospitalized patients had at least one HAI, compared with 1 in 31 patients in 2015, though an estimated 518,000 HAIs still occurred nationwide.
Reductions were seen in central line-associated bloodstream infections, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, and Clostridioides difficile infections, while pneumonia and surgical site infections showed limited change.
The new findings underscore the continued need for prevention strategies and infection control efforts to reduce avoidable harm in healthcare settings. See the data from the CDC here.
US Death Rate at Record Low: CDC Data
The U.S. death rate fell to a record low in 2025, reaching 689.2 deaths per 100,000 people, a 4.6% decline from 2024. Heart disease and cancer remained the leading causes of death, followed by unintentional injuries, stroke, chronic lower respiratory disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes.
Death rates were highest among males, older adults, and Black people, with no declines among American Indian and Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, and Asian populations.
Provisional CDC data from the National Vital Statistics System covering 99 percent of deaths informs public health policy and prevention efforts. Read more from The Hill here.
COVID-19 Vaccine Linked with Lower Risk of Heart Attack
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that COVID-19 vaccination was associated with substantially lower risks of several serious cardiovascular outcomes among more than 1 million U.S. veterans.
Researchers reported nearly a 60% reduction in cardiovascular deaths linked to COVID-19, a roughly 40% lower risk of heart attack and heart failure hospitalization, and more than a 30% reduction in stroke risk. Benefits were greatest among adults age 75 and older and those with preexisting health conditions.
The study also found modest reductions in overall cardiovascular disease, deaths and hospitalizations, highlighting potential cardiovascular protection as an important consideration in COVID-19 vaccination efforts. Read more from The Hill here.
