A State of Crisis’: record number of Americans are pessimistic about US healthcare system
A record share of Americans view the U.S. healthcare system as deeply troubled, with 23% describing it as “in a state of crisis” and nearly half citing major problems, according to new West Health–Gallup polling. Rising healthcare costs emerged as the most urgent concern, closely tied to worsening access and affordability.
Experts note that unpredictable expenses, an aging population, and inf…
3 Issues to Watch in Public Health in 2026
Public health communicators are heading into 2026 amid mounting uncertainty and high-stakes challenges. Confidence in long-standing public health institutions is being tested as leadership changes, staffing losses, and political influence reshape how guidance and data are produced and received. At the same time, shifts in U.S. vaccine policy risk fueling skepticism at home and abroad, with pote…
Americans’ Social Media Use 2025
New Pew Research Center data show that social media use remains widespread in the U.S., with important implications for public health communication. YouTube (84%) and Facebook (71%) continue to reach the largest shares of adults, while Instagram now reaches half of the population. Use of TikTok, WhatsApp, and Reddit has grown steadily in recent years, particularly among adults under 30.
Daily…
CDC Data Show Updated COVID-19 Vaccines Reduce Pediatric Emergency Visits
New CDC data highlight the continued public health value of updated COVID-19 vaccines for children. Analysis from the VISION Vaccine Effectiveness Network found that the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccines reduced COVID-19–associated emergency department and urgent care visits by 76% among children ages 9 months to 4 years and by 56% among those ages 5–17 during the first six months after vaccination.
While children experience lower hospitalization rates than older adults, infants and toddlers face comparatively high risk, and severe illness still occurs among school-aged children. These real-wor…
American Academy of Pediatrics Releases Updated Vaccine Guidance, Breaking With CDC
The CDC’s vaccine advisory panel has voted to revise its long-standing hepatitis B birth dose recommendation, proposing to delay the first dose until two months of age for infants born to mothers who test negative and to support individualized decision-making with clinicians.
The shift has prompted concern among many experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, which warns that removing a universal birth dose could increase infants’ risk for a virus that can cause chronic, lifelong illness. In parallel, the AAP has released its own updated, evidence-based immunization schedule w…