Louisiana Forbids Public Health Workers from Promoting COVID, Flu and Mpox Shots
Louisiana's Department of Health has implemented a policy prohibiting public health workers from promoting COVID-19, flu, and mpox vaccines. Staff were instructed to stop advertising vaccines, hosting events, or sharing information about them, even within clinics. The policy, not put in writing, contradicts the core mission of public health: preventing illness and saving lives through evidenc...
U.S. Life Expectancy Rose Last Year to Highest Levels Since Pandemic
U.S. life expectancy rose to 78.4 years in 2023, the highest since the pandemic, with nearly a full year of recovery from 2022. However, it remains below pre-pandemic levels. Men’s life expectancy increased to 76, while women’s rose to just over 81. Death rates also dropped, with 189,000 fewer deaths in 2023 compared to the previous year.
The top causes of death—heart disease, cancer, unint...
2025 Recommended Immunization Schedules Now Online
The 2025 Recommended Immunization Schedules are now available, offering vital updates for healthcare providers and the public. Approved by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and endorsed by the CDC Director, these schedules include detailed vaccination guidelines for children, teens, and adults.
Key updates feature age-based routine vaccinations, catch-up schedules for ...
New At-Home Test Identifies Flu or COVID
This flu season brings a breakthrough in managing respiratory illnesses with new at-home tests that detect both flu and COVID-19 simultaneously. Available without a prescription, these tests provide accurate results within 15-30 minutes, empowering individuals to determine the cause of their symptoms without visiting a clinic.
Early diagnosis aids in preventing transmission, starting treatments like Paxlovid or Tamiflu promptly, and protecting vulnerable populations. These tests, costing about $15, are a game-changer for public health, allowing faster, informed decisions about is...
Save the Date | NCHCMM
Planning for the 2025 National Conference on Health Communication, Marketing, and Media (NCHCMM) is underway, with exciting updates for public health communication professionals. Mark your calendars for the updated dates: July 28–30, 2025, in Atlanta. This new Monday-Wednesday schedule enhances convenience for attendees.
Additionally, the conference welcomes the Public Health Communications Collaborative (PHCC) as a full partner, joining NPHIC and the CDC to advance strategies and innovations in public health communication. The call for abstracts will open soon, providing an oppo...