Shaping NPHIC’s 2026 Priorities: Member Input Requested
As the National Public Health Information Coalition (NPHIC) approaches 2026 as a year for planning and assessment, we are seeking member input to better shape future communications and engagement strategies.
A brief, three-minute survey invites public health communicators to share preferences on how they receive updates and what types of support would be most valuable. Insights gathere…
Pfizer Lyme Disease Vaccine Shows 70% Effectiveness in Phase 3 Trial
Pfizer and Valneva report that their Lyme disease vaccine achieved approximately 70% effectiveness in a phase 3 trial, marking a potential first human vaccine for the disease if approved.
Lyme disease, transmitted by blacklegged ticks, can lead to severe arthritis, neurological, and cardiac complications. While initial analyses did not meet pre-specified statistical criteria due to fewer-than…
Mexico Launches Massive Measles Vaccination Campaign Amid Outbreak
In response to a national measles outbreak, Mexico is conducting an extensive vaccination campaign aiming to immunize 2.5 million people weekly. Health workers operate door-to-door, at pop-up sites, and through digital outreach, but interest is uneven, and coverage remains challenging.
Outbreaks disproportionately affect under-vaccinated communities, highlighting inequalities in access, healt…
MMWR: Kratom-Related Poison Center Reports Surge 1,200%
Published in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, new data show kratom-related exposures reported to U.S. poison centers increased approximately 1,200% from 2015 to 2025, reaching a record high.
The findings highlight a shift toward higher-potency products and expanding use across demographic groups. Although many cases involved kratom alone, co-use with substances such as alcohol, op…
Cost Concerns and Coverage Changes: A Follow-Up Survey of ACA Marketplace Enrollees
A new KFF poll highlights growing affordability challenges among Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace enrollees, with 55% reporting they are cutting back on food and other basic needs to manage rising health care costs. Premium increases—averaging more than 20% in 2026 following the expiration of enhanced subsidies—are driving financial strain, with many also taking on additional work.
Beyon…
Death Toll at Start of COVID-19 Pandemic Likely Higher Than US Count
A recent study published in Science Advances suggests the early U.S. COVID-19 death toll was significantly undercounted, estimating more than 155,000 additional deaths between March 2020 and December 2021—an increase of 15.6% over official figures.
Researchers point to gaps in out-of-hospital death reporting and a fragmented, under-resourced mortality surveillance system as key contributors…
New Webinar Introduces Action Guide to Strengthen Public Health Communications
A newly released webinar from the Public Health Communications Collaborative (PHCC) introduces Overcoming Challenges & Leveraging Strengths: An Action Guide for Communicators at Public Health Agencies. Built from 50 in-depth interviews with governmental public health communicators, the guide offers practical strategies to navigate challenges and enhance effectiveness.
Webinar speakers Sha…