U.S. Pays $590 Million to Moderna to Speed up Development of Bird Flu Vaccine
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has committed $590 million to Moderna to accelerate the development of a bird flu vaccine. This effort builds on $176 million awarded last year and aims to advance late-stage development, clinical studies, and licensure of a "pandemic influenza vaccine" targeting H5N1 and other influenza subtypes.
With bird flu rapidly spreading among...
Raging California Wildfires May Spread Toxic Asbestos
As wildfires ravage Southern California, thousands are at risk of exposure to toxic asbestos. Older buildings, particularly those built before 1980, often contain asbestos, which can be released into the air as fires destroy structures. The dry conditions and high winds exacerbate the spread of these dangerous fibers, potentially affecting people far from the flames.
Asbestos exposur...
Discover Arclet: A Time-Saving Tool for Public Health Communicators
Arclet, a new platform designed by and for health communicators, is revolutionizing public health messaging. Developed with input from NPHIC members and supported by partnerships with organizations like WNC Health Network and the National Science Foundation, Arclet streamlines the process of finding, customizing, sharing, and evaluating health messages.
This tool not only saves valuable tim...
New NIH Tool Empowers Communities to Combat Opioid Overdoses with Evidence-Based Strategies
The National Institutes of Health’s HEALing Communities Study has released a free, web-based decision tool designed to support evidence-based decision-making for public health leaders tackling opioid-related overdoses. The Overdose Crisis Community Decision Tool helps communities select effective strategies by guiding users through multiple-choice questions, resulting in a customized list of ...
CDC / NPHIC Member Call Recap and Slides – January 2025
The 2025 CDC/NPHIC Monthly Communications Calls, which began on January 15, offer valuable updates from CDC staff and a platform for sharing effective strategies. The January call featured Dr. Elizabeth Green from the Big Cities Health Coalition, who shared insights on public perceptions of public health issues like drug use, homelessness, and structural racism.
Key findings from surveys re...
America’s First Bird Flu Death Reported in Louisiana
The first U.S. death from H5N1 bird flu has been reported in Louisiana, underscoring the need for vigilance in public health. The case involved an individual over 65 with underlying conditions who was exposed to wild and backyard birds. Despite the tragic outcome, the CDC emphasizes that the overall risk to the public remains low, with no evidence of person-to-person transmission or alarming ...
Snow Shoveling: A Risk to Heart Health
The American Heart Association warns that snow shoveling can significantly increase the risk of heart attack or cardiac arrest, particularly for those unaccustomed to intense physical activity. Research shows that even two minutes of shoveling can push heart rates beyond 85% of their maximum. Cold temperatures exacerbate risks by raising blood pressure and constricting coronary arteries.
Th...