Refusals of the routine vitamin K shot for newborns are increasing, raising concern about preventable cases of severe bleeding that can lead to brain injury or death.   Infants who do not receive the injection are 81 times more likely to develop late vitamin K deficiency bleeding, and the CDC reports that one in five affected babies dies; refusal rates also surpassed 5% of U.S. births in…

COVID-19 vaccine injury compensation policies may change under a proposed federal rule that would establish a list of injuries presumed to be caused by covered COVID-19 countermeasures, allowing eligible individuals to receive compensation without proving causation. The proposal, expected to be published in November, would apply only to injuries supported by “compelling, reliable, valid, medi…

Uncertainty about common vaccine myths remains widespread despite relatively few U.S. adults fully believing false claims, highlighting continued vulnerability to health misinformation. KFF found that at least half of adults classified each false claim as "probably true" or "probably false," while fewer than one in ten expressed firm belief in any individual myth. Belief in misinformation was…

As hurricane season continues, CDC has updated several communication resources to help public health agencies strengthen preparedness, response, and recovery messaging. Communication Resources for Natural Disasters – A collection of downloadable fact sheets, flyers, posters, and activity books covering topics such as disaster shelter safety, returning home after a disaster, hurricane prepared…

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 America…

New resources support community-based mental health promotion for Black, Indigenous, and people of color during Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, emphasizing trusted conversations and well-being tools. Free 2026 BIPOC Mental Health Toolkit in English and Spanish includes printables, graphics, Trusted Spaces Pack, and curated outreach and communication tools…

Extreme heat is driving escalating public health risk across Europe, Asia, and parts of the United States, according to a Reuters report. Heatstroke—when core body temperature exceeds 105°F—can rapidly become fatal, contributing to organ failure and death. Globally, excess heat is linked to nearly 500,000 deaths each year, with a European analysis attributing 68% of 2025 heat-related deaths t…

The Public Health Communications Collaborative (PHCC) is expanding opportunities for public health communicators to build skills, connect with peers, and strengthen communication practice. Applications for the next PHCC Ambassador cohort open July 6, followed by applications for the Academy's live course, Strengthening Health Communications through Community Engagement, on July 13. On July…

Americans heading into the 2026 midterms show broad bipartisan support for policies aimed at lowering healthcare costs, including allowing prescription drug manufacturers to sell directly to patients and expanding drug discount platforms. Sixty-seven percent support direct-to-consumer prescription models, while 62% back reinstating ACA marketplace subsidies. Support is widespread across parti…