A new national survey shows a small but notable decline in U.S. adults willing to recommend the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, raising concerns for public health amid rising measles cases. Eighty-six percent of adults said they would recommend the vaccine to an eligible household member, down from 90% in late 2024.   Confidence in MMR safety remains relatively high at 83%, t…

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…

A new observational study published in Thorax links ultra-processed foods (UPFs) — including processed meats, soft drinks, ready meals, and snacks — to an increased risk of lung cancer. Analyzing dietary data from over 101,000 participants, researchers identified lunch meats and sweetened or diet soft drinks as the most commonly consumed UPFs. While the study did not account for other factors…

A new investigation highlights a growing public health threat: AI-generated deepfake videos impersonating real doctors to spread health misinformation and sell unproven supplements on social media. Factcheckers uncovered hundreds of manipulated videos using altered footage of respected health experts to promote products targeting issues such as menopause, undermining public trust and exploiting…

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…

A new paper led by Gillian K. SteelFisher, with co-authors including members affiliated with the National Public Health Information Coalition (NPHIC), examines U.S. views on vaccine development and false information following COVID-19. Based on a nationally representative survey of 1,632 adults, 81% said vaccine development is “mostly a good thing,” largely due to protection of vulnerable popul…

Each fall and winter, respiratory illnesses—including flu, COVID-19, RSV, pertussis, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae—contribute to significant illness, hospitalizations, and deaths in the U.S., with CDC estimates last year exceeding 1 million hospitalizations and 70,000 deaths. To support public health communicators, CDC has released a new digital respiratory illness toolkit designed for outreach d…

The CDC offers updated guidance to help communities prepare for and respond to winter storms. Public health communicators are encouraged to share this guidance with local partners and community members to reduce injuries, illness, and fatalities. Key topics include safely heating homes with space heaters, fireplaces, or wood stoves; protecting vulnerable populations such as infants and older ad…

The FDA has proposed allowing bemotrizinol, a sunscreen ingredient widely used in Europe, Australia, and parts of Asia, to be included in U.S. products. Bemotrizinol offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays, with low skin absorption and minimal irritation, and is being evaluated under the FDA’s GRASE framework for safety and effectiveness. Public comments are currently being ac…