A week in mid-May saw two hearings in which federal career scientists from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) warned members of Congress that ignoring evidence will lead to far more COVID-19 deaths.
Infectious Diseases & Vaccines
Study: Communication training, resources can help clinicians boost HPV vaccine uptake
A new study finds that with the right patient engagement tools, clinicians can increase HPV immunization rates among teens.
Children's Health
Study: Vaccines will save millions of lives globally, prevent millions from falling into poverty
Another day, another study on the life-saving benefits of vaccines.
Public health workers have two main tools for HIV screening: a blood test that detects HIV a couple weeks after infection or a saliva test that detects the virus more than a month after infection. With a trick of chemistry, however, scientists at Stanford University have combined the best attributes of both — and the result could mean a serious boost for HIV prevention.
Infectious Diseases & Vaccines
Harsh influenza season, poor timing by restaurant employers to oppose paid sick leave
The Texas Restaurant Association is campaigning to defeat a newly proposed paid sick leave ordinance in Austin, TX. Widespread and debilitating influenza in the region illustrates just one reason for the public health ordinance.
Children's Health
Study: Washington’s parental counseling law drove vaccine exemptions down 40 percent
On the risk of vaccine exemptions, the science is clear — it would take a relatively small decline in immunization rates to produce big jumps in disease and health care spending. The trick is keeping communities above the danger threshold.
Government
Advocates: Trump’s proposed budget cuts are a ‘white flag of surrender’ in global HIV/AIDS fight
On the day before World AIDS Day, the White House put out a statement saying “we reaffirm our ongoing commitment to end AIDS as a public health threat.” Advocates are waiting — and hoping for — that same sentiment to materialize into policy.
Infectious Diseases & Vaccines
Study on H3N2 flu virus calls into question egg-based vaccine production
Scott Hensley wants to make one thing clear: You should still get a flu shot after reading this article.
Food Safety & Nutrition
WHO releases new guidelines on antibiotics in food animals; USDA muddies the waters
In its release of new guidelines that recommend big reductions in antibiotic use in food animals, WHO cited the presence of extensive literature on this topic. So why did USDA put out a statement with a misleading description of the guidelines’ scientific basis?
In more encouraging public health news, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that vaccination rates among kindergarteners have remained stable, with the median vaccine exemption rate at 2 percent. Some states even reported an increase in immunization rates.