Osterholm Update

Episode 210: Ebola: What the Past Tells Us about the Present 04.06.2026

This week on the Osterholm Update, Dr. Michael Osterholm and Chris Dall focus on the developing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, discussing the U.S. response, whether transmission can be airborne, and addressing travel concerns to Africa. We’ll also bring you the latest on the hantavirus outbreak, review a long-awaited report from the FDA on pediatric deaths linked to COVID vaccines, and provide updates on measles and other respiratory viruses. Plus, a Public Health History segment highlighting the first EMS service in the U.S. &nbsp; Links: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2026/may/28/medical-staff-ebola-frontline-congolese-doctors-nurses-disease">‘Among the things he feared most was death’: the doctors and nurses dying on the Ebola frontline</a> (The Guardian)&nbsp; <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/30/world/africa/ebola-epicenter-congo.html?unlocked_article_code=1.mVA.QYy-.GlYUZQTzvRw7&amp;smid=url-share">Inside the Ebola Epicenter, the Virus Rages With Little to Stop It</a> (The New York Times) <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2026/05/21/congo-ebola-outbreak-is-test-world-doesnt-have-fail/">Opinion: This Ebola outbreak is a test the world doesn't have to fail</a> (The Washington Post) <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/ebola/people-ebola-pose-little-risk-public-us-experts-say">People with Ebola pose little risk to public in US, experts say</a> (CIDRAP) <a href="https://journals.asm.org/doi/epub/10.1128/mbio.00137-15">Transmission of Ebola Viruses: What We Know and What We Do Not Know</a> (ASM Journals) <a href="https://evidence.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/EVIDpha2600170">Public Health Alerts: Andes Hantavirus Outbreak on a Cruise Ship, 2026&nbsp;</a>(NEJM and CIDRAP) &nbsp; Resources for vaccine and public health advocacy: <a href="https://www.voicesforvaccines.org/get-involved/">Voices for Vaccines</a> <a href="https://familiesfightingflu.org/take-action/">Families Fighting Flu</a> <a href="https://vaccinateyourfamily.org/get-involved/">Vaccinate Your Family</a> <a href="https://shotatlife.org/take-action/">Shot@Life</a> <a href="https://aspr.hhs.gov/MRC/Pages/index.aspx">Medical Reserve Corps</a> Learn more about the <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/vaccine-integrity-project">Vaccine Integrity Project</a> <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/osterholm-update-covid-19">MORE EPISODES</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/support-cidrap">SUPPORT THIS PODCAST</a> &nbsp; Music: "Beauty Flow" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

Episode 209: Awareness vs. Alarm: Making Sense of the Headlines 21.05.2026

In Episode 209, Dr. Michael Osterholm and Chris Dall talk through the response to the hantavirus outbreak and the lingering questions about how the virus spreads. They also discuss a recent Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as the latest findings from The Vaccine Integrity Project’s comprehensive review of peer-reviewed evidence on Tdap vaccination during pregnancy. Links: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGMmgMke9p8">Hantavirus Is Not the Next Covid, But Try Telling That to the News Media&nbsp;</a>(The Daily Show) <a href="https://vaxintegrity.cidrap.umn.edu/sites/default/files/FINAL%20REPORT%20Tdap%20Vaccine%20in%20Pregnancy%20Evidence%20Review.pdf">Safety and Effectiveness of Tdap Vaccination During Pregnancy Report&nbsp;</a>(Vaccine Integrity Project) <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/anti-science/aluminum-vaccines-not-linked-autism-other-health-problems-study-finds">Aluminum in vaccines not linked to autism, other health problems, study finds</a> (CIDRAP) &nbsp; Resources for vaccine and public health advocacy: <a href="https://www.voicesforvaccines.org/get-involved/">Voices for Vaccines</a> <a href="https://familiesfightingflu.org/take-action/">Families Fighting Flu</a> <a href="https://vaccinateyourfamily.org/get-involved/">Vaccinate Your Family</a> <a href="https://shotatlife.org/take-action/">Shot@Life</a> <a href="https://aspr.hhs.gov/MRC/Pages/index.aspx">Medical Reserve Corps</a> Learn more about the <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/vaccine-integrity-project">Vaccine Integrity Project</a> <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/osterholm-update-covid-19">MORE EPISODES</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/support-cidrap">SUPPORT THIS PODCAST</a> &nbsp; Music: "Beauty Flow" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

Episode 208: Bad News, Good News 07.05.2026

This week on the Osterholm Update, Chris Dall and Dr. Osterholm dissect the latest results of Paxlovid trials and what they tell us about COVID-19. They'll also discuss a CDC study on COVID-19 vaccines that's been blocked by the acting CDC director, examine a survey that reveals the impact of changes to CDC messaging on vaccines and autism, explore the US Defense Secretary's decision to no longer require flu shots for US military members and bring you up to speed on the hantavirus outbreak on a Dutch cruise ship. Plus, the latest findings of CIDRAP’s analysis of HPV vaccines. <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/paxlovid-doesn-t-reduce-hospitalization-death-rates-vaccinated-high-risk-covid-outpatients">Paxlovid doesn’t reduce hospitalization, death rates in vaccinated high-risk COVID outpatients, trial shows</a> (CIDRAP) <a href="https://insidemedicine.substack.com/p/the-end-of-the-paxlovid-era-why-two">The end of the Paxlovid era? Why two new negative trials are great news.</a> (Inside Medicine Substack)&nbsp; &nbsp; <a href="https://www.statnews.com/2026/04/27/is-covid-still-a-thing-expert-analysis-who-needs-vaccine-booster-shot/">What happened to Covid?</a> (STAT) <a href="https://vaxintegrity.cidrap.umn.edu/sites/default/files/FINAL%20REPORT%20HPV%20Vaccine%20Evidence%20Review_0.pdf">Safety and effectiveness of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine</a> (Vaccine Integrity Project) <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/human-papillomavirus-hpv/hardest-thing-i-ve-ever-gone-through-cervical-cancer-survivors-speak-out">‘The hardest thing I’ve ever gone through’: Cervical cancer survivors speak out about importance of HPV vaccine</a> (CIDRAP) &nbsp; Resources for vaccine and public health advocacy: <a href="https://www.voicesforvaccines.org/get-involved/">Voices for Vaccines</a> <a href="https://familiesfightingflu.org/take-action/">Families Fighting Flu</a> <a href="https://vaccinateyourfamily.org/get-involved/">Vaccinate Your Family</a> <a href="https://shotatlife.org/take-action/">Shot@Life</a> <a href="https://aspr.hhs.gov/MRC/Pages/index.aspx">Medical Reserve Corps</a> Learn more about the <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/vaccine-integrity-project">Vaccine Integrity Project</a> <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/osterholm-update-covid-19">MORE EPISODES</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/support-cidrap">SUPPORT THIS PODCAST</a> &nbsp; Music: "Beauty Flow" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

Episode 207: Asking the Right Questions 23.04.2026

This week Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall talk about Erica Schwartz, the Trump's administration's most recent nomination for the CDC Director, as well as changes to the charter of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Dr. Osterholm also examines a somewhat misleading Politico poll on public support for vaccines, provides a spring respiratory update and answers a listener's question about long COVID in women. Chris Dall explains a concerning rise in&nbsp;Shigella cases, plus a special space-themed Public Health History segment. <a href="https://www.statnews.com/2026/04/17/vaccine-skepticism-politico-poll-analysis/">Don’t believe headlines saying that vaccine skepticism is widespread </a>(STAT) Respiratory Immunization Protocols for <a href="https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420261365950">COVID</a> , <a href="https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420261365916">Flu</a>, <a href="https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420261365938">RSV</a> (Vaccine Integrity Project)&nbsp; &nbsp; Resources for vaccine and public health advocacy: <a href="https://www.voicesforvaccines.org/get-involved/">Voices for Vaccines</a> <a href="https://familiesfightingflu.org/take-action/">Families Fighting Flu</a> <a href="https://vaccinateyourfamily.org/get-involved/">Vaccinate Your Family</a> <a href="https://shotatlife.org/take-action/">Shot@Life</a> <a href="https://aspr.hhs.gov/MRC/Pages/index.aspx">Medical Reserve Corps</a> Learn more about the <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/vaccine-integrity-project">Vaccine Integrity Project</a> <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/osterholm-update-covid-19">MORE EPISODES</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/support-cidrap">SUPPORT THIS PODCAST</a> &nbsp; Music: "Beauty Flow" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

Episode 206: What we know about long COVID 09.04.2026

This week Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall focus on long COVID, tackling some listener questions and providing context about what long COVID is, its potential risks, as well as some of the latest research and reports about it. Dr. Osterholm also discusses the CDC's pause on testing for rabies and pox viruses, plus a respiratory update and the latest on US measles outbreaks. Dr. Osterholm also honors National Health Week in the public health history segment. <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/antidepressant-relieves-fatigue-people-long-covid-study-finds">Antidepressant relieves fatigues in people with long COVID, study finds</a> (CIDRAP) <a href="https://recovercovid.org/">The RECOVER Initiative</a> (NIH) <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/measles/end-sight-south-carolina-s-measles-outbreak-chicago-alert-after-potential-airport-exposure">End in sight for South Carolina’s measles outbreak; Chicago on alert after potential airport exposure</a> (CIDRAP) &nbsp; Resources for vaccine and public health advocacy: <a href="https://www.voicesforvaccines.org/get-involved/">Voices for Vaccines</a> <a href="https://familiesfightingflu.org/take-action/">Families Fighting Flu</a> <a href="https://vaccinateyourfamily.org/get-involved/">Vaccinate Your Family</a> <a href="https://shotatlife.org/take-action/">Shot@Life</a> <a href="https://aspr.hhs.gov/MRC/Pages/index.aspx">Medical Reserve Corps</a> Learn more about the <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/vaccine-integrity-project">Vaccine Integrity Project</a> <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/osterholm-update-covid-19">MORE EPISODES</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/support-cidrap">SUPPORT THIS PODCAST</a> &nbsp; Music: "Beauty Flow" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

Episode 205: Disease Waits for No One 26.03.2026

In "Disease Waits for No One," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss how a federal judge temporarily blocked Health Secretary RFK Jr's rollback of childhood vaccine&nbsp;recommendations. Has the damage of this administration's assault on US vaccine policy already been done? Or is there a chance&nbsp;it could be undone? They'll also dive into a&nbsp;report calling for sweeping changes to how the government tracks COVID vaccine harms, review a recent meningitis outbreak in the UK, cover the latest on measles and avian flu, and answer a listener's question about the risk of catching COVID in public.&nbsp;Plus, we'll bring you the latest respiratory&nbsp;illness update and another public health history segment honoring Women's History Month.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/early-official-covid-death-tolls-may-have-undercounted-19">Early official COVID death tolls may have undercounted by 19%</a> (CIDRAP) <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/childhood-vaccines/viewpoint-uncertain-victories-mustn-t-distract-us-staying-focused-defending">Viewpoint: Uncertain victories mustn’t distract us from staying focused on defending health</a> (CIDRAP and The Vaccine Integrity Project) <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/new-covid-variant-immune-escape-potential-confirmed-us-22-other-countries">New COVID variant with immune escape potential confirmed in US, 22 other countries </a>(CIDRAP)&nbsp; <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/avian-influenza-bird-flu/california-records-avian-flu-northern-elephant-seals">California records avian flu in northern elephant seals </a>(CIDRAP) <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qjzGG6ya9M">All My Babies </a>(Georgia Department of Health) &nbsp; Resources for vaccine and public health advocacy: <a href="https://www.voicesforvaccines.org/get-involved/">Voices for Vaccines</a> <a href="https://familiesfightingflu.org/take-action/">Families Fighting Flu</a> <a href="https://vaccinateyourfamily.org/get-involved/">Vaccinate Your Family</a> <a href="https://shotatlife.org/take-action/">Shot@Life</a> <a href="https://aspr.hhs.gov/MRC/Pages/index.aspx">Medical Reserve Corps</a> Learn more about the <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/vaccine-integrity-project">Vaccine Integrity Project</a> <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/osterholm-update-covid-19">MORE EPISODES</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/support-cidrap">SUPPORT THIS PODCAST</a> &nbsp; Music: "Beauty Flow" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

Episode 204: Holding the Tools 12.03.2026

In "Holding the Tools" Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall dive into the latest COVID, flu and RSV activity, discuss the surge in norovirus cases, and provide an update on measles outbreaks across the Americas. Dr. Osterholm also shares the latest work from CIDRAP’s Vaccine Integrity Project, and honors a couple of different public health heroes for Women’s History Month.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/childhood-vaccines/viewpoint-threats-gavi-mean-placing-ideology-over-saving-lives">Viewpoint: Threats to Gavi mean placing ideology over saving lives</a>&nbsp;(CIDRAP)&nbsp; <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/antimicrobial-stewardship/dentists-still-write-millions-prescriptions-year-antibiotic-life">Dentists still write millions of prescriptions a year for an antibiotic with life-threatening risks</a>&nbsp;(CIDRAP) &nbsp; Resources for vaccine and public health advocacy: <a href="https://www.voicesforvaccines.org/get-involved/">Voices for Vaccines</a> <a href="https://familiesfightingflu.org/take-action/">Families Fighting Flu</a> <a href="https://vaccinateyourfamily.org/get-involved/">Vaccinate Your Family</a> <a href="https://shotatlife.org/take-action/">Shot@Life</a> <a href="https://aspr.hhs.gov/MRC/Pages/index.aspx">Medical Reserve Corps</a> Learn more about the <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/vaccine-integrity-project">Vaccine Integrity Project</a> <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/osterholm-update-covid-19">MORE EPISODES</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/support-cidrap">SUPPORT THIS PODCAST</a> &nbsp; Music: "Beauty Flow" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

Episode 203: Somebody to Lean On 26.02.2026

In "Somebody to Lean On," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss vaccine updates including the FDA’s back-and-forth on the Moderna vaccine, leadership shake-ups at institutions like the CDC, and the current state of measles in the US. Dr. Osterholm will also bring you a respiratory virus update, including current vaccine guidance for flu, COVID and RSV.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/influenza-vaccines/cidrap-op-ed-fda-refused-review-flu-vaccine-contrary-evidence-now-agency">Op-Ed: The FDA refused to review a flu vaccine, contrary to evidence. Now the agency reversed itself</a>&nbsp;(CIDRAP)&nbsp; <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/adult-non-flu-vaccines/state-us-vaccine-policy">The State of US Vaccine Policy</a>&nbsp;(CIDRAP and Unbiased Science) <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/antimicrobial-stewardship/dentists-still-write-millions-prescriptions-year-antibiotic-life">Dentists still write millions of prescriptions a year for an antibiotic with life-threatening risks</a>&nbsp;(CIDRAP) &nbsp; Resources for vaccine and public health advocacy: <a href="https://www.voicesforvaccines.org/get-involved/">Voices for Vaccines</a> <a href="https://familiesfightingflu.org/take-action/">Families Fighting Flu</a> <a href="https://vaccinateyourfamily.org/get-involved/">Vaccinate Your Family</a> <a href="https://shotatlife.org/take-action/">Shot@Life</a> <a href="https://aspr.hhs.gov/MRC/Pages/index.aspx">Medical Reserve Corps</a> Learn more about the <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/vaccine-integrity-project">Vaccine Integrity Project</a> <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/osterholm-update-covid-19">MORE EPISODES</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/support-cidrap">SUPPORT THIS PODCAST</a> &nbsp; Music: "Beauty Flow" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

Episode 202: The Bells Still Ring 12.02.2026

In "The Bells Still Ring," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss a recent poll on Americans’ trust in vaccine information from the CDC, the measles outbreaks in immigration detention centers, and explain the controversy over a US-funded hepatitis B vaccine trial in Africa. Dr. Osterholm will also bring you some good news on US funding for global health and answer an ID Query about Nipah virus. <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/interactive/2025/measles-vaccine-schools-outbreaks-public-health/">Interactive vaccine map for US schools</a> (Washington Post)&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/large-share-older-us-adults-haven-t-had-recent-flu-or-covid-vaccine-poll-finds">Large share of older US adults haven’t had a recent flu or COVID vaccine, poll finds</a> (CIDRAP News) <a href="https://www.texastribune.org/2026/02/07/ice-facility-el-paso-tuberculosis/">Two cases of tuberculosis detected at El Paso ICE facility</a> (The Texas Tribune)&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://www.aclu.org/news/immigrants-rights/detained-immigrants-detail-physical-abuse-and-inhumane-conditions-at-largest-immigration-detention-center-in-the-u-s">Detained Immigrants Detail Physical Abuse and Inhumane Conditions at Largest Immigration Detention Center in the U.S.</a> (ACLU)&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://www.startribune.com/no-humanity-detainees-describe-conditions-inside-whipple-federal-building/601566788">‘No Humanity’: Detainees describe conditions inside Whipple Federal Building</a> (The Star Tribune)&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Resources for vaccine and public health advocacy: <a href="https://www.voicesforvaccines.org/get-involved/">Voices for Vaccines</a> <a href="https://familiesfightingflu.org/take-action/">Families Fighting Flu</a> <a href="https://vaccinateyourfamily.org/get-involved/">Vaccinate Your Family</a> <a href="https://shotatlife.org/take-action/">Shot@Life</a> <a href="https://aspr.hhs.gov/MRC/Pages/index.aspx">Medical Reserve Corps</a> Learn more about the <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/vaccine-integrity-project">Vaccine Integrity Project</a> <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/osterholm-update-covid-19">MORE EPISODES</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/support-cidrap">SUPPORT THIS PODCAST</a> &nbsp; Music: "Beauty Flow" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

Episode 201: The Twilight Zone of Immunization 29.01.2026

In "The Twilight Zone of Immunization," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss recent comments from CDC officials about measles, the US withdrawal from the WHO, and the latest mpox news. Dr. Osterholm also shares an update on this winter respiratory virus season and discusses the challenges that families are facing in accessing healthcare amid immigration enforcement surges in Minnesota. <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/influenza-general/minnesota-residents-delay-medical-care-fear-encountering-ice">Minnesota residents delay medical care for fear of encountering ICE</a> (CIDRAP) <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/sites/default/files/page-files/Jan2726CIDRAPrelease-Unbiased%20Sci-TEC-Partnership.pdf">Press Release: CIDRAP launches new partnerships to support independent, evidence-based vaccine information</a> (CIDRAP) &nbsp; Resources for vaccine and public health advocacy: <a href="https://www.voicesforvaccines.org/get-involved/">Voices for Vaccines</a> <a href="https://familiesfightingflu.org/take-action/">Families Fighting Flu</a> <a href="https://vaccinateyourfamily.org/get-involved/">Vaccinate Your Family</a> <a href="https://shotatlife.org/take-action/">Shot@Life</a> <a href="https://aspr.hhs.gov/MRC/Pages/index.aspx">Medical Reserve Corps</a> Learn more about the <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/vaccine-integrity-project">Vaccine Integrity Project</a> <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/osterholm-update-covid-19">MORE EPISODES</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/support-cidrap">SUPPORT THIS PODCAST</a> &nbsp; Music: "Beauty Flow" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

Episode 200: A Moment Among Moments 15.01.2026

In the 200th episode of the Osterholm Update, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss recent changes to the childhood immunization schedule, the latest data on this year's influenza season, and an update on CIDRAP's Vaccine Integrity Project. Osterholm Update producers Dr. Sydney Redepenning and Elise Holmes also join to discuss this milestone episode and reflect on how the podcast has evolved over the years.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/childhood-vaccines/cms-stop-requiring-states-report-childhood-vaccination-levels">CMS to stop requiring states to report childhood vaccination levels</a> (Liz Szabo, CIDRAP News) <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/interactive/2025/measles-vaccine-schools-outbreaks-public-health/">U.S. vaccination rates are plunging. Look up where your school stands</a> (Weber et al., The Washington Post) Resources for vaccine and public health advocacy: <a href="https://www.voicesforvaccines.org/get-involved/">Voices for Vaccines</a> <a href="https://familiesfightingflu.org/take-action/">Families Fighting Flu</a> <a href="https://vaccinateyourfamily.org/get-involved/">Vaccinate Your Family</a> <a href="https://shotatlife.org/take-action/">Shot@Life</a> <a href="https://aspr.hhs.gov/MRC/Pages/index.aspx">Medical Reserve Corps</a> Learn more about the <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/vaccine-integrity-project">Vaccine Integrity Project</a> <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/osterholm-update-covid-19">MORE EPISODES</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/support-cidrap">SUPPORT THIS PODCAST</a>

Episode 199: Flu Takes Charge 02.01.2026

In "Flu Takes Charge" Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall give us an update on the emerging flu season, Dr. Osterholm covers a new poll that shows fewer Americans are willing to recommend the MMR vaccine, and we'll hear about the Vaccine Integrity Project's latest video. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5ZFnEfs9w0">Protecting Vaccine Integrity in 2025: Evidence, Access, and Public Trust</a> Resources for vaccine and public health advocacy: <a href="https://www.voicesforvaccines.org/get-involved/">Voices for Vaccines</a> <a href="https://familiesfightingflu.org/take-action/">Families Fighting Flu</a> <a href="https://vaccinateyourfamily.org/get-involved/">Vaccinate Your Family</a> <a href="https://shotatlife.org/take-action/">Shot@Life</a> <a href="https://aspr.hhs.gov/MRC/Pages/index.aspx">Medical Reserve Corps</a> Learn more about the <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/vaccine-integrity-project">Vaccine Integrity Project</a> <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/osterholm-update-covid-19">MORE EPISODES</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/support-cidrap">SUPPORT THIS PODCAST</a>

Episode 198: Gaps in the Safety Net 18.12.2025

In "Gaps in the Safety Net" Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss why we shouldn’t compare other countries’ vaccine schedules to the US schedule. Dr. Osterholm continues to cover the recent infant botulism outbreak, and he answers an ID Query about New World Screwworm. Resources for vaccine and public health advocacy: <a href="https://www.voicesforvaccines.org/get-involved/">Voices for Vaccines</a> <a href="https://familiesfightingflu.org/take-action/">Families Fighting Flu</a> <a href="https://vaccinateyourfamily.org/get-involved/">Vaccinate Your Family</a> <a href="https://shotatlife.org/take-action/">Shot@Life</a> <a href="https://aspr.hhs.gov/MRC/Pages/index.aspx">Medical Reserve Corps</a> Learn more about the <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/vaccine-integrity-project">Vaccine Integrity Project</a> <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/osterholm-update-covid-19">MORE EPISODES</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/support-cidrap">SUPPORT THIS PODCAST</a>

Episode 198: Gaps in the Safety Net 18.12.2025

In "Gaps in the Safety Net" Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss why we shouldn’t compare other countries’ vaccine schedules to the US schedule. Dr. Osterholm continues to cover the recent infant botulism outbreak, and he answers an ID Query about New World Screwworm. Resources for vaccine and public health advocacy: <a href="https://www.voicesforvaccines.org/get-involved/">Voices for Vaccines</a> <a href="https://familiesfightingflu.org/take-action/">Families Fighting Flu</a> <a href="https://vaccinateyourfamily.org/get-involved/">Vaccinate Your Family</a> <a href="https://shotatlife.org/take-action/">Shot@Life</a> <a href="https://aspr.hhs.gov/MRC/Pages/index.aspx">Medical Reserve Corps</a> Learn more about the <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/vaccine-integrity-project">Vaccine Integrity Project</a> <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/osterholm-update-covid-19">MORE EPISODES</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/support-cidrap">SUPPORT THIS PODCAST</a>

Special Episode: ACIP's Hepatitis B Vaccine Decisions 08.12.2025

In this special&nbsp;episode of the podcast, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the ACIP's recent decision to end universal hepatitis B birth dose recommendations and the impact it will have on public health. Noted articles: <a href="https://medium.com/@jsteier_29203/and-what-have-we-done-43b40dc32de1">…And What Have We Done?</a> <a href="https://www.thebulwark.com/p/this-is-what-it-looks-like-when-rfk-wins-acip-cdc-advisory-committee-hepatitis-vaccine">This Is What It Looks Like When RFK Jr. Wins</a> Resources for vaccine and public health advocacy: <a href="https://www.voicesforvaccines.org/get-involved/">Voices for Vaccines</a> <a href="https://familiesfightingflu.org/take-action/">Families Fighting Flu</a> <a href="https://vaccinateyourfamily.org/get-involved/">Vaccinate Your Family</a> <a href="https://shotatlife.org/take-action/">Shot@Life</a> <a href="https://aspr.hhs.gov/MRC/Pages/index.aspx">Medical Reserve Corps</a> Learn more about the <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/vaccine-integrity-project">Vaccine Integrity Project</a> <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/osterholm-update-covid-19">MORE EPISODES</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/support-cidrap">SUPPORT THIS PODCAST</a>

Episode 197: Fork in the Road 04.12.2025

In "Fork in the Road" Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the changes to the CDC's vaccines and autism page and this week's meeting of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Dr. Osterholm also covers the recent infant botulism outbreak and Chris answers an ID Query about possible C. difficile vaccines. <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/childhood-vaccines/after-unprecedented-autism-vaccine-messaging-change-scientists-advocates-say-cdc">After unprecedented autism-vaccine messaging change, scientists, advocates say CDC no longer trustworthy</a> <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/childhood-vaccines/new-review-finds-no-evidence-support-delaying-universal-hepatitis-b-birth-dose">New review finds no evidence to support delaying universal hepatitis B birth-dose vaccination</a> Resources for vaccine and public health advocacy: <a href="https://www.voicesforvaccines.org/get-involved/">Voices for Vaccines</a> <a href="https://familiesfightingflu.org/take-action/">Families Fighting Flu</a> <a href="https://vaccinateyourfamily.org/get-involved/">Vaccinate Your Family</a> <a href="https://shotatlife.org/take-action/">Shot@Life</a> <a href="https://aspr.hhs.gov/MRC/Pages/index.aspx">Medical Reserve Corps</a> Learn more about the <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/vaccine-integrity-project">Vaccine Integrity Project</a> <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/osterholm-update-covid-19">MORE EPISODES</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/support-cidrap">SUPPORT THIS PODCAST</a>

Episode 196: Flu Shifts: Why Vaccines Still Matter 20.11.2025

In "Flu Shifts: Why Vaccines Still Matter," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall review the latest trends and flu and how this year's vaccine compares to the circulating strains. Dr. Osterholm also discusses H5N1 impact on mammals in Antarctica and answers an ID Query about infant botulism. &nbsp; Resources for vaccine and public health advocacy: <a href="https://www.voicesforvaccines.org/get-involved/">Voices for Vaccines</a> <a href="https://familiesfightingflu.org/take-action/">Families Fighting Flu</a> <a href="https://vaccinateyourfamily.org/get-involved/">Vaccinate Your Family</a> <a href="https://shotatlife.org/take-action/">Shot@Life</a> <a href="https://aspr.hhs.gov/MRC/Pages/index.aspx">Medical Reserve Corps</a> Learn more about the <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/vaccine-integrity-project">Vaccine Integrity Project</a> <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/osterholm-update-covid-19">MORE EPISODES</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/support-cidrap">SUPPORT THIS PODCAST</a>

Episode 195: We Can Make a Difference 30.10.2025

NOTE: In order to align our schedule with the holidays, we will not be releasing an episode on 11/13. We'll be back with our next episode on 11/20 and will resume our biweekly release schedule. In "We Can Make a Difference," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the recent publication from CIDRAP's Vaccine Integrity Project, an upcoming collaboration between CIDRAP and NEJM Evidence, and the latest measles and respiratory virus data. Dr. Osterholm also answers an ID Query about how the government shutdown is impacting public health surveillance and shares another "This Week in Public Health History" segment. <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMsa2514268">Updated Evidence for Covid-19, RSV, and Influenza Vaccines for 2025–2026</a> (Scott et al., New England Journal of Medicine) <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lh5hP6zcVrs">Vaccine Integrity Project - Response to HHS claims about vaccines (Oct 2025)</a> Resources for vaccine and public health advocacy: <a href="https://www.voicesforvaccines.org/get-involved/">Voices for Vaccines</a> <a href="https://familiesfightingflu.org/take-action/">Families Fighting Flu</a> <a href="https://vaccinateyourfamily.org/get-involved/">Vaccinate Your Family</a> <a href="https://shotatlife.org/take-action/">Shot@Life</a> <a href="https://aspr.hhs.gov/MRC/Pages/index.aspx">Medical Reserve Corps</a> Learn more about the <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/vaccine-integrity-project">Vaccine Integrity Project</a> <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/osterholm-update-covid-19">MORE EPISODES</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/support-cidrap">SUPPORT THIS PODCAST</a>

Episode 194: Bending Not Breaking 16.10.2025

In "Bending Not Breaking," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss recent layoffs and layoff reversals at the CDC, comments from the administration on the MMR vaccine, and the latest respiratory virus data. Dr. Osterholm also shares an update on pertussis cases and answers an ID Query about herd immunity. Resources for vaccine and public health advocacy: <a href="https://www.voicesforvaccines.org/get-involved/">Voices for Vaccines</a> <a href="https://familiesfightingflu.org/take-action/">Families Fighting Flu</a> <a href="https://vaccinateyourfamily.org/get-involved/">Vaccinate Your Family</a> <a href="https://shotatlife.org/take-action/">Shot@Life</a> <a href="https://aspr.hhs.gov/MRC/Pages/index.aspx">Medical Reserve Corps</a> Learn more about the <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/vaccine-integrity-project">Vaccine Integrity Project</a> <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/osterholm-update-covid-19">MORE EPISODES</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/support-cidrap">SUPPORT THIS PODCAST</a>

Episode 193: Fevers, Furloughs, and Falsehoods 02.10.2025

In "Fevers, Furloughs, and Falsehoods," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall break down the CDC’s recent ACIP meeting and the ongoing uncertainty around updated vaccine recommendations. Dr. Osterhom discusses state-level differences in vaccine access, possible changes to the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, and reviews the latest data on COVID-19, Ebola, and STIs. Dr. Osterholm also answers an ID Query on the studies associating acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) use during pregnancy and autism, and share the latest installment of This Week in Public Health History on the 2001 anthrax attacks. <a href="https://www.kff.org/covid-19/tracking-state-actions-on-vaccine-policy-and-access/">Tracking State Actions on Vaccine Policy and Access (KFF)</a> <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/vaccine-integrity-project/viewpoint-four-tips-understanding-week-s-acip-meeting">Vaccine Integrity Project Viewpoint: Four tips for understanding this week’s ACIP meeting</a> <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/vaccine-integrity-project/immunization-info">Vaccine Integrity Project - Fall Immunization Information</a> &nbsp; Resources for vaccine and public health advocacy: <a href="https://www.voicesforvaccines.org/get-involved/">Voices for Vaccines</a> <a href="https://familiesfightingflu.org/take-action/">Families Fighting Flu</a> <a href="https://vaccinateyourfamily.org/get-involved/">Vaccinate Your Family</a> <a href="https://shotatlife.org/take-action/">Shot@Life</a> <a href="https://aspr.hhs.gov/MRC/Pages/index.aspx">Medical Reserve Corps</a> Learn more about the <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/vaccine-integrity-project">Vaccine Integrity Project</a> <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/osterholm-update-covid-19">MORE EPISODES</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/support-cidrap">SUPPORT THIS PODCAST</a>