COVID-19 vaccines for kids are mired in uncertainty amid conflicting federal guidance

It’s August, and parents and caregivers are frantically preparing their kids for a new school year by buying supplies, filling out forms and meeting teachers. This year, many parents also…

Shingles vaccination rates rose during the COVID-19 pandemic, but major gaps remain for underserved groups

Vaccination against shingles increased among adults age 50 and older in the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic, but not equally across all population groups. That’s the key finding from a…

WHO is finalizing a new treaty that prepares for the next pandemic − but the US isn’t signing

On March 20, 2025, members of the World Health Organization adopted the world’s first pandemic agreement, following three years of “intensive negotiations launched by governments in response to the devastating…

Whooping cough is making a comeback, but the vaccine provides powerful protection

Whooping cough, a bacterial infection that can be especially dangerous for babies and young children, is on the rise. Already in 2025 the U.S. has recorded 8,485 cases. That’s compared…

How bird flu differs from seasonal flu − an infectious disease researcher explains

The flu sickens millions of people in the U.S. every year, and the past year has been particularly tough. Although infections are trending downward, the Centers for Disease Control and…

Measles can ravage the immune system and brain, causing long-term damage – a virologist explains

The measles outbreak that began in west Texas in late January 2025 continues to grow, with 400 confirmed cases in Texas and more than 50 in New Mexico and Oklahoma…

Measles cases are on the rise − here’s how to make sure you’re protected

The measles outbreak that started in Texas in late January continues to grow. As of March 18, 2025, confirmed cases in the outbreak, which now spans Texas, New Mexico and…

Simple strategies can boost vaccination rates for adults over 65 − new study

Knowing which vaccines older adults should get and hearing a clear recommendation from their health care provider about why a particular vaccine is important strongly motivated them to get vaccinated.…

Study confirms safety of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy

Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Although coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is no longer classified as a pandemic, a significant number of infections continue to be reported globally. The World Health Organization…

Study reveals best timing for getting the RSV vaccine during pregnancy to protect newborns

Credit: CC0 Public Domain Current guidelines recommend that pregnant people receive a vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)—which typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms in most adults but can be deadly…