LATEST NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
CDC’s Flu Vaccination Recommendations Published
CDC has released its 2025–26 flu vaccination recommendations, urging everyone 6 months and older to get vaccinated, ideally by the end of October, though efforts should continue while flu viruses circulate. Updates include FDA approval of FluMist for self- or caregiver administration and expanded use of Flublok for ages 9 and up.
ACIP advises single-dose, thimerosal-free formulations for children, pregnant women, and adults. Three vaccines remain preferentially recommended for adults 65+: Fluzone High-Dose, Flublok, and Fluad. Annual flu vaccination is critical to reducing illness, hospitalization, and death, with health care providers playing a key role in patient education. Read more from CDC here.
CDC COCA Call: Update on Measles Cases and Outbreaks in the US
Public health communicators are invited to join CDC’s upcoming COCA Call, Clinician Update on Measles Cases and Outbreaks in the United States, on Thursday, September 11, 2025, from 2:00–3:00 PM ET. This session will provide the latest epidemiology of measles, which has reached record-breaking case numbers this year despite elimination in 2000.
Presenters will address common clinical questions on preventing, identifying, and testing for measles, while also reviewing current MMR vaccination recommendations and considerations. For those unable to attend live, a closed-captioned video and transcript will be posted on the COCA Call webpage the following week. Join here.
Chagas Disease, or Deadly "Kissing Bug" Disease, has Spread in the U.S
Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi parasites transmitted by triatomine “kissing bugs,” is increasingly recognized as a potential public health concern in the United States. The CDC reports locally acquired human cases in eight states, including Texas, California, and Arizona, with the insect found in 32 states.
Infection can occur when bug feces enter the body through bites or mucous membranes, leading to acute symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and eye swelling, or chronic heart and digestive complications. With no vaccine available, prevention focuses on reducing exposure through insect control, protective clothing, and safe food practices. Read more from CBS here.
FEATURED TOPICS
Ultra-Processed Food Consumption is Down a Bit, But Still More Than 50% of U.S. Diet
New CDC data show that while U.S. consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) has declined slightly, they still account for more than half of Americans’ daily calories — and nearly 62% for children. UPFs, which are typically high in added sugars, fats, and preservatives, are linked to increased risk for chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes.
The findings highlight the continued challenge of shifting nutrition habits, particularly among youth. For public health communicators, the data underscore the importance of clear, evidence-based messaging that helps communities make healthier food choices and supports efforts to improve dietary patterns nationwide. Read more from NPR here.
Messaging Matters: Communication Strategies to Combat Mis- and Disinformation for Reproductive Well-Being
A recent session from the Contraceptive Access Initiative underscored the growing threat mis- and disinformation poses to one of the most widely supported public health issues: access to contraception and fertility care. Despite broad, nonpartisan agreement, misleading narratives about contraception, IVF, and pregnancy have fueled public confusion and policy polarization.
To support accurate, science-based communication, experts highlighted challenges journalists and public health communicators face—including limited access to credible sources and pressure from politicized narratives. The session introduced a new resource guide grounded in ACOG and U.S. Surgeon General recommendations, offering tools, definitions, and messaging strategies to combat disinformation and protect reproductive well-being. Find the resource from Contraceptive Access Institute here.
Rabies on the Rise in U.S.: What to Know
Public health officials report a rising threat of rabies in the U.S., with recent outbreaks in wild animals such as raccoons and bats, including new cases in areas like Long Island and Michigan. Rabies, nearly 100% fatal once symptoms appear, spreads mainly through bites or scratches from infected animals.
Because bat bites may go unnoticed, public health authorities advise contacting officials if exposure is suspected. Prevention focuses on keeping pets and livestock vaccinated, avoiding contact with unknown animals, and promptly seeking post-exposure vaccination when necessary. Awareness and timely action remain critical to protecting communities from this deadly virus. Read more from The Hill here.
New CDC Campaign “Free Mind” Tackles Youth Mental Health and Substance Use
The CDC’s Free Mind campaign takes a creative, youth-focused approach to address the critical link between mental health and substance use. Launched July 21, the campaign offers a range of engaging tools—fact sheets, social media graphics, video PSAs, an interactive graphic novel, and a forthcoming card game—to help youth and their caregivers understand how mental health challenges can increase the risk of substance misuse and overdose.
Designed to spark honest conversations and provide healthier coping strategies, Free Mind promotes a blueprint for better mental well-being. Public health communicators can learn more during the campaign’s live webinar on July 24.
