All articles tagged with #immunizations
An Idaho mother, Andrea Shaw, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder after authorities allege she suffocated her 18‑month‑old twins, who she claimed died following routine immunizations; the case ties Shaw to anti‑vaccine activism and to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s network, which promoted her vaccine‑death claims.
Texas public and private schools report declining vaccination rates for required immunizations, with statewide increases in exemptions; the Texas Tribune has published a publicly accessible, searchable database showing 2025-26 coverage by district and changes from the prior year, noting campus-level variation and differences by vaccine.
A 6-year-old Wisconsin girl was bitten by a rabid bat while playing outside her Tigerton home. Her brothers knocked the bat away and then killed it with a Braveheart-inspired makeshift sword. The bat tested positive for rabies, and Cece Kale received life-saving rabies shots within 48 hours. Health officials warn that rabies is nearly always fatal without treatment and emphasize vaccinating pets and avoiding wild animals; the case marks Shawano-Menominee County’s first rabies case of the year.
Nassau County health officials confirmed a laboratory-tested measles case in an unvaccinated child under five—the county’s first since 2024—triggering a state-wide investigation and urging anyone possibly exposed who has symptoms to seek medical care. Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious complications; officials say two doses of the MMR vaccine are the best prevention. Nassau and Suffolk counties have about 82% of residents with at least one MMR dose (well below the 95% herd immunity target); Suffolk reports no current measles cases, while Nassau continues monitoring the situation.
Connecticut’s Department of Public Health endorsed the American Academy of Pediatrics’ 2026 immunization schedule for children and teens and said the state will not adopt the CDC’s recent reductions in universal vaccines, maintaining policies guided by evidence-based research to support health and simplify decision-making for families and clinicians.
The US has reduced its recommended vaccines for children, focusing only on the most essential, which has sparked criticism from medical experts who warn it could lead to lower vaccination rates and increased disease risk.
AHIP affirms its commitment to providing affordable access to vaccines, including COVID-19 and influenza vaccines, with no cost-sharing through 2026, emphasizing evidence-based coverage decisions despite regulatory environments.
Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, former CDC immunizations chief, resigned in protest over the leadership changes at HHS under Robert F. Kennedy Jr., expressing concerns that the agency is moving towards undermining vaccination efforts and harming public health.
Colorado public school districts require five key vaccinations for K-12 students to prevent disease spread, with exemptions available for medical, religious, or personal reasons. Vaccination rates have improved in Durango, reaching near herd immunity levels, and the district emphasizes the importance of immunizations for student health and uninterrupted learning.
RFK Jr. has disrupted America's long-standing vaccine policies by dismissing expert panels and questioning vaccine recommendations, leading to potential access issues and a shift in public health norms, which could result in the resurgence of preventable diseases and increased vaccine skepticism.
St. Luke's is introducing new immunizations to protect against flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Last year, these respiratory viruses peaked during the fall and winter seasons in Idaho. St. Luke's and Idaho health authorities are urging everyone to get vaccinated to safeguard their health and the community. The RSV vaccine, Abrysvo, will be administered starting November 1, 2023, for adults over 60 and unborn babies. Beyfortus RSV antibody immunization will be given to infants at high risk of severe RSV. The updated COVID-19 vaccine is available for adults, and flu shots can be obtained at various locations. Good hygiene practices and boosting the immune system are also recommended.
The CDC has announced that it will no longer distribute COVID-19 vaccination record cards, but recommends keeping existing cards and states' health departments can provide records upon request. Pharmacy chains like Walgreens suggest bringing the card to future appointments for booster updates, but it is not required.
The Rhode Island Department of Health is warning residents about an "unprecedented bat season" and urging vigilance due to an increase in people needing rabies immunizations. Bats are one of the most commonly reported rabid animals in the US, and it is impossible to tell if a bat is rabid just by looking at it. The Health Department advises residents to call for guidance on capturing and testing bats found in their homes.
Health officials in Michigan are urging parents to prioritize childhood immunizations as the state is experiencing some of its lowest vaccination rates in a decade. The vaccination rate for toddlers is at 66.5% for recommended doses in the primary series, with less than 70% in over half of the state's counties. Higher immunization rates help reduce the risk of outbreaks of communicable diseases such as measles, mumps, pertussis, and chickenpox. Trust in vaccines hasn't declined overall, but rates have decreased since the COVID-19 pandemic. Health officials emphasize that these diseases are real and circulate in communities, and vaccines are safe and effective.
The Clinton County Health Department in New York is reminding parents that children must be immunized to attend schools, as some kids fell behind on their scheduled immunizations during the pandemic. For families who can't get an appointment before the deadline or don't have health insurance, the department is offering clinics on various dates to help ensure children are vaccinated before the school year begins.