René F. Najera, MPH, DrPH, FCPP
@epiren.bsky.social
Father. Husband. Epidemiologist. Instructor at GMU and JHBSPH. Fellow at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia. Believer in Truth, Justice, and a Better Tomorrow. All opinions, my own.
Learn more: https://linktr.ee/rene.najera
Learn more: https://linktr.ee/rene.najera
Experts warn of a mismatched flu vaccine strain for the 2025-26 season, with H3N2 subclade K emerging. Surveillance gaps due to CDC absence raise uncertainty, but vaccines still offer some protection.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/influenza-va...
www.cidrap.umn.edu/influenza-va...
With an absent CDC and mismatched 'subclade K' flu strain, experts face upcoming season with uncertainty
NIAID / Flickr cc
www.cidrap.umn.edu
November 14, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Experts warn of a mismatched flu vaccine strain for the 2025-26 season, with H3N2 subclade K emerging. Surveillance gaps due to CDC absence raise uncertainty, but vaccines still offer some protection.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/influenza-va...
www.cidrap.umn.edu/influenza-va...
Aedes aegypti, the mosquito that spreads dengue and other viruses, is now thriving in Colorado's mountain region due to warmer winters—conditions once too harsh for its survival. Climate shifts are helping this invasive species expand. insideclimatenews.org/news/1011202...
A Disease-Carrying Mosquito Has Landed in the Rocky Mountains Where It Historically Couldn’t Survive - Inside Climate News
The Aedes aegypti mosquito that can carry dengue was thought to be too reliant on a hot and wet climate to survive in the Mountain West. But now, a population is thriving in Western Colorado.
insideclimatenews.org
November 14, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Aedes aegypti, the mosquito that spreads dengue and other viruses, is now thriving in Colorado's mountain region due to warmer winters—conditions once too harsh for its survival. Climate shifts are helping this invasive species expand. insideclimatenews.org/news/1011202...
Nearly 2 in 5 Houston households face food insecurity, impacting health and access to care. Women and Hispanics are hit hardest, with many forced to choose between essentials. Kinder Institute survey highlights this urgent issue. www.axios.com/local/housto...
Food insecurity takes a toll on Houston's health , per new Kinder survey
Houston
www.axios.com
November 14, 2025 at 1:35 PM
Nearly 2 in 5 Houston households face food insecurity, impacting health and access to care. Women and Hispanics are hit hardest, with many forced to choose between essentials. Kinder Institute survey highlights this urgent issue. www.axios.com/local/housto...
South Africa has begun clinical trials for Africa’s first locally manufactured oral cholera vaccine, aiming to boost regional self-sufficiency as cholera outbreaks and vaccine shortages challenge the continent. apanews.net/south-africa...
South Africa begins trials for continent’s first cholera vaccine
South African pharmaceutical company receives regulatory approval to begin clinical trials for continent’s first fully locally manufactured oral cholera vaccine.
apanews.net
November 14, 2025 at 12:17 AM
South Africa has begun clinical trials for Africa’s first locally manufactured oral cholera vaccine, aiming to boost regional self-sufficiency as cholera outbreaks and vaccine shortages challenge the continent. apanews.net/south-africa...
A recent study found that flu vaccine effectiveness depends on both the type of vaccine and the recipient’s age, with high-dose vaccines working best for older adults and cell-based options outperforming standard flu shots in younger adults. Source: news.aai.org/2025/11/12/s...
Study Reveals that Flu Vaccine Performance Varies by Age - AAI News
New research comparing four different flu vaccines found that the ability protect against infection varied greatly depending on the vaccine type and age.
news.aai.org
November 13, 2025 at 8:02 PM
A recent study found that flu vaccine effectiveness depends on both the type of vaccine and the recipient’s age, with high-dose vaccines working best for older adults and cell-based options outperforming standard flu shots in younger adults. Source: news.aai.org/2025/11/12/s...
Over 200 years ago, Jenner’s Hut became the world’s first vaccine clinic, shaping the fight against smallpox. Today, this historic landmark in England faces disrepair, reminding us of the roots of modern medicine. www.washingtonpost.com/history/2025...
www.washingtonpost.com
November 13, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Over 200 years ago, Jenner’s Hut became the world’s first vaccine clinic, shaping the fight against smallpox. Today, this historic landmark in England faces disrepair, reminding us of the roots of modern medicine. www.washingtonpost.com/history/2025...
Diphtheria is making a comeback in Europe, driven by missed diagnoses—especially of skin infections—and declining adult booster coverage, even as childhood vaccination rates remain strong. Doctors are urged to stay vigilant. Source: www.medscape.com/viewarticle/...
Missed Diagnoses Fuel Diphtheria’s Return in Europe
Health authorities urge clinicians to check vaccination status and watch for chronic or worsening wounds, especially in travellers or vulnerable patients.
www.medscape.com
November 13, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Diphtheria is making a comeback in Europe, driven by missed diagnoses—especially of skin infections—and declining adult booster coverage, even as childhood vaccination rates remain strong. Doctors are urged to stay vigilant. Source: www.medscape.com/viewarticle/...
A new bill in Florida could let people sue vaccine makers if they're harmed by vaccines promoted in state ads. No similar bill for the many more hurt by unregulated remedies. www.floridatrend.com/articles/202...
Florida lawmakers offer a bill that could lead to lawsuits over vaccine ads
The measure would allow people to sue vaccine manufacturers if they are harmed by vaccines advertised in the state.
www.floridatrend.com
November 13, 2025 at 12:17 AM
A new bill in Florida could let people sue vaccine makers if they're harmed by vaccines promoted in state ads. No similar bill for the many more hurt by unregulated remedies. www.floridatrend.com/articles/202...
Reposted by René F. Najera, MPH, DrPH, FCPP
Over 200 years ago, Jenner’s Hut became the world’s first vaccine clinic, shaping the fight against smallpox. Today, this historic landmark in England faces disrepair, reminding us of the roots of modern medicine. www.washingtonpost.com/history/2025...
www.washingtonpost.com
November 12, 2025 at 8:33 PM
Over 200 years ago, Jenner’s Hut became the world’s first vaccine clinic, shaping the fight against smallpox. Today, this historic landmark in England faces disrepair, reminding us of the roots of modern medicine. www.washingtonpost.com/history/2025...
The Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy is stepping up to fill gaps left by recent CDC changes, providing science-based vaccine guidance and health alerts to support informed public-health decisions.
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Vaccine advice based on science: US centre fills gaps in public-health information
Epidemiologist Michael Osterholm talks about efforts by the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy to inform vaccine recommendations and maintain public-health awareness during the Trump…
www.nature.com
November 12, 2025 at 7:01 PM
The Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy is stepping up to fill gaps left by recent CDC changes, providing science-based vaccine guidance and health alerts to support informed public-health decisions.
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Uruguay impulsa la “Acción País por la Salud Mental” priorizando el abordaje comunitario y la descentralización para fortalecer la prevención, ampliar equipos y garantizar atención inclusiva en todo el país.
grupormultimedio.com/uruguay-lanz...
grupormultimedio.com/uruguay-lanz...
Uruguay lanza la “Acción País por la Salud Mental” con foco en el abordaje comunitario y la descentralización - Diario La R
El Ministerio de Salud Pública (MSP) presentó este lunes 10 de noviembre la iniciativa “Acción País por la Salud Mental”.
grupormultimedio.com
November 12, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Uruguay impulsa la “Acción País por la Salud Mental” priorizando el abordaje comunitario y la descentralización para fortalecer la prevención, ampliar equipos y garantizar atención inclusiva en todo el país.
grupormultimedio.com/uruguay-lanz...
grupormultimedio.com/uruguay-lanz...
The number of whooping cough cases in Texas is the highest it’s been in 11 years
The number of whooping cough cases in Texas is the highest it’s been in 11 years
More than 3,500 cases of pertussis, or whooping cough, cases have been reported in Texas so far this year, already reaching a 11-year high even though two more highly infectious months are left in…
ground.news
November 12, 2025 at 1:35 PM
The number of whooping cough cases in Texas is the highest it’s been in 11 years
El entorno digital impacta la salud mental de niños y adolescentes: el 9% ha sufrido presiones para enviar fotos íntimas y el 5,7% tiene un uso problemático de pantallas, según el informe de Unicef. elpais.com/sociedad/202...
El 9% de los menores ha sufrido presiones para enviar fotos íntimas: el entorno digital “debe abordarse como un tema de salud pública”
Un informe de Unicef sobre el uso de pantallas en la infancia y adolescencia alerta de que el 5,7% de los niños y adolescentes presenta un uso problemático
elpais.com
November 11, 2025 at 8:02 PM
El entorno digital impacta la salud mental de niños y adolescentes: el 9% ha sufrido presiones para enviar fotos íntimas y el 5,7% tiene un uso problemático de pantallas, según el informe de Unicef. elpais.com/sociedad/202...
El mal uso de antibióticos fomenta superbacterias que amenazan la salud global; no curan virus y deben usarse solo para infecciones bacterianas siguiendo el tratamiento completo. Su uso responsable protege a todos.
radiopopular.com/podcast/la-l...
radiopopular.com/podcast/la-l...
Combatir las superbacterias es tarea de todos: "No solo nos afecta a nosotros, sino a la salud pública"
En la Semana del uso prudente de los antibióticos, Andrea Muras nos explica cómo se generan. Escucha el podcast Entrevista a experta sobre las superbacterias en Radio Popular.
radiopopular.com
November 11, 2025 at 5:19 PM
El mal uso de antibióticos fomenta superbacterias que amenazan la salud global; no curan virus y deben usarse solo para infecciones bacterianas siguiendo el tratamiento completo. Su uso responsable protege a todos.
radiopopular.com/podcast/la-l...
radiopopular.com/podcast/la-l...
Canada has lost its measles-free status after over 5,000 cases this year, mostly in under-vaccinated communities. The U.S. could be next if outbreaks continue. MMR vaccination rates remain critical for protection. Source: www.bbc.com/news/article...
Canada loses measles elimination status, with US on track to follow
The country hasn't been able to curb an outbreak of more than 5,000 cases over the last year, while US cases are at a 33-year high.
www.bbc.com
November 11, 2025 at 1:35 PM
Canada has lost its measles-free status after over 5,000 cases this year, mostly in under-vaccinated communities. The U.S. could be next if outbreaks continue. MMR vaccination rates remain critical for protection. Source: www.bbc.com/news/article...
Despite growing influence in U.S. politics, anti-vaccine activists are pushing for broader cultural change, aiming to shift national attitudes about vaccines and health policy beyond party lines. Read more: www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
The anti-vaccine movement isn’t satisfied with winning over the GOP
Leaders of the anti-vaccine movement gathering in Texas over the weekend said they want to change America, not just the party.
www.politico.com
November 11, 2025 at 12:17 AM
Despite growing influence in U.S. politics, anti-vaccine activists are pushing for broader cultural change, aiming to shift national attitudes about vaccines and health policy beyond party lines. Read more: www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
Earning and keeping “measles-free” status means stopping continuous measles transmission for a year, requiring high vaccination rates, strong surveillance, and quick outbreak responses. North America now faces its greatest challenge to this status.
historyofvaccines.org/blog/how-reg...
historyofvaccines.org/blog/how-reg...
How Regions Earn and Keep Their "Measles-Free" Status
Earning and keeping “measles-free” status means stopping continuous measles transmission for a year, requiring high vaccination rates, strong surveillance, and quick outbreak responses.
historyofvaccines.org
November 10, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Earning and keeping “measles-free” status means stopping continuous measles transmission for a year, requiring high vaccination rates, strong surveillance, and quick outbreak responses. North America now faces its greatest challenge to this status.
historyofvaccines.org/blog/how-reg...
historyofvaccines.org/blog/how-reg...
Stable housing is vital for public health. Recent policy changes in Massachusetts risk displacing families, worsening chronic illnesses, and raising health care costs. Preventing homelessness is key to better health outcomes.
www.wbur.org/cognoscenti/...
www.wbur.org/cognoscenti/...
Housing is a public health imperative
At first glance, limiting emergency assistance shelter looks like it will save the state money, writes Divya Manoharan. But forcing people – especially those with uncontrolled illness – back into…
www.wbur.org
November 7, 2025 at 1:35 PM
Stable housing is vital for public health. Recent policy changes in Massachusetts risk displacing families, worsening chronic illnesses, and raising health care costs. Preventing homelessness is key to better health outcomes.
www.wbur.org/cognoscenti/...
www.wbur.org/cognoscenti/...
Greene County Public Health highlights rising H5N1 cases in livestock and urges flu vaccination for farmers to help prevent animal-to-human spread and new virus mutations. www.raccoonvalleyradio.com/2025/11/06/g...
Greene County Public Health Urges Farmers With Livestock to Get Flu Shot to Decrease Risk of Contracting H5N1 Virus
Greene County Public Health recently received a grant to raise awareness and encourage certain groups of people to get the influenza vaccine. GCPH Director Shelby Cooklin says last year the H5N1…
www.raccoonvalleyradio.com
November 7, 2025 at 12:17 AM
Greene County Public Health highlights rising H5N1 cases in livestock and urges flu vaccination for farmers to help prevent animal-to-human spread and new virus mutations. www.raccoonvalleyradio.com/2025/11/06/g...
Los retos principales en la investigación en salud pública incluyen fortalecer la inversión, consolidar datos confiables, lograr mayor cooperación regional y facilitar la innovación científica para enfrentar futuros desafíos en la región.
www.ins.gov.co/Noticias/Pag...
www.ins.gov.co/Noticias/Pag...
Retos en investigación en salud pública
En el marco del XIX Encuentro Científico y I Congreso Regional de Institutos de Salud, se realizó un panel dedicado a analizar los principales retos en investigación en salud pública en la…
www.ins.gov.co
November 6, 2025 at 8:02 PM
Los retos principales en la investigación en salud pública incluyen fortalecer la inversión, consolidar datos confiables, lograr mayor cooperación regional y facilitar la innovación científica para enfrentar futuros desafíos en la región.
www.ins.gov.co/Noticias/Pag...
www.ins.gov.co/Noticias/Pag...
El envejecimiento en Europa favorecerá más infecciones resistentes a los antibióticos, afectando especialmente a mayores de 65 años según nuevas proyecciones. Adaptar estrategias es clave ante este reto sanitario.
www.ecoavant.com/salud/enveje...
www.ecoavant.com/salud/enveje...
Europa: más infecciones resistentes por envejecimiento
Las infecciones resistentes a los antibióticos, otra de las complicaciones que irá en aumento en Europa debido al envejecimiento poblacional
www.ecoavant.com
November 6, 2025 at 7:02 PM
El envejecimiento en Europa favorecerá más infecciones resistentes a los antibióticos, afectando especialmente a mayores de 65 años según nuevas proyecciones. Adaptar estrategias es clave ante este reto sanitario.
www.ecoavant.com/salud/enveje...
www.ecoavant.com/salud/enveje...
The FDA is grappling with staff resignations and lawsuits under RFK Jr.'s leadership, fueling turmoil throughout America's health agencies. Confidence among FDA employees is shaken as key figures depart.
gizmodo.com/rfk-jr-s-fda...
gizmodo.com/rfk-jr-s-fda...
RFK Jr.'s FDA is in Meltdown Mode
Reports suggest that, internally, the Food and Drug Administration is facing a crisis of confidence. Kennedy's reign has been marked by disruption and mayhem within the HHS.
gizmodo.com
November 6, 2025 at 3:50 PM
The FDA is grappling with staff resignations and lawsuits under RFK Jr.'s leadership, fueling turmoil throughout America's health agencies. Confidence among FDA employees is shaken as key figures depart.
gizmodo.com/rfk-jr-s-fda...
gizmodo.com/rfk-jr-s-fda...
The creation and use of fake vaccine cards and exemptions date back nearly 200 years, adapting from handwritten notes to digital fraud. This history reflects ongoing tension between individual rights and public health protections.
historyofvaccines.org/blog/long-hi...
historyofvaccines.org/blog/long-hi...
The Long History of Fake Vaccine Cards and Exemptions
Exploring the nearly two-century history of fake vaccine cards and exemptions, from Victorian England to the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting evolving fraud methods, resistance, and the tension between individual liberty and public health.
historyofvaccines.org
November 5, 2025 at 7:00 PM
The creation and use of fake vaccine cards and exemptions date back nearly 200 years, adapting from handwritten notes to digital fraud. This history reflects ongoing tension between individual rights and public health protections.
historyofvaccines.org/blog/long-hi...
historyofvaccines.org/blog/long-hi...
Scott Adams, creator of Dilbert, got help from POTUS and the Secretary of HHS to access a cancer drug after insurance delays, spotlighting how social media access can influence care—an advantage most Americans don’t share.
www.npr.org/sections/sho...
www.npr.org/sections/sho...
Dilbert creator taps Trump to get cancer drug. Others wish they could, too
Like many Americans, Scott Adams had insurance problems. But unlike most people he has powerful friends on social media, and when he asked President Trump for help, he got the cancer drug he needed.
www.npr.org
November 5, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Scott Adams, creator of Dilbert, got help from POTUS and the Secretary of HHS to access a cancer drug after insurance delays, spotlighting how social media access can influence care—an advantage most Americans don’t share.
www.npr.org/sections/sho...
www.npr.org/sections/sho...
I included a discussion of the placebo effect with my students last week, and I decided to write more about this strange phenomenon and how we use it (and see it) in public health.
medium.com/the-quantast...
medium.com/the-quantast...
The Placebo Effect: Trickery, Science, and the Magic of Expectation in Health
How expectation, hope, and belief shape real outcomes in medicine and public health.
medium.com
November 5, 2025 at 1:35 PM
I included a discussion of the placebo effect with my students last week, and I decided to write more about this strange phenomenon and how we use it (and see it) in public health.
medium.com/the-quantast...
medium.com/the-quantast...