Fenit Nirappil
@fenitn.bsky.social
Public health editor at The Washington Post, managing coverage of RFK Jr., HHS, CDC & FDA.
Contact: fenitn.33 on Signal; fenit.nirappil@washpost.com
Contact: fenitn.33 on Signal; fenit.nirappil@washpost.com
This is fantastic journalism about addiction and the toll of unfettered sports betting wapo.st/49lI9w2
One more night in a ‘sober house’ for sports bettors
He hasn’t bet in months. It’s almost time to move out. Is he ready to have his phone back?
wapo.st
January 3, 2026 at 6:50 PM
This is fantastic journalism about addiction and the toll of unfettered sports betting wapo.st/49lI9w2
Reposted by Fenit Nirappil
The share of counties where 95% or more of kindergartners were vaccinated against measles has dropped from 50% before the pandemic to 28%, according to our analysis of public records from 44 states and the District of Columbia. At least 19,000 schools are now more vulnerable to outbreaks.
December 31, 2025 at 2:29 PM
The share of counties where 95% or more of kindergartners were vaccinated against measles has dropped from 50% before the pandemic to 28%, according to our analysis of public records from 44 states and the District of Columbia. At least 19,000 schools are now more vulnerable to outbreaks.
Reposted by Fenit Nirappil
You definitely want to look at these maps. Some of this is bleak but expected. Wisconsin? That's a surprise to me.
December 31, 2025 at 2:29 PM
You definitely want to look at these maps. Some of this is bleak but expected. Wisconsin? That's a surprise to me.
Reposted by Fenit Nirappil
“The share of US counties where 95% or more of kindergartners were vaccinated against measles—the number doctors say is needed to achieve overall protection for the class, known as ‘herd immunity’— has dropped from 50% before the pandemic to 28%”🛟🧪
December 31, 2025 at 1:44 PM
“The share of US counties where 95% or more of kindergartners were vaccinated against measles—the number doctors say is needed to achieve overall protection for the class, known as ‘herd immunity’— has dropped from 50% before the pandemic to 28%”🛟🧪
In a heroic data journalism effort involving scores of records requests, The Washington Post made it possible to search MMR vaccination rates at individual schools in much of the country.
Gift link to look up schools and learn about the post-pandemic plunge in vaccination rates: wapo.st/49zDc43
Gift link to look up schools and learn about the post-pandemic plunge in vaccination rates: wapo.st/49zDc43
U.S. vaccination rates are plunging. Look up where your school stands.
Take a look to see what the kindergarten measles vaccination rates are in your area.
wapo.st
December 31, 2025 at 1:18 PM
In a heroic data journalism effort involving scores of records requests, The Washington Post made it possible to search MMR vaccination rates at individual schools in much of the country.
Gift link to look up schools and learn about the post-pandemic plunge in vaccination rates: wapo.st/49zDc43
Gift link to look up schools and learn about the post-pandemic plunge in vaccination rates: wapo.st/49zDc43
The Post discovered how RFK Jr. quietly influenced vaccine moves behind the scenes, including by asking for a change to hepatitis B recommendations and for Aaron Siri, an attorney for the anti-vaccine movement, to speak at the CDC.
Part of our bigger story examining his tenure wapo.st/48YSPC1
Part of our bigger story examining his tenure wapo.st/48YSPC1
How RFK Jr. upended the public health system
Interviews with almost 100 people reveal how Kennedy, as health secretary, has reshaped the vaccine and broader public health infrastructure in less than a year.
wapo.st
December 30, 2025 at 3:56 PM
The Post discovered how RFK Jr. quietly influenced vaccine moves behind the scenes, including by asking for a change to hepatitis B recommendations and for Aaron Siri, an attorney for the anti-vaccine movement, to speak at the CDC.
Part of our bigger story examining his tenure wapo.st/48YSPC1
Part of our bigger story examining his tenure wapo.st/48YSPC1
Reposted by Fenit Nirappil
“Bobby has asked for the following changes,” top Kennedy aide emailed HHS officials. Email reveals his previously undisclosed role in seeking vaccine policy changes in a highly unusual way, per experts/former/current officials. W/ @lenasun.bsky.social @laurenweberhp.bsky.social
wapo.st/48YSPC1
wapo.st/48YSPC1
How RFK Jr. upended the public health system
Interviews with almost 100 people reveal how Kennedy, as health secretary, has reshaped the vaccine and broader public health infrastructure in less than a year.
wapo.st
December 30, 2025 at 2:44 PM
“Bobby has asked for the following changes,” top Kennedy aide emailed HHS officials. Email reveals his previously undisclosed role in seeking vaccine policy changes in a highly unusual way, per experts/former/current officials. W/ @lenasun.bsky.social @laurenweberhp.bsky.social
wapo.st/48YSPC1
wapo.st/48YSPC1
The Post interviewed almost 100 sources for this comprehensive, revelatory account of how RFK Jr. has disrupted public health in America.
It's the capstone to a year of extensive reporting by @rachelroubein.bsky.social, @lenasun.bsky.social & @laurenweberhp.bsky.social.
Gift link: wapo.st/48YSPC1
It's the capstone to a year of extensive reporting by @rachelroubein.bsky.social, @lenasun.bsky.social & @laurenweberhp.bsky.social.
Gift link: wapo.st/48YSPC1
Inside RFK Jr.’s reshaping of public health in Trump’s first year
Interviews with almost 100 people reveal how Kennedy, as health secretary, has reshaped the vaccine and broader public health infrastructure in less than a year.
wapo.st
December 30, 2025 at 1:13 PM
The Post interviewed almost 100 sources for this comprehensive, revelatory account of how RFK Jr. has disrupted public health in America.
It's the capstone to a year of extensive reporting by @rachelroubein.bsky.social, @lenasun.bsky.social & @laurenweberhp.bsky.social.
Gift link: wapo.st/48YSPC1
It's the capstone to a year of extensive reporting by @rachelroubein.bsky.social, @lenasun.bsky.social & @laurenweberhp.bsky.social.
Gift link: wapo.st/48YSPC1
Reposted by Fenit Nirappil
“One day, a woman wrote to me on Signal, asking me not to respond. She lived alone, she messaged, and planned to die that weekend. Before she did, she wanted at least one person to understand: Trump had unraveled the government, and with it, her life.” @hannahnatanson.bsky.social essay:
I am The Post’s ‘federal government whisperer.’ It’s been brutal.
One reporter’s effort to show how Trump was transforming government brought her 1,168 new sources — and nearly broke her.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 24, 2025 at 2:22 PM
“One day, a woman wrote to me on Signal, asking me not to respond. She lived alone, she messaged, and planned to die that weekend. Before she did, she wanted at least one person to understand: Trump had unraveled the government, and with it, her life.” @hannahnatanson.bsky.social essay:
The Trump administration plan to recommend fewer childhood vaccines to mimic Denmark makes no sense scientifically, a Danish health official said
“Public health is not one size fits all. It’s population specific and dynamic. Denmark and the U.S. are two very different countries.” wapo.st/4aXfzn5
“Public health is not one size fits all. It’s population specific and dynamic. Denmark and the U.S. are two very different countries.” wapo.st/4aXfzn5
U.S. plans to stop recommending most childhood vaccines, defer to doctors
The plan, which is not finalized, suggests children get fewer shots and shifts to a model telling parents to consult doctors to make their own vaccine choices.
wapo.st
December 20, 2025 at 3:12 PM
The Trump administration plan to recommend fewer childhood vaccines to mimic Denmark makes no sense scientifically, a Danish health official said
“Public health is not one size fits all. It’s population specific and dynamic. Denmark and the U.S. are two very different countries.” wapo.st/4aXfzn5
“Public health is not one size fits all. It’s population specific and dynamic. Denmark and the U.S. are two very different countries.” wapo.st/4aXfzn5
Important point here. Talk to your doctor about vaccines sounds reasonable, but doctors often refer back to the CDC.
Here’s the thing: we as physicians rely on the scientific minds of the (prior) ACIP to parse and analyze the data effectively. No physician in full time practice has the time/training to keep up on all new studies and make the best informed decisions.
Breaking news: The Trump administration plans to shift the federal government away from directly recommending most vaccines for children and suggest parents consult with doctors to make their own vaccine choices.
December 19, 2025 at 11:15 PM
Important point here. Talk to your doctor about vaccines sounds reasonable, but doctors often refer back to the CDC.
BREAKING: The U.S. is preparing to stop recommending most childhood vaccines and defer to doctors instead.
The plan, which is not finalized, marks a fundamental shift in the U.S. vaccine strategy, @lenasun.bsky.social & @rachelroubein.bsky.social report.
Gift link: wapo.st/4aXfzn5
The plan, which is not finalized, marks a fundamental shift in the U.S. vaccine strategy, @lenasun.bsky.social & @rachelroubein.bsky.social report.
Gift link: wapo.st/4aXfzn5
Under RFK Jr., U.S. plans to stop recommending most vaccines, defer to doctors
The plan, which is not finalized, suggests children get fewer shots and shifts to a model telling parents to consult doctors to make their own vaccine choices.
wapo.st
December 19, 2025 at 10:32 PM
BREAKING: The U.S. is preparing to stop recommending most childhood vaccines and defer to doctors instead.
The plan, which is not finalized, marks a fundamental shift in the U.S. vaccine strategy, @lenasun.bsky.social & @rachelroubein.bsky.social report.
Gift link: wapo.st/4aXfzn5
The plan, which is not finalized, marks a fundamental shift in the U.S. vaccine strategy, @lenasun.bsky.social & @rachelroubein.bsky.social report.
Gift link: wapo.st/4aXfzn5
Reposted by Fenit Nirappil
Trump is expected to announce today that Medicare will begin reimbursing some older Americans for CBD treatments
The pilot program is part of Trump’s bigger announcement on easing restrictions around marijuana
w @davidovalle.bsky.social @jacobbogage.bsky.social
The pilot program is part of Trump’s bigger announcement on easing restrictions around marijuana
w @davidovalle.bsky.social @jacobbogage.bsky.social
Trump set to explore expanding CBD access for seniors
An administration pilot program to offer Medicare reimbursement for CBD treatments for seniors with cancer is expected as soon as next year.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 18, 2025 at 11:45 AM
Trump is expected to announce today that Medicare will begin reimbursing some older Americans for CBD treatments
The pilot program is part of Trump’s bigger announcement on easing restrictions around marijuana
w @davidovalle.bsky.social @jacobbogage.bsky.social
The pilot program is part of Trump’s bigger announcement on easing restrictions around marijuana
w @davidovalle.bsky.social @jacobbogage.bsky.social
Reposted by Fenit Nirappil
SCOOP: American Academy of Pediatrics loses HHS funding after criticizing RFK Jr. Programs included work on reducing sudden infant deaths and identifying autism early. Me and @Paigecunningham.Bsky.Social
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
American Academy of Pediatrics loses HHS funding after criticizing RFK Jr.
HHS cuts key AAP grants, citing concerns about “identity-based language” and insufficient focus on agency priorities. The organization said the cuts could harm child health.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 17, 2025 at 7:34 PM
SCOOP: American Academy of Pediatrics loses HHS funding after criticizing RFK Jr. Programs included work on reducing sudden infant deaths and identifying autism early. Me and @Paigecunningham.Bsky.Social
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
Trump taps Yale doctor who pushed the unproven covid treatment hydroxychloroquine to lead the nation’s cancer initiative, Ariana Eunjung Cha reports www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
Trump taps Yale doctor who pushed unproven covid treatment to lead U.S. cancer effort
Harvey Risch, an epidemiologist respected for his cancer research, promoted the use of hydroxychloroquine during the pandemic, despite a lack of evidence it worked against covid.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 17, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Trump taps Yale doctor who pushed the unproven covid treatment hydroxychloroquine to lead the nation’s cancer initiative, Ariana Eunjung Cha reports www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
Reposted by Fenit Nirappil
BREAKING: CDC approves major child vaccine change, rejects controversial one that RFKJr’s handpicked vaccine advisory panel had recommended. My story.
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
CDC approves major child vaccine change, rejects controversial one
The CDC formally approved a major change to the childhood immunization schedule by dropping the long-standing recommendation for all newborns to get a hepatitis B vaccine.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 16, 2025 at 11:38 PM
BREAKING: CDC approves major child vaccine change, rejects controversial one that RFKJr’s handpicked vaccine advisory panel had recommended. My story.
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
Reposted by Fenit Nirappil
As the planet warms, global infrastructure is increasingly imperiled by extreme weather it was never designed to handle.
The fight over a mysterious 130-year-old dam in India -- which one community sees as its salvation and another fears will be its doom -- shows what's at stake.
wapo.st/4qbE70a
The fight over a mysterious 130-year-old dam in India -- which one community sees as its salvation and another fears will be its doom -- shows what's at stake.
wapo.st/4qbE70a
One dam shapes the fate of millions. Extreme rain puts it at risk.
Climate change threatens to push the world’s infrastructure to a breaking point.
wapo.st
December 16, 2025 at 4:25 PM
As the planet warms, global infrastructure is increasingly imperiled by extreme weather it was never designed to handle.
The fight over a mysterious 130-year-old dam in India -- which one community sees as its salvation and another fears will be its doom -- shows what's at stake.
wapo.st/4qbE70a
The fight over a mysterious 130-year-old dam in India -- which one community sees as its salvation and another fears will be its doom -- shows what's at stake.
wapo.st/4qbE70a
Reposted by Fenit Nirappil
This Post Reports episode featuring a doctor and patient navigating vaccine skepticism is a testament to the power of human connection and the importance of trusted voices in our misinformation era.
An AI-generated "podcast" could never measure up. www.washingtonpost.com/podcasts/pos...
An AI-generated "podcast" could never measure up. www.washingtonpost.com/podcasts/pos...
The biggest shift yet in U.S. vaccine policy - The Washington Post
An influential advisory panel has recommended dropping the hepatitis B vaccine at birth. This doctor is already seeing the consequences.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 12, 2025 at 2:22 PM
This Post Reports episode featuring a doctor and patient navigating vaccine skepticism is a testament to the power of human connection and the importance of trusted voices in our misinformation era.
An AI-generated "podcast" could never measure up. www.washingtonpost.com/podcasts/pos...
An AI-generated "podcast" could never measure up. www.washingtonpost.com/podcasts/pos...
What happens when you put a celebrity talk show host in charge of Washington's wonkiest health agency?
@paigecunningham.bsky.social has a profile today on Dr. Oz's ascent and the first extensive interview with him as CMS administrator www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
@paigecunningham.bsky.social has a profile today on Dr. Oz's ascent and the first extensive interview with him as CMS administrator www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
What happened when Dr. Oz took charge of a wonky health agency
The former TV doctor running the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Washington’s wonky health agency, has garnered positive reviews — even from some Democrats.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 13, 2025 at 3:22 PM
What happens when you put a celebrity talk show host in charge of Washington's wonkiest health agency?
@paigecunningham.bsky.social has a profile today on Dr. Oz's ascent and the first extensive interview with him as CMS administrator www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
@paigecunningham.bsky.social has a profile today on Dr. Oz's ascent and the first extensive interview with him as CMS administrator www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
Reposted by Fenit Nirappil
Under RFK Jr., the CDC provides a megaphone to the anti-vaccine movement wapo.st/4oILc77 via @lenasun.bsky.social @davidovalle.bsky.social @washingtonpost.com
Under RFK Jr., the CDC provides a megaphone to the anti-vaccine movement
Common anti-vaccine talking points were on display as the CDC’s immunization advisers repealed a hepatitis B birth vaccine recommendation and scrutinized the childhood schedule.
wapo.st
December 7, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Under RFK Jr., the CDC provides a megaphone to the anti-vaccine movement wapo.st/4oILc77 via @lenasun.bsky.social @davidovalle.bsky.social @washingtonpost.com
For decades, the CDC has fought attempts by the anti-vaccine movement to sow doubts in the safety and efficacy of the shots that marked a triumph of public health.
This week, the agency instead provided a powerful platform www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
This week, the agency instead provided a powerful platform www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
Under RFK Jr., the CDC provides a megaphone to the anti-vaccine movement
Common anti-vaccine talking points were on display as the CDC’s immunization advisers repealed a hepatitis B birth vaccine recommendation and scrutinized the childhood schedule.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 6, 2025 at 2:50 PM
For decades, the CDC has fought attempts by the anti-vaccine movement to sow doubts in the safety and efficacy of the shots that marked a triumph of public health.
This week, the agency instead provided a powerful platform www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
This week, the agency instead provided a powerful platform www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
Reposted by Fenit Nirappil
NEW: How the CDC has become a powerful platform for the anti-vaccine movement it once sought to fight. 1/5
Me, @davidovalle.bsky.social, @paigecunningham.bsky.social
@washingtonpost.com
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
Me, @davidovalle.bsky.social, @paigecunningham.bsky.social
@washingtonpost.com
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
Under RFK Jr., the CDC provides a megaphone to the anti-vaccine movement
Common anti-vaccine talking points were on display as the CDC’s immunization advisers repealed a hepatitis B birth vaccine recommendation and scrutinized the childhood schedule.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 6, 2025 at 12:47 PM
NEW: How the CDC has become a powerful platform for the anti-vaccine movement it once sought to fight. 1/5
Me, @davidovalle.bsky.social, @paigecunningham.bsky.social
@washingtonpost.com
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
Me, @davidovalle.bsky.social, @paigecunningham.bsky.social
@washingtonpost.com
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
The U.S. childhood vaccine schedule is increasingly in jeopardy.
President Trump late Friday announced he has directed federal health officials to consider aligning the U.S. with other countries that recommend fewer shots. wapo.st/4atob4M
President Trump late Friday announced he has directed federal health officials to consider aligning the U.S. with other countries that recommend fewer shots. wapo.st/4atob4M
Trump orders review of childhood vaccine schedule, calls U.S. an ‘outlier’
His announcement came hours after CDC advisers eliminated a long-standing recommendation for every newborn to receive a hepatitis B shot.
wapo.st
December 6, 2025 at 1:59 AM
The U.S. childhood vaccine schedule is increasingly in jeopardy.
President Trump late Friday announced he has directed federal health officials to consider aligning the U.S. with other countries that recommend fewer shots. wapo.st/4atob4M
President Trump late Friday announced he has directed federal health officials to consider aligning the U.S. with other countries that recommend fewer shots. wapo.st/4atob4M
The Maryland Department of Health affirmed the recommendation for all newborns to receive a first dose of a hepatitis B vaccine after CDC vaccine advisers rescinded it.
Anyone know if other states took similar steps? health.maryland.gov/phpa/OIDEOR/...
Anyone know if other states took similar steps? health.maryland.gov/phpa/OIDEOR/...
health.maryland.gov
December 5, 2025 at 9:33 PM
The Maryland Department of Health affirmed the recommendation for all newborns to receive a first dose of a hepatitis B vaccine after CDC vaccine advisers rescinded it.
Anyone know if other states took similar steps? health.maryland.gov/phpa/OIDEOR/...
Anyone know if other states took similar steps? health.maryland.gov/phpa/OIDEOR/...
Reposted by Fenit Nirappil
The top drug regulator abruptly resigned. Staff complaints piled up. Outside experts warned FDA was in trouble.
That was a month ago, prompting urgent meetings. Leaders soon claimed problems were fixed.
Then it all happened again in the past week.
On FDA chaos w @rachelroubein.bsky.social
That was a month ago, prompting urgent meetings. Leaders soon claimed problems were fixed.
Then it all happened again in the past week.
On FDA chaos w @rachelroubein.bsky.social
FDA instability, alarm over agency’s direction escalate after top regulator exits
As leadership churn continues, FDA’s unpredictability rattles companies relying on stable regulation.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 5, 2025 at 9:11 PM
The top drug regulator abruptly resigned. Staff complaints piled up. Outside experts warned FDA was in trouble.
That was a month ago, prompting urgent meetings. Leaders soon claimed problems were fixed.
Then it all happened again in the past week.
On FDA chaos w @rachelroubein.bsky.social
That was a month ago, prompting urgent meetings. Leaders soon claimed problems were fixed.
Then it all happened again in the past week.
On FDA chaos w @rachelroubein.bsky.social