Meagan Fitzpatrick
@meagancfitz.bsky.social
Infectious disease epidemiologist and mathematical modeler
Reposted by Meagan Fitzpatrick
Multi-year funding is a dirty trick by #RussellVought. This way the #Trump administration can say they're spending what Congress appropriated for research, BUT they'll only fund 1/5 the number of grants. Call your Senators/Reps now. Science hangs in the balance. H/T @jenna-m-norton.bsky.social
Don’t let Russell Vought trick Congress into destroying science by removing multiyear funding limits from the NIH funding bill.
January 18, 2026 at 12:03 PM
Multi-year funding is a dirty trick by #RussellVought. This way the #Trump administration can say they're spending what Congress appropriated for research, BUT they'll only fund 1/5 the number of grants. Call your Senators/Reps now. Science hangs in the balance. H/T @jenna-m-norton.bsky.social
Reposted by Meagan Fitzpatrick
The LARGEST measles outbreak currently in the U.S. has spread to at least three other states!
www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
#medsky #idsky
www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
#medsky #idsky
'Staring over the edge': South Carolina measles outbreak doubles in a week
More than 500 people are in a 21-day quarantine and about 200 are "actively infected." The largest outbreak currently in the U.S. has spread to at least three other states.
www.nbcnews.com
January 18, 2026 at 9:56 AM
The LARGEST measles outbreak currently in the U.S. has spread to at least three other states!
www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
#medsky #idsky
www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
#medsky #idsky
These studies of off-target vaccine effects are so interesting. To me, they highlight how interlinked chronic and infectious diseases really are, despite their traditional silos.
COVID illuminated this, and I hope we as scientists keep a spotlight on the inflammatory process and all its effects.
COVID illuminated this, and I hope we as scientists keep a spotlight on the inflammatory process and all its effects.
"A recent meta-analysis found reduced risks of dementia after vaccination 4 an array of diseases. Given these downstream effects, vaccines 'are key tools 2 promote healthy aging & prevent physical & cognitive decline.' Yet many older adults, whose weakening immune systems put them at ..." 1/2 #IDSky
Vaccines are helping older people more than we knew
Vaccines may have off-target benefits, meaning the shots do good things beyond preventing the diseases they were designed to avert, especially in older adults.
www.seattletimes.com
January 6, 2026 at 6:45 PM
These studies of off-target vaccine effects are so interesting. To me, they highlight how interlinked chronic and infectious diseases really are, despite their traditional silos.
COVID illuminated this, and I hope we as scientists keep a spotlight on the inflammatory process and all its effects.
COVID illuminated this, and I hope we as scientists keep a spotlight on the inflammatory process and all its effects.
Reposted by Meagan Fitzpatrick
Once again, I implore media outlets to stop saying these are CDC decisions.
These are changes being made unilaterally by RFK Jr. against the expert advice of CDC scientists.
I note that RFK Jr. no longer recommends flu vaccine for kids in the midst of a horrible influenza year.
These are changes being made unilaterally by RFK Jr. against the expert advice of CDC scientists.
I note that RFK Jr. no longer recommends flu vaccine for kids in the midst of a horrible influenza year.
CDC overhauls childhood vaccine schedule to resemble Denmark in unprecedented move
The new U.S. guidelines recommend all children get vaccines for 11 diseases, compared with the 18 previously on the schedule.
www.nbcnews.com
January 5, 2026 at 7:34 PM
Once again, I implore media outlets to stop saying these are CDC decisions.
These are changes being made unilaterally by RFK Jr. against the expert advice of CDC scientists.
I note that RFK Jr. no longer recommends flu vaccine for kids in the midst of a horrible influenza year.
These are changes being made unilaterally by RFK Jr. against the expert advice of CDC scientists.
I note that RFK Jr. no longer recommends flu vaccine for kids in the midst of a horrible influenza year.
Reposted by Meagan Fitzpatrick
Copy Editing Matters, from HHS's release on the new childhood vaccine schedule: All the diseases will still be available to anyone who wants them
January 6, 2026 at 1:12 AM
Copy Editing Matters, from HHS's release on the new childhood vaccine schedule: All the diseases will still be available to anyone who wants them
Reposted by Meagan Fitzpatrick
Just woke up even angrier. Impeach, convict, remove. Draft articles now. Either we have a representative government or we don’t. Do not shut up about this until there’s a vote.
January 3, 2026 at 1:48 PM
Just woke up even angrier. Impeach, convict, remove. Draft articles now. Either we have a representative government or we don’t. Do not shut up about this until there’s a vote.
"Bhattacharya and Memoli appear unperturbed by these dramatic abandonments, which are likely to do great harm to Americans."
Attacks on the US public health & vaccine systems are tragedies of 2025. As we hopefully enter a more positive new year, I have an opinion piece in Science Magazine pushing back on some of the unfortunate thought processes & policies making Americans less safe
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
Magical thinking will not prevent future pandemics or improve public health
For much of human history, infectious diseases were the main causes of morbidity and mortality. The sciences of public health, epidemiology, microbiology, and vaccine and drug development have dramati...
www.science.org
January 2, 2026 at 6:57 PM
"Bhattacharya and Memoli appear unperturbed by these dramatic abandonments, which are likely to do great harm to Americans."
Reposted by Meagan Fitzpatrick
#PedSky #MedSky #EpiSky #addictionsci #policysky #polisky 🛟🫁💊
Today, California starts selling insulin at $11 per injection pen, the second drug sold under the CalRX label after naloxone. Albuterol inhalers and vaccines are next.
Today, California starts selling insulin at $11 per injection pen, the second drug sold under the CalRX label after naloxone. Albuterol inhalers and vaccines are next.
California Will Offer Deeply Discounted Insulin in January | KQED
Californians will be able to purchase an insulin pen for $11 under the state-run drug label, CalRx, bypassing pharmaceutical companies that sell it for far more.
www.kqed.org
January 2, 2026 at 4:05 AM
#PedSky #MedSky #EpiSky #addictionsci #policysky #polisky 🛟🫁💊
Today, California starts selling insulin at $11 per injection pen, the second drug sold under the CalRX label after naloxone. Albuterol inhalers and vaccines are next.
Today, California starts selling insulin at $11 per injection pen, the second drug sold under the CalRX label after naloxone. Albuterol inhalers and vaccines are next.
Reposted by Meagan Fitzpatrick
Brutal but effective public health messaging from New York Public Health.
The CDC is compromised. They’re no longer a reliable source of information.
They push anti-vaxx & anti-science grift.
Get your vaccines. Wear a respirator. Clean the air
Get public health advice from experts, not RFK Jr
The CDC is compromised. They’re no longer a reliable source of information.
They push anti-vaxx & anti-science grift.
Get your vaccines. Wear a respirator. Clean the air
Get public health advice from experts, not RFK Jr
December 13, 2025 at 10:44 AM
Brutal but effective public health messaging from New York Public Health.
The CDC is compromised. They’re no longer a reliable source of information.
They push anti-vaxx & anti-science grift.
Get your vaccines. Wear a respirator. Clean the air
Get public health advice from experts, not RFK Jr
The CDC is compromised. They’re no longer a reliable source of information.
They push anti-vaxx & anti-science grift.
Get your vaccines. Wear a respirator. Clean the air
Get public health advice from experts, not RFK Jr
Reposted by Meagan Fitzpatrick
When a small study cast doubt on the measles vaccine in 1998, scientists didn’t dismiss autism concerns. They tested them. From Denmark to global meta-analyses, studies tracking millions of children all reached the same conclusion: MMR vaccines don’t cause autism: bit.ly/4m971vk
December 14, 2025 at 8:00 AM
When a small study cast doubt on the measles vaccine in 1998, scientists didn’t dismiss autism concerns. They tested them. From Denmark to global meta-analyses, studies tracking millions of children all reached the same conclusion: MMR vaccines don’t cause autism: bit.ly/4m971vk
Reposted by Meagan Fitzpatrick
For some context, it's really cold in Minneapolis this weekend. My phone said it was -13 (without windchill) when I got up this morning. If you haven't felt that, it actually feels way colder than you might imagine, esp if you aren't moving and are exposed. It's very quickly dangerous.
Damn this video of a observer/protester climbing a ladder to hand blanket to the construction worker who was surrounded by ICE.
December 14, 2025 at 6:41 PM
For some context, it's really cold in Minneapolis this weekend. My phone said it was -13 (without windchill) when I got up this morning. If you haven't felt that, it actually feels way colder than you might imagine, esp if you aren't moving and are exposed. It's very quickly dangerous.
So proud to see this gift from another Western New York native to my current hospital, both the workplace and the hospital that treats my family.
Thank you Golisano!
Thank you Golisano!
🚨A record $50M gift from Tom Golisano will transform pediatric care in Maryland!
Our Children's Hospital is now University of Maryland Golisano Children’s Hospital, joining a national alliance to advance innovation in children’s health.
🔗 shorturl.at/g7ijA
#ChildrensHealth #MedEd #MedSky
Our Children's Hospital is now University of Maryland Golisano Children’s Hospital, joining a national alliance to advance innovation in children’s health.
🔗 shorturl.at/g7ijA
#ChildrensHealth #MedEd #MedSky
November 13, 2025 at 6:58 PM
So proud to see this gift from another Western New York native to my current hospital, both the workplace and the hospital that treats my family.
Thank you Golisano!
Thank you Golisano!
Reposted by Meagan Fitzpatrick
Big big thanks
to all the program officers and scientific review officers coming back online and managing to instill positivity and we-can-do-this attitudes in emails out to applicants & reviewers who might have wondered: What will happen to all of this good work?
Answer: let's do this.
to all the program officers and scientific review officers coming back online and managing to instill positivity and we-can-do-this attitudes in emails out to applicants & reviewers who might have wondered: What will happen to all of this good work?
Answer: let's do this.
November 13, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Big big thanks
to all the program officers and scientific review officers coming back online and managing to instill positivity and we-can-do-this attitudes in emails out to applicants & reviewers who might have wondered: What will happen to all of this good work?
Answer: let's do this.
to all the program officers and scientific review officers coming back online and managing to instill positivity and we-can-do-this attitudes in emails out to applicants & reviewers who might have wondered: What will happen to all of this good work?
Answer: let's do this.
Reposted by Meagan Fitzpatrick
NSF is open again!
A few comments:
*Please be patient.
During a shutdown NSF employees cannot open computers or respond to emails.
*Merit review will continue. However panels won’t resume until after Dec 8th.
*POs remain excited and committed to advancing science and the scientific workforce.
A few comments:
*Please be patient.
During a shutdown NSF employees cannot open computers or respond to emails.
*Merit review will continue. However panels won’t resume until after Dec 8th.
*POs remain excited and committed to advancing science and the scientific workforce.
November 13, 2025 at 5:58 PM
NSF is open again!
A few comments:
*Please be patient.
During a shutdown NSF employees cannot open computers or respond to emails.
*Merit review will continue. However panels won’t resume until after Dec 8th.
*POs remain excited and committed to advancing science and the scientific workforce.
A few comments:
*Please be patient.
During a shutdown NSF employees cannot open computers or respond to emails.
*Merit review will continue. However panels won’t resume until after Dec 8th.
*POs remain excited and committed to advancing science and the scientific workforce.
Reposted by Meagan Fitzpatrick
Sadly, but as expected, Canada has lost its measles elimination status. >5000 cases, two deaths in babies born prematurely due to in utero exposure… #IDSky #measles
apple.news/AxhnKifpYSre...
apple.news/AxhnKifpYSre...
Canada no longer measles-free as outbreaks spread — Guardian US
Canada has lost its measles elimination status as vaccination rates have slipped below the 95% coverage rate needed to stop outbreaks
apple.news
November 11, 2025 at 4:37 AM
Sadly, but as expected, Canada has lost its measles elimination status. >5000 cases, two deaths in babies born prematurely due to in utero exposure… #IDSky #measles
apple.news/AxhnKifpYSre...
apple.news/AxhnKifpYSre...
Wait wait, sharks are playful and manta rays have emoji faces??? I need to get back to the @nationalaquarium.bsky.social ASAP
Aquarium hijinks provide the strongest evidence yet that sharks love to play.
Learn more: https://scim.ag/3Lqps1Y
Learn more: https://scim.ag/3Lqps1Y
November 5, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Wait wait, sharks are playful and manta rays have emoji faces??? I need to get back to the @nationalaquarium.bsky.social ASAP
Reposted by Meagan Fitzpatrick
Canada makes pitch for US researchers to relocate with $1.7bn in new funding. My story for @science.org 🧪
www.science.org/content/arti...
www.science.org/content/arti...
Canada’s new budget aims to lure U.S. researchers to relocate
Spending plan also calls for smaller research spending cut than feared
www.science.org
November 5, 2025 at 6:19 PM
Canada makes pitch for US researchers to relocate with $1.7bn in new funding. My story for @science.org 🧪
www.science.org/content/arti...
www.science.org/content/arti...
Reposted by Meagan Fitzpatrick
"I DON'T NEED YOU TO FUCKING REWRITE WHAT I'VE JUST WRITTEN!"
October 28, 2025 at 10:46 AM
"I DON'T NEED YOU TO FUCKING REWRITE WHAT I'VE JUST WRITTEN!"
Very cool work! -- pun intentional
Scientists are hunting for ancient RNA in Svalbard’s permafrost, hoping to shed light on the evolution of viral diseases. https://scim.ag/4ncaVnX
On an Arctic archipelago, frozen soil may preserve a hidden history of viruses
Scientists are hunting for ancient RNA in Svalbard’s permafrost, hoping to shed light on the evolution of viral diseases
scim.ag
October 17, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Very cool work! -- pun intentional
Reposted by Meagan Fitzpatrick
For the 2nd week in a row, the federal shutdown has blocked disease surveillance reporting. So Team Force of Infection again visited all 50 state websites to track COVID, flu & RSV. caitlinrivers.substack.com/p/outbreak-o...
Outbreak Outlook: Week 2 of DIY Surveillance
State by state disease surveillance of COVID-19, influenza and RSV amid federal public health cuts
caitlinrivers.substack.com
October 11, 2025 at 12:17 PM
For the 2nd week in a row, the federal shutdown has blocked disease surveillance reporting. So Team Force of Infection again visited all 50 state websites to track COVID, flu & RSV. caitlinrivers.substack.com/p/outbreak-o...
Reposted by Meagan Fitzpatrick
“Really, what’s the alternative?..You’ve got a CDC that has been hijacked by people who are obscuring or denying facts, and you have life-and-death decisions that have to be made.” www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
Democratic governors form state public health alliance to counter RFK Jr.
The Governors Public Health Alliance would counter federal health agencies under President Donald Trump as an independent hub to monitor diseases and prepare for emergencies.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 16, 2025 at 11:23 AM
“Really, what’s the alternative?..You’ve got a CDC that has been hijacked by people who are obscuring or denying facts, and you have life-and-death decisions that have to be made.” www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
When measles erupted this year, we noticed that county MMR coverage seemed low -- but suspected school coverage in outbreak zone might be even lower.
We were right. The school level reveals alarmingly low coverage that is masked at county level:
www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/...
#IDEpi #EpiSky
We were right. The school level reveals alarmingly low coverage that is masked at county level:
www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/...
#IDEpi #EpiSky
www.acpjournals.org
October 16, 2025 at 11:49 AM
When measles erupted this year, we noticed that county MMR coverage seemed low -- but suspected school coverage in outbreak zone might be even lower.
We were right. The school level reveals alarmingly low coverage that is masked at county level:
www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/...
#IDEpi #EpiSky
We were right. The school level reveals alarmingly low coverage that is masked at county level:
www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/...
#IDEpi #EpiSky