Tami Swenson
@tamiswenson.bsky.social
Endowed Chair in Population Health, UWSP
Reposted by Tami Swenson
A story that stays with me
A child nearly survived his cancer
But he contracted chickenpox & died
This is far less common after the chickenpox vaccine reduced the chance of individuals having severe disease & reduced community spread
Thanks for sharing @drjoshs.bsky.social & @sanders.senate.gov
A child nearly survived his cancer
But he contracted chickenpox & died
This is far less common after the chickenpox vaccine reduced the chance of individuals having severe disease & reduced community spread
Thanks for sharing @drjoshs.bsky.social & @sanders.senate.gov
LIVE: Roundtable on Vaccines and Public Health
YouTube video by Senator Bernie Sanders
m.youtube.com
December 20, 2025 at 11:10 PM
A story that stays with me
A child nearly survived his cancer
But he contracted chickenpox & died
This is far less common after the chickenpox vaccine reduced the chance of individuals having severe disease & reduced community spread
Thanks for sharing @drjoshs.bsky.social & @sanders.senate.gov
A child nearly survived his cancer
But he contracted chickenpox & died
This is far less common after the chickenpox vaccine reduced the chance of individuals having severe disease & reduced community spread
Thanks for sharing @drjoshs.bsky.social & @sanders.senate.gov
Reposted by Tami Swenson
I lived thru the end of public smoking. Early in my career I presented to city councils who were smoking, in front of audiences who were smoking.
Smoking in restaurants, airplanes, hospitals…
All of that seems insane now, but it was very controversial when we DID change it.
We CAN change things.
Smoking in restaurants, airplanes, hospitals…
All of that seems insane now, but it was very controversial when we DID change it.
We CAN change things.
It’s crazy that people used to be able to just smoke cigarettes wherever they wanted
December 15, 2025 at 8:04 AM
I lived thru the end of public smoking. Early in my career I presented to city councils who were smoking, in front of audiences who were smoking.
Smoking in restaurants, airplanes, hospitals…
All of that seems insane now, but it was very controversial when we DID change it.
We CAN change things.
Smoking in restaurants, airplanes, hospitals…
All of that seems insane now, but it was very controversial when we DID change it.
We CAN change things.
Reposted by Tami Swenson
Wisconsin detects avian flu in cattle for first time
APHIS also noted several major poultry outbreaks in recent days, including large turkey producers in Minnesota and North Dakota.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/a...
APHIS also noted several major poultry outbreaks in recent days, including large turkey producers in Minnesota and North Dakota.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/a...
December 15, 2025 at 9:29 PM
Wisconsin detects avian flu in cattle for first time
APHIS also noted several major poultry outbreaks in recent days, including large turkey producers in Minnesota and North Dakota.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/a...
APHIS also noted several major poultry outbreaks in recent days, including large turkey producers in Minnesota and North Dakota.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/a...
Reposted by Tami Swenson
I really can't emphasize enough that if you care about local politics, all you gotta do is show up. Just a regular schmegular person showing up. Literally just show up consistently in person and within a remarkably short amount of time, you will have a shocking amount of influence.
December 5, 2025 at 6:07 AM
I really can't emphasize enough that if you care about local politics, all you gotta do is show up. Just a regular schmegular person showing up. Literally just show up consistently in person and within a remarkably short amount of time, you will have a shocking amount of influence.
Reposted by Tami Swenson
Anixia Davila led her high school's chapter of Future Farmers of America, an organization that has more than 1 million students participating nationwide.
She shares her Brief But Spectacular take on what she’s learned about leadership, responsibility and community through farming.
She shares her Brief But Spectacular take on what she’s learned about leadership, responsibility and community through farming.
November 29, 2025 at 9:51 PM
Anixia Davila led her high school's chapter of Future Farmers of America, an organization that has more than 1 million students participating nationwide.
She shares her Brief But Spectacular take on what she’s learned about leadership, responsibility and community through farming.
She shares her Brief But Spectacular take on what she’s learned about leadership, responsibility and community through farming.
gift link — The People Holding Everyone Together Are Coming Apart www.nytimes.com/2025/11/24/o...
Opinion | The People Holding Everyone Together Are Coming Apart
www.nytimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:57 AM
gift link — The People Holding Everyone Together Are Coming Apart www.nytimes.com/2025/11/24/o...
the thread everyone who uses WHI in their epi course has been waiting for…
1/ Last week, the FDA announced it’s removing the black box warning from menopause hormone therapy (MHT). This is long overdue. Menopause is universal, yet misunderstood and stigmatized. Millions of women have suffered because of fear, misinformation, and a system that wasn’t built to support them.
November 20, 2025 at 12:17 AM
the thread everyone who uses WHI in their epi course has been waiting for…
Reposted by Tami Swenson
These infections are not innocuous.
In September this year, California tragically lost another school-aged child to SSPE she developed because she contracted measles as a baby too young to yet have her measles vaccine
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28387784/
In September this year, California tragically lost another school-aged child to SSPE she developed because she contracted measles as a baby too young to yet have her measles vaccine
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28387784/
Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis: The Devastating Measles Complication That Might Be More Common Than Previously Estimated - PubMed
SSPE cases in California occurred at a high rate among unvaccinated children, particularly those infected during infancy. Protection of unvaccinated infants requires avoidance of travel to endemic areas, or early vaccination prior to travel at age 6-11 months. Clinicians should be aware of SSPE in p …
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
November 18, 2025 at 2:44 PM
These infections are not innocuous.
In September this year, California tragically lost another school-aged child to SSPE she developed because she contracted measles as a baby too young to yet have her measles vaccine
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28387784/
In September this year, California tragically lost another school-aged child to SSPE she developed because she contracted measles as a baby too young to yet have her measles vaccine
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28387784/
Reposted by Tami Swenson
Ahead of the upcoming ACIP meeting on the child immunization schedule, it’s important to remember immunizations are about more than individual decisions — immunizations affect communities, including babies too young to be vaccinated
Utah health officials discovered a person infected with measles visited a Logan medical clinic, where 11 vulnerable babies were exposed, launching a race to get the infants preventative treatment.
Nearly a dozen Utah infants were exposed to measles, triggering a race for preventative treatment
Utah health officials discovered a person infected with measles visited a Logan medical clinic, where 11 vulnerable babies were exposed, launching a race to get the infants preventative treatment.
www.sltrib.com
November 18, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Ahead of the upcoming ACIP meeting on the child immunization schedule, it’s important to remember immunizations are about more than individual decisions — immunizations affect communities, including babies too young to be vaccinated
Reposted by Tami Swenson
Portage County, Wisconsin, deer farm under quarantine after buck tests positive for #CWD
Both free-ranging and captive animals have previously tested positive in the county, which is surrounded by other positive counties.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
Photo: Hope Abrams / Flickr cc
Both free-ranging and captive animals have previously tested positive in the county, which is surrounded by other positive counties.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
Photo: Hope Abrams / Flickr cc
October 13, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Portage County, Wisconsin, deer farm under quarantine after buck tests positive for #CWD
Both free-ranging and captive animals have previously tested positive in the county, which is surrounded by other positive counties.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
Photo: Hope Abrams / Flickr cc
Both free-ranging and captive animals have previously tested positive in the county, which is surrounded by other positive counties.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
Photo: Hope Abrams / Flickr cc
Reposted by Tami Swenson
As we mark our 50th anniversary, we want to hear from Viewers Like You:
How has the show affected your life? https://bit.ly/3KFpORZ
How has the show affected your life? https://bit.ly/3KFpORZ
October 9, 2025 at 6:40 PM
As we mark our 50th anniversary, we want to hear from Viewers Like You:
How has the show affected your life? https://bit.ly/3KFpORZ
How has the show affected your life? https://bit.ly/3KFpORZ
Reposted by Tami Swenson
Very astute essay by @jenniferreich.bsky.social explaining vaccine hesitancy as part of a broader individualistic approach to health
www.nytimes.com/2025/09/30/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/09/30/o...
Opinion | What Really Drives Vaccine Hesitancy
www.nytimes.com
September 30, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Very astute essay by @jenniferreich.bsky.social explaining vaccine hesitancy as part of a broader individualistic approach to health
www.nytimes.com/2025/09/30/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/09/30/o...
Reposted by Tami Swenson
Today marks the first day in public media’s history without federal funding. And we’re not going anywhere.
Listeners like you keep our mission alive. Protect one of the last places where America comes together to hear itself.
Stand with us today. Donate at this link: n.pr/46wamAj
Listeners like you keep our mission alive. Protect one of the last places where America comes together to hear itself.
Stand with us today. Donate at this link: n.pr/46wamAj
October 1, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Today marks the first day in public media’s history without federal funding. And we’re not going anywhere.
Listeners like you keep our mission alive. Protect one of the last places where America comes together to hear itself.
Stand with us today. Donate at this link: n.pr/46wamAj
Listeners like you keep our mission alive. Protect one of the last places where America comes together to hear itself.
Stand with us today. Donate at this link: n.pr/46wamAj
Reposted by Tami Swenson
One of the most exciting benefits of getting vaccinated, is it can potentially help prevent dementia. The more a virus runs riot, the more likely your brain will crank up the antimicrobial plaques. There is compelling evidence the amyloids serve an immune purpose. This is Rudi Tanzi's theory...🩺🧪
In addition to reducing the severity and long term effects of some illnesses, getting vaccinated has an unexpected benefit- warding off dementia.
A 2022 study of 1.8 million 65+ adults showed that receiving the flu vaccine reduced the risk of developing dementia by 40%.
🧪 archive.today/YT3wf
A 2022 study of 1.8 million 65+ adults showed that receiving the flu vaccine reduced the risk of developing dementia by 40%.
🧪 archive.today/YT3wf
4 vaccines linked to a lower risk of dementia
Some vaccine-preventable diseases are linked to accelerated brain atrophy and increased dementia risk years down the line.
www.washingtonpost.com
September 29, 2025 at 6:46 PM
One of the most exciting benefits of getting vaccinated, is it can potentially help prevent dementia. The more a virus runs riot, the more likely your brain will crank up the antimicrobial plaques. There is compelling evidence the amyloids serve an immune purpose. This is Rudi Tanzi's theory...🩺🧪
Reposted by Tami Swenson
When people think about national parks, they often think about the most famous ones, but there is much more to the nation’s park system than just the 63 places formally designated as national parks. (via @us.theconversation.com) https://to.pbs.org/46qXwmU
Wonders of the National Park System are in every state. Here's where to find one near you
These sites of national significance hold surprising treasures no less wondrous than the big-name destinations, potentially right around the corner from your home.
www.pbs.org
September 27, 2025 at 6:07 PM
When people think about national parks, they often think about the most famous ones, but there is much more to the nation’s park system than just the 63 places formally designated as national parks. (via @us.theconversation.com) https://to.pbs.org/46qXwmU
Reposted by Tami Swenson
Care about ending hunger in the U.S.?
Spend a minute reading this...
Spend a minute reading this...
USDA is ending future Household Food Security Reports AND the Current Population Survey Food Security Supplement–our most comprehensive source on food insecurity in the U.S. For approximately $1 million a year, it informs over $100 billion in nutrition programs. Cutting it means cutting evidence.
September 25, 2025 at 9:11 PM
Care about ending hunger in the U.S.?
Spend a minute reading this...
Spend a minute reading this...
Reposted by Tami Swenson
Quick takes: Wisconsin COVID vaccine order, 2 recover from Ebola, universal flu vaccine trial launch
Wisconsin, like some other states, also addressed insurance coverage in its COVID vaccine order.
Wisconsin, like some other states, also addressed insurance coverage in its COVID vaccine order.
Quick takes: Wisconsin COVID vaccine order, 2 recover from Ebola, universal flu vaccine trial launch
Wisconsin, like some other states, also addressed insurance coverage in its COVID vaccine order.
www.cidrap.umn.edu
September 16, 2025 at 7:39 PM
Quick takes: Wisconsin COVID vaccine order, 2 recover from Ebola, universal flu vaccine trial launch
Wisconsin, like some other states, also addressed insurance coverage in its COVID vaccine order.
Wisconsin, like some other states, also addressed insurance coverage in its COVID vaccine order.
Reposted by Tami Swenson
Pet parrots which typically live alone (whilst those in the wild live in large flocks) were given the technology to call each other. They would use it for up to three hours a day, and developed favourite friends 💔
on.ft.com/3K05vhS
on.ft.com/3K05vhS
September 12, 2025 at 6:00 AM
Pet parrots which typically live alone (whilst those in the wild live in large flocks) were given the technology to call each other. They would use it for up to three hours a day, and developed favourite friends 💔
on.ft.com/3K05vhS
on.ft.com/3K05vhS
Reposted by Tami Swenson
Looking up something in the Boston census of 1900, and these are just other families on the same pages.
2 children surviving out of 14
1 child surviving out of 5
0 children surviving out of 10
3 children surviving out of 4
2 children surviving out of 14
1 child surviving out of 5
0 children surviving out of 10
3 children surviving out of 4
September 7, 2025 at 8:02 PM
Looking up something in the Boston census of 1900, and these are just other families on the same pages.
2 children surviving out of 14
1 child surviving out of 5
0 children surviving out of 10
3 children surviving out of 4
2 children surviving out of 14
1 child surviving out of 5
0 children surviving out of 10
3 children surviving out of 4
Reposted by Tami Swenson
This is terrific.👏🏼👏🏼
Having studied & followed antivax movement efforts for ~10 yrs, I can say we know lots abt such antisci movement that is generally well-organized, funded, & coordinated, but far less abt the many grassroots provax & related grps that have arisen in response throughout the US. 1/
Having studied & followed antivax movement efforts for ~10 yrs, I can say we know lots abt such antisci movement that is generally well-organized, funded, & coordinated, but far less abt the many grassroots provax & related grps that have arisen in response throughout the US. 1/
Today is Grandparents Day, and a new group, Grandparents for vaccines, has launched. Many grandparents have seen what vaccines can do, & suffered the infections that can now be prevented. They don't want us to go back to the age when measles & polio were rampant.
Grandparent For Vaccines
For Grandparents and the Allies of their Grandchildren
grandparentsforvaccines.com
September 7, 2025 at 10:38 PM
This is terrific.👏🏼👏🏼
Having studied & followed antivax movement efforts for ~10 yrs, I can say we know lots abt such antisci movement that is generally well-organized, funded, & coordinated, but far less abt the many grassroots provax & related grps that have arisen in response throughout the US. 1/
Having studied & followed antivax movement efforts for ~10 yrs, I can say we know lots abt such antisci movement that is generally well-organized, funded, & coordinated, but far less abt the many grassroots provax & related grps that have arisen in response throughout the US. 1/
Reposted by Tami Swenson
Did you miss our Rapid Response webinar on the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey?
Watch now and in less than 20 minutes you'll learn how you can help shape this critical data.
youtu.be/OxvlLUDWggA?...
Watch now and in less than 20 minutes you'll learn how you can help shape this critical data.
youtu.be/OxvlLUDWggA?...
Rapid Response Data Briefing: Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (2025)
YouTube video by Association of Public Data Users (APDU)
youtu.be
September 4, 2025 at 2:58 AM
Did you miss our Rapid Response webinar on the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey?
Watch now and in less than 20 minutes you'll learn how you can help shape this critical data.
youtu.be/OxvlLUDWggA?...
Watch now and in less than 20 minutes you'll learn how you can help shape this critical data.
youtu.be/OxvlLUDWggA?...
Reposted by Tami Swenson
Rates of absenteeism continue to climb across the country as many students navigate concerns like anxiety and food insecurity.
Pediatricians Deanna Haag and Heidi Schumacher detail their work to address this issue in Vermont.
podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/941-back-to-...
Pediatricians Deanna Haag and Heidi Schumacher detail their work to address this issue in Vermont.
podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/941-back-to-...
September 3, 2025 at 12:44 PM
Rates of absenteeism continue to climb across the country as many students navigate concerns like anxiety and food insecurity.
Pediatricians Deanna Haag and Heidi Schumacher detail their work to address this issue in Vermont.
podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/941-back-to-...
Pediatricians Deanna Haag and Heidi Schumacher detail their work to address this issue in Vermont.
podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/941-back-to-...
Reposted by Tami Swenson
This 🧵 is long so please bear with me. It is compiles evidence in a historical timeline on how effective #COVIDVaccines are. When a pandemic ends we quickly and easily forget the tools that got us out of it. So here is my labour day gift to you prompted by this headline.
September 1, 2025 at 10:38 PM
This 🧵 is long so please bear with me. It is compiles evidence in a historical timeline on how effective #COVIDVaccines are. When a pandemic ends we quickly and easily forget the tools that got us out of it. So here is my labour day gift to you prompted by this headline.
Reposted by Tami Swenson
Wisconsin measles outbreak grows as Ohio reports family cluster
Two people have been hospitalized in Wisconsin's outbreak centered in Oconto County.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/m...
Photo: CDC
Two people have been hospitalized in Wisconsin's outbreak centered in Oconto County.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/m...
Photo: CDC
September 2, 2025 at 6:39 PM
Wisconsin measles outbreak grows as Ohio reports family cluster
Two people have been hospitalized in Wisconsin's outbreak centered in Oconto County.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/m...
Photo: CDC
Two people have been hospitalized in Wisconsin's outbreak centered in Oconto County.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/m...
Photo: CDC