Osterholm Update

Osterholm Update

A weekly report on the COVID-19 pandemic from infectious disease expert Michael Osterholm, PhD, MPH. Dr. Osterholm is the director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) at the University of Minnesota and has spent a career investigating outbreaks. Since 2005, he has emphasized supply chain and other vulnerabilities and a critical need for pandemic preparedness. In this podcast, Dr. Osterholm dissects the latest COVID-19 news, data, and guidance. CIDRAP’s Chris Dall, MA, is the cohost of the Osterholm Update and a reporter for CIDRAP News. http://www.cidrap.umn.edu

Episodes

January 2, 2026
<p>In "Flu Takes Charge" Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall give us an update on the emerging flu season, Dr. Osterholm covers a new poll that shows fewer Americans are willing to recommend the MMR vaccine, and we'll hear about the Vaccine Integrity Project's latest video.</p> <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5ZFnEfs9w0"><strong>Protecting Vaccine Integrity in 2025: Evidence, Access, and Public T...
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<p>In "Gaps in the Safety Net" Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss why we shouldn’t compare other countries’ vaccine schedules to the US schedule. Dr. Osterholm continues to cover the recent infant botulism outbreak, and he answers an ID Query about New World Screwworm.<br><br>Resources for vaccine and public health advocacy:</p> <p><a href="https://www.voicesforvaccines.org/get-involved/"><s...
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<p>In this special&nbsp;episode of the podcast, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the ACIP's recent decision to end universal hepatitis B birth dose recommendations and the impact it will have on public health.</p> <p>Noted articles:</p> <p><br><a href="https://medium.com/@jsteier_29203/and-what-have-we-done-43b40dc32de1">…And What Have We Done?</a><br><br><a hre...
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<p>In "Fork in the Road" Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the changes to the CDC's vaccines and autism page and this week's meeting of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Dr. Osterholm also covers the recent infant botulism outbreak and Chris answers an ID Query about possible C. difficile vaccines.</p> <p><br><a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/childhood-vaccines/after-unprecedent...
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<p>In "Flu Shifts: Why Vaccines Still Matter," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall review the latest trends and flu and how this year's vaccine compares to the circulating strains. Dr. Osterholm also discusses H5N1 impact on mammals in Antarctica and answers an ID Query about infant botulism.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Resources for vaccine and public health advocacy:</p> <p><a href="https://www....
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<p>NOTE: In order to align our schedule with the holidays, we will not be releasing an episode on 11/13. We'll be back with our next episode on 11/20 and will resume our biweekly release schedule.</p> <p>In "We Can Make a Difference," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the recent publication from CIDRAP's Vaccine Integrity Project, an upcoming collaboration between CIDRAP and NEJM Evidence, and the latest measle...
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<p>In "Bending Not Breaking," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss recent layoffs and layoff reversals at the CDC, comments from the administration on the MMR vaccine, and the latest respiratory virus data. Dr. Osterholm also shares an update on pertussis cases and answers an ID Query about herd immunity.</p> <p>Resources for vaccine and public health advocacy:</p> <p><a href="https://www.voicesforv...
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<p>In "Fevers, Furloughs, and Falsehoods," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall break down the CDC’s recent ACIP meeting and the ongoing uncertainty around updated vaccine recommendations. Dr. Osterhom discusses state-level differences in vaccine access, possible changes to the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, and reviews the latest data on COVID-19, Ebola, and STIs. Dr. Osterholm also answers an ID Query on the studies ...
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<p>In this special update, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall recap the events of last week's ACIP meeting and what it means for COVID, MMRV, and hepatitis B vaccine availability.</p> <p>Learn more about the <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/vaccine-integrity-project"><strong>Vaccine Integrity Project</strong></a></p> <p><a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/osterholm-upda...
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<p>In "Ice Cream and Shark Attacks," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the FDA’s recent decision to authorize updated COVID-19 vaccines for limited groups, the confusion around access for those under 65, and the uncertain outcomes of this week’s ACIP meeting. They also cover ongoing upheaval at the CDC, provide updates on COVID-19 and measles, answer an ID Query on Chagas disease, and share the latest installment of This W...
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<p>In this week's special episode, Chris Dall interviews Dr. Osterholm and his coauthor Mark Olshaker on their new book <em>The Big One: How We Must Prepare for Future Deadly Pandemics</em>. They are also joined by Ann Hennigan Grace and CIDRAP's Dr. Sydney Redepenning who both conducted research and fact-checking for the book.</p> <p>The Big One is available for purchase <a href="https://www.hachet...
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<p>In "Courage Over Fear," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the critical Vaccine Integrity Project respiratory virus immunization meeting, recent federal actions to sow disinformation on vaccines, and encourage public servants, including those at CDC, who are facing fear amidst violence. Dr. Osterholm also covers the latest COVID data and reviews a new pre-print study on H5N1 avian influenza transmission.&nbsp;</p&...
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<p>In "Are We At Risk of Losing Our Vaccines?", Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss declining childhood vaccination rates, a statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics on non-medical exemptions for mandated vaccines, and the recent termination of $500 million in mRNA vaccine research contracts. Dr. Osterholm also covers the latest COVID data and shares another "This Week in Public Health History" segment.&nbsp;<...
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<p>In "Finding the Light," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss a recent study on aluminum in childhood vaccines, the latest COVID variant data, and the recent approval of the Moderna COVID vaccine for children at risk of severe disease. Dr. Osterholm also provides an update on CIDRAP's Vaccine Integrity Project and shares the latest "This Week in Public History" segment.</p> <p><a href="https://www.cidrap.umn....
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<p>In "Stay the Course," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall review the outcomes of the June ACIP meeting and shares updates on the Vaccine Integrity Project. Dr. Osterholm also covers the latest trends in COVID-19, H5N1, and measles, and answers an ID query about RSV vaccines.</p> <p><a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/measles/us-measles-cases-top-1200-uk-loses-measles-free-status">US measles cases top 1,200 as UK...
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<p>In "Chaos Reigns," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss this week's ACIP meeting, the latest COVID variant data, and the current measles trends in the United States and Canada. Dr. Osterholm covers some good news about federal health agencies and answers an ID query about autism.</p> <p><a href="https://www.voicesforvaccines.org/get-involved/"><strong>Voices for Vaccines</strong></a><...
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<p>In "Our Light, Our Fight," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the remaking of the CDC's vaccine advisory group, ACIP, provide a updates on measles, H5N1, COVID-19, and mpox. Dr. Osterholm also shares a list of resources on how to get involved and "organize" around vaccine policy.</p> <p><a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/viewpoint-rfks-reckless-firing-cdc-vaccine-advisors-not-supported-evidence"&...
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<p>In "Fool's Gold: Reframing the Science," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the latest federal actions surrounding vaccine policy, report on a new COVID variant sweeping Asia, and give an update on measles cases across North America.</p> <p>Learn more about the <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/vaccine-integrity-project">Vaccine Integrity Project</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.ci...
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<p>In "Time to Organize," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss HHS Secretary Kennedy's proposed changes to vaccine policy, the latest measles news, and the Trump administration's newly announced next-generation universal influenza vaccine platform.</p> <p>Learn more about the <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/vaccine-integrity-project">Vaccine Integrity Project</a></p> <p><a href="http...
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<p>In "The Vaccine Confidence Crisis," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss measles cases in the United States, the latest COVID vaccine news, and the launch of CIDRAP's Vaccine Integrity Project.&nbsp;</p> <p>Learn more about the <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/vaccine-integrity-project">Vaccine Integrity Project</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/osterholm-...
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