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
The American Cancer Society now endorses self-collected vaginal swabs for HPV as an acceptable cervical cancer screening option, with clinician-collected tests still preferred. This could expand access for people facing barriers to pelvic exams and clinic visits. #HPV #CervicalCancer
www.washingtonpost.com
December 6, 2025 at 10:00 PM
The American Cancer Society now endorses self-collected vaginal swabs for HPV as an acceptable cervical cancer screening option, with clinician-collected tests still preferred. This could expand access for people facing barriers to pelvic exams and clinic visits. #HPV #CervicalCancer
Colombia y la OPS refuerzan su alianza para impulsar una atención primaria renovada, mejorar el control de ENT y fortalecer la regulación y producción de insumos de salud, con enfoque en equidad y salud universal. www.paho.org/es/noticias/... #SaludUniversal #Equidad
Colombia y la OPS reafirman el trabajo conjunto por la salud pública con equidad
Santa Marta, 9 de noviembre de 2025. En el marco de la IV Cumbre entre la Comunidad de Estados Latinoamericanos y del Caribe CELAC y la Unión Europea UE, que se celebra en la ciudad colombiana de…
www.paho.org
December 6, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Colombia y la OPS refuerzan su alianza para impulsar una atención primaria renovada, mejorar el control de ENT y fortalecer la regulación y producción de insumos de salud, con enfoque en equidad y salud universal. www.paho.org/es/noticias/... #SaludUniversal #Equidad
A leading Harvard cancer genomics lab that once buzzed with trainees and discovery is now nearly silent after rapid federal research cuts under the Trump administration. This profile shows how funding decisions ripple through science and public health. www.statnews.com/2025/12/05/r... #SciencePolicy
His lab was humming with discovery. After one year under Trump, it’s almost silent
John Quackenbush built a lab that is at the forefront of human genetics research and bioinformatics. Trump administration cuts have put it in danger of collapse.
www.statnews.com
December 6, 2025 at 1:35 PM
A leading Harvard cancer genomics lab that once buzzed with trainees and discovery is now nearly silent after rapid federal research cuts under the Trump administration. This profile shows how funding decisions ripple through science and public health. www.statnews.com/2025/12/05/r... #SciencePolicy
From TB and plague to HIV and suspected cholera, history shows how quickly immigrants get blamed when germs travel—while root causes like overcrowding and poverty are ignored. A powerful reminder to build anti-racism into outbreak response. medium.com/microbial-in... #PublicHealth
If you want proof that history repeats itself, read “When Germs Travel” by Dr. Howard Markel
What is it they say about failing to learn from history?
medium.com
December 6, 2025 at 1:22 AM
From TB and plague to HIV and suspected cholera, history shows how quickly immigrants get blamed when germs travel—while root causes like overcrowding and poverty are ignored. A powerful reminder to build anti-racism into outbreak response. medium.com/microbial-in... #PublicHealth
Former CDC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Debra Houry says her worst fears for the agency are coming true: political appointees are sidelining scientists, rewriting vaccine content, and weakening ACIP, while measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases claim more children’s lives.
I Left the CDC 100 Days Ago. My Worst Fears About the Agency Are Coming True
"Things have not improved," writes Dr. Debra Houry. "They have worsened. And Congress has still failed to act."
time.com
December 6, 2025 at 12:17 AM
Former CDC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Debra Houry says her worst fears for the agency are coming true: political appointees are sidelining scientists, rewriting vaccine content, and weakening ACIP, while measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases claim more children’s lives.
Public health in the UK is being asked to deliver more prevention with fewer resources, fragmented systems, and a pressured specialist workforce. BMA public health doctors argue it is time to rebuild through investment in prevention, fair pay, and stronger training.
To rebuild public health, we need to do things differently
The UK’s public health crisis calls for a collective effort in policy and activism, write Deiniol Jones and Chloë Rogers
www.bma.org.uk
December 5, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Public health in the UK is being asked to deliver more prevention with fewer resources, fragmented systems, and a pressured specialist workforce. BMA public health doctors argue it is time to rebuild through investment in prevention, fair pay, and stronger training.
CDC’s vaccine advisory committee has voted to end the universal hepatitis B birth dose, shifting to parent–provider decisions when the birthing parent is hepatitis B-negative. Infants of positive or unknown-status parents should still get the birth dose. Details: abcnews.go.com/Health/cdc-v...
CDC vaccine advisory committee votes to remove universal recommendation for hepatitis B shot at birth
The CDC's vaccine advisory committee voted on Friday to remove the universal recommendation for the hepatitis B vaccine at birth.
abcnews.go.com
December 5, 2025 at 5:42 PM
CDC’s vaccine advisory committee has voted to end the universal hepatitis B birth dose, shifting to parent–provider decisions when the birthing parent is hepatitis B-negative. Infants of positive or unknown-status parents should still get the birth dose. Details: abcnews.go.com/Health/cdc-v...
Wake County Public Health earned accreditation with honors, meeting all 147 North Carolina standards for quality public health. hoodline.com/2025/12/wake...
Wake County Public Health Earns Top Honors in Accreditation, Exemplifying Excellence in Public Service
Wake County Public Health has earned accreditation with honors from the North Carolina Local Health Department Accreditation Board, meeting all 147 standards and demonstrating excellence in public…
hoodline.com
December 5, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Wake County Public Health earned accreditation with honors, meeting all 147 North Carolina standards for quality public health. hoodline.com/2025/12/wake...
The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) have formed the Healthcare Infection Prevention Advisory Group (HIPAG), aiming to fill the gap left by the demise of a federal advisory group.
Medical societies jointly launch infection prevention initiative
The Healthcare Infection Prevention Advisory Group (HIPAG) will offer evidence-backed advisory expertise on infection prevention and antimicrobial stewardship.
www.cidrap.umn.edu
December 4, 2025 at 8:03 PM
The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) have formed the Healthcare Infection Prevention Advisory Group (HIPAG), aiming to fill the gap left by the demise of a federal advisory group.
Ahead of today’s meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, many public health experts have spent considerable time "pre-bunking" (refuting) anti-vaccine messaging likely to be seen and heard there.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/childhood-va...
www.cidrap.umn.edu/childhood-va...
Public health experts try to ‘prebunk’ misinformation about vaccines ahead of CDC vaccine meeting today
Santiago Rodriguez Jimenez / iStock
www.cidrap.umn.edu
December 4, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Ahead of today’s meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, many public health experts have spent considerable time "pre-bunking" (refuting) anti-vaccine messaging likely to be seen and heard there.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/childhood-va...
www.cidrap.umn.edu/childhood-va...
The first death of the flu season has been reported in Missoula County, Montana. It is never too late to get the flu vaccine and prevent severe disease. Flu is deadly.
www.kpax.com/news/missoul...
www.kpax.com/news/missoul...
Additional details released about first flu death in Missoula County
Public health officials say the death was of a man over the age of 80 who had underlying health conditions and was vaccinated for the flu.
www.kpax.com
December 4, 2025 at 3:50 PM
The first death of the flu season has been reported in Missoula County, Montana. It is never too late to get the flu vaccine and prevent severe disease. Flu is deadly.
www.kpax.com/news/missoul...
www.kpax.com/news/missoul...
The South Carolina Department of Health has announced the first influenza-associated death in the state for the 2025-26 winter season. It's never too late to get your flu vaccine. www.wltx.com/article/news...
First 2025 flu-related death reported in South Carolina
Department of Public Health confirms a person in the Lowcountry has died from influenza
www.wltx.com
December 4, 2025 at 12:17 AM
The South Carolina Department of Health has announced the first influenza-associated death in the state for the 2025-26 winter season. It's never too late to get your flu vaccine. www.wltx.com/article/news...
NYT op-ed: The rising “free birth” trend (unassisted childbirth tied to medical freedom ideology) poses avoidable risks to mothers and babies and undermines public health. www.nytimes.com/2025/12/03/o...
Opinion | The Free Birth Movement Poses a Threat to Public Health
Having a baby without any medical help is the logical outcome of a centuries-long medical freedom movement.
www.nytimes.com
December 3, 2025 at 5:19 PM
NYT op-ed: The rising “free birth” trend (unassisted childbirth tied to medical freedom ideology) poses avoidable risks to mothers and babies and undermines public health. www.nytimes.com/2025/12/03/o...
Columbia University research says flexible schedules, remote work, child care, and higher pay can help retain public health workers under 35 as funding cuts undermine stability. www.npr.org/2025/12/02/n...
Research finds nontraditional benefits may help retain young public health workers
New research from Columbia University suggests that nontraditional benefits, including flexible schedules and access to child care, may help keep public health workers under 35 on the job.
www.npr.org
December 3, 2025 at 1:35 PM
Columbia University research says flexible schedules, remote work, child care, and higher pay can help retain public health workers under 35 as funding cuts undermine stability. www.npr.org/2025/12/02/n...
The Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy put out a thorough report on hepatitis B vaccination at birth. No surprise here: it is safe and effective. But they do add nuance to the discussion and room for improvement at the public health level.
phnightschool.substack.com/p/hepatitis-...
phnightschool.substack.com/p/hepatitis-...
Hepatitis B Vaccine at Birth, What a New Report From CIDRAP Says
No big surprises here, but parents who want to delay the first dose should know a few things…
phnightschool.substack.com
December 2, 2025 at 11:08 PM
The Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy put out a thorough report on hepatitis B vaccination at birth. No surprise here: it is safe and effective. But they do add nuance to the discussion and room for improvement at the public health level.
phnightschool.substack.com/p/hepatitis-...
phnightschool.substack.com/p/hepatitis-...
Scotland flu cases jumped 45% in a week (555 to 805), with hospitalizations and positivity up as a new strain takes hold. www.bbc.com/news/article...
Large surge in Scottish flu cases as new strain takes hold
Flu cases across Scotland jumped by 45% in a week, figures from Public Health Scotland show.
www.bbc.com
December 2, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Scotland flu cases jumped 45% in a week (555 to 805), with hospitalizations and positivity up as a new strain takes hold. www.bbc.com/news/article...
Nueve sociedades médicas argentinas reafirman que las vacunas no son una opinión, sino herramientas científicas probadas. La vacunación salva millones de vidas cada año y sigue siendo clave para la salud pública en Argentina y el mundo.
www.infobae.com/salud/2025/1...
www.infobae.com/salud/2025/1...
“Las vacunas no son una opinión: son una herramienta científica probada”, afirman sociedades médicas argentinas
En una declaración conjunta, nueve entidades científicas remarcaron el valor innegable de la vacunación como pilar fundamental de la salud pública y del derecho a una vida de mayor calidad para toda…
www.infobae.com
December 1, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Nueve sociedades médicas argentinas reafirman que las vacunas no son una opinión, sino herramientas científicas probadas. La vacunación salva millones de vidas cada año y sigue siendo clave para la salud pública en Argentina y el mundo.
www.infobae.com/salud/2025/1...
www.infobae.com/salud/2025/1...
This year, getting the flu vaccine is more important than ever, according to health experts. With rising flu cases and the potential for a challenging season, vaccination can help protect individuals and communities. Stay informed and prioritize your health this winter.
‘Get vaccinated’: Why this expert says you need to get the flu jab this year | Bay State Briefing
Carlene Pavlos urges residents to get flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines as the holiday season approaches amid concerns over CDC misinformation.
www.masslive.com
December 1, 2025 at 3:50 PM
This year, getting the flu vaccine is more important than ever, according to health experts. With rising flu cases and the potential for a challenging season, vaccination can help protect individuals and communities. Stay informed and prioritize your health this winter.
It's been a while since I updated the HIV vaccine article on History of Vaccines. For World AIDS Day, I went through some of the most promising trials that, sadly, did not come to be. But I've included some encouraging new research out there that might get us closer to an HIV vaccine. Enjoy.
The Development of the HIV Vaccine
HIV is uniquely hard to vaccinate against. We review past trial setbacks and new mRNA and germline-targeting approaches, and stress scientific, ethical, and access challenges.
historyofvaccines.org
December 1, 2025 at 2:01 PM
It's been a while since I updated the HIV vaccine article on History of Vaccines. For World AIDS Day, I went through some of the most promising trials that, sadly, did not come to be. But I've included some encouraging new research out there that might get us closer to an HIV vaccine. Enjoy.
CDC layoffs disrupted PRAMS, a long-running maternal and infant health survey, hindering data access and state capacity; uncertainty persists over centralized support and funding. www.wcvb.com/article/mass...
After mass layoffs, questions remain about CDC pregnancy survey
A decades-old data set tracking the health of new moms and babies was disrupted by CDC layoffs last spring, and there are still unanswered questions about the program's future.
www.wcvb.com
December 1, 2025 at 12:17 AM
CDC layoffs disrupted PRAMS, a long-running maternal and infant health survey, hindering data access and state capacity; uncertainty persists over centralized support and funding. www.wcvb.com/article/mass...
Never let a crisis go to waste. Maybe this is the perfect opportunity to reform our public health system in the United States to more closely align with the Federal Reserve: still under public control and accountability, but independent enough to make tough choices regardless of who wins elections.
A Better, More Independent Public Health System Should Rise From the Ashes of the Current One
There's a reason the United States Dollar is so strong. Why not translate that into a strong and stable public health system?
phnightschool.substack.com
November 30, 2025 at 1:19 AM
Never let a crisis go to waste. Maybe this is the perfect opportunity to reform our public health system in the United States to more closely align with the Federal Reserve: still under public control and accountability, but independent enough to make tough choices regardless of who wins elections.
Guanajuato recibió el Premio Nacional de Calidad en Salud 2025, con tres reconocimientos a sus unidades por su madurez en el modelo de calidad. www.jornada.com.mx/noticia/2025...
Guanajuato recibe el Premio Nacional de Calidad en Salud 2025
La Dirección General de Calidad y Educación en Salud (DGCES) de la Secretaría de Salud Federal establece como uno de sus programas principales el otorgamiento del Premio Nacional de Calidad en Salud…
www.jornada.com.mx
November 30, 2025 at 12:17 AM
Guanajuato recibió el Premio Nacional de Calidad en Salud 2025, con tres reconocimientos a sus unidades por su madurez en el modelo de calidad. www.jornada.com.mx/noticia/2025...
RFK Jr. is weighing changes to the vaccine injury program, including adding some autism cases, drawing warnings that it could drain the fund and push manufacturers away. politi.co/4pYhpJ1
RFK Jr. is overhauling the program that helps preserve Americans' access to vaccines
A Kennedy adviser said he wants to preserve the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. The health secretary's anti-vaccine allies prefer it collapse.
politi.co
November 29, 2025 at 10:00 PM
RFK Jr. is weighing changes to the vaccine injury program, including adding some autism cases, drawing warnings that it could drain the fund and push manufacturers away. politi.co/4pYhpJ1
WHO report: Measles deaths fell 88% from 2000–2024 and vaccines saved nearly 59 million lives, but infections surged to an estimated 11 million in 2024.
www.who.int/news/item/28...
www.who.int/news/item/28...
Measles deaths down 88% since 2000, but cases surge
Global immunization efforts have led to an 88% drop in measles deaths between 2000 and 2024, according to a new report from the World Health Organization (WHO). Nearly 59 million lives have been…
www.who.int
November 29, 2025 at 1:35 PM
WHO report: Measles deaths fell 88% from 2000–2024 and vaccines saved nearly 59 million lives, but infections surged to an estimated 11 million in 2024.
www.who.int/news/item/28...
www.who.int/news/item/28...
Geographic Information Systems can be powerful tools for tracking and countering infectious diseases. Here's an example of GIS being used for malaria reduction in Africa.
open.substack.com/pub/phnights...
open.substack.com/pub/phnights...
GIS for Public Health Night School: Using an Index to Understand Malaria Risk in A City in Ethiopia
A real-life application of what you've learned recently.
open.substack.com
November 29, 2025 at 12:17 AM
Geographic Information Systems can be powerful tools for tracking and countering infectious diseases. Here's an example of GIS being used for malaria reduction in Africa.
open.substack.com/pub/phnights...
open.substack.com/pub/phnights...