Tara Herrmann, PhD
@tlblase.bsky.social
Immunologist, works in oncology, patient advocate and data geek by day, aunticorn by night. #Medsky
Love my pup. It takes a village. Military widow. No time for bigotry, racism, or theocracy. Jaded idealist. Opinions are my own
Love my pup. It takes a village. Military widow. No time for bigotry, racism, or theocracy. Jaded idealist. Opinions are my own
Reposted by Tara Herrmann, PhD
@rsnasky.bsky.social #RSNA25 #Radiology #RadOncSky #OncSky #PathSky Team #DiagnoseAndTreats
#RadSky #MedSky we have now crossed the 100K mark !!! @hcwvshunger.bsky.social
#HCWvsHunger Keep Going !!! Please !!!
#RadSky #MedSky we have now crossed the 100K mark !!! @hcwvshunger.bsky.social
#HCWvsHunger Keep Going !!! Please !!!
November 30, 2025 at 12:38 AM
@rsnasky.bsky.social #RSNA25 #Radiology #RadOncSky #OncSky #PathSky Team #DiagnoseAndTreats
#RadSky #MedSky we have now crossed the 100K mark !!! @hcwvshunger.bsky.social
#HCWvsHunger Keep Going !!! Please !!!
#RadSky #MedSky we have now crossed the 100K mark !!! @hcwvshunger.bsky.social
#HCWvsHunger Keep Going !!! Please !!!
Reposted by Tara Herrmann, PhD
Washington State Dept of Hlth: “The older adult male in Washington State who tested positive for avian flu in early November has died and was the first global human case of a rare H5N5 strain of the virus” #IDsky #Medsky
www.medscape.com/viewarticle/...
www.medscape.com/viewarticle/...
Bird Flu Patient Dies From Rare Strain
Older adult male was the first confirmed human case of H5N5 variant globally.
www.medscape.com
November 30, 2025 at 1:36 AM
Washington State Dept of Hlth: “The older adult male in Washington State who tested positive for avian flu in early November has died and was the first global human case of a rare H5N5 strain of the virus” #IDsky #Medsky
www.medscape.com/viewarticle/...
www.medscape.com/viewarticle/...
Reposted by Tara Herrmann, PhD
In a new leaked memo, the FDA outlined plans to make it much harder to get new vaccines approved, claiming, without sharing evidence, that the COVID vaccines have killed at least 10 children.
This is so reckless. The science shows us that COVID vaccines have saved millions of lives.
This is so reckless. The science shows us that COVID vaccines have saved millions of lives.
November 29, 2025 at 9:30 PM
In a new leaked memo, the FDA outlined plans to make it much harder to get new vaccines approved, claiming, without sharing evidence, that the COVID vaccines have killed at least 10 children.
This is so reckless. The science shows us that COVID vaccines have saved millions of lives.
This is so reckless. The science shows us that COVID vaccines have saved millions of lives.
Due to illness a little late to the game…
But more than ever it will take a community effort to address food insecurity
I have the benefit of having the ability to help
No one should ever be hungry
Thanks to all involved in #HCWvsHunger for all they do to make this happen
But more than ever it will take a community effort to address food insecurity
I have the benefit of having the ability to help
No one should ever be hungry
Thanks to all involved in #HCWvsHunger for all they do to make this happen
November 29, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Due to illness a little late to the game…
But more than ever it will take a community effort to address food insecurity
I have the benefit of having the ability to help
No one should ever be hungry
Thanks to all involved in #HCWvsHunger for all they do to make this happen
But more than ever it will take a community effort to address food insecurity
I have the benefit of having the ability to help
No one should ever be hungry
Thanks to all involved in #HCWvsHunger for all they do to make this happen
Reposted by Tara Herrmann, PhD
Today, after months of requests, I toured the Broadview ICE Processing Facility. I want to share what I saw.
The facility has no food vendor, no medical care, and detainees have to use toilets in the middle of shared cells. These are in no way suitable conditions to be holding anyone — period.
The facility has no food vendor, no medical care, and detainees have to use toilets in the middle of shared cells. These are in no way suitable conditions to be holding anyone — period.
November 25, 2025 at 12:57 AM
Today, after months of requests, I toured the Broadview ICE Processing Facility. I want to share what I saw.
The facility has no food vendor, no medical care, and detainees have to use toilets in the middle of shared cells. These are in no way suitable conditions to be holding anyone — period.
The facility has no food vendor, no medical care, and detainees have to use toilets in the middle of shared cells. These are in no way suitable conditions to be holding anyone — period.
He needs to be removed yesterday…this move will be written in children’s and immunocompromised ppl’s blood
Breaking News: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said he personally instructed the CDC to abandon its position that vaccines do not cause autism. The move underscores his determination to challenge scientific orthodoxy — in this case, that vaccines save lives — and bend the health department to his will.
RFK Jr. Says He Instructed CDC to Change Vaccines and Autism Language on Website
In an interview, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. cited gaps in vaccine safety research. His critics say he is ignoring a larger point: Vaccines save lives.
nyti.ms
November 21, 2025 at 11:50 PM
He needs to be removed yesterday…this move will be written in children’s and immunocompromised ppl’s blood
Reposted by Tara Herrmann, PhD
Vaccines DO NOT cause autism - there is extensive research showing this. Resurrecting old, discredited, fraudulent work is shameful.
Vaccine-preventable illnesses are serious - this is going to cause real harms.
This is dangerous & disappointing.
Vaccine-preventable illnesses are serious - this is going to cause real harms.
This is dangerous & disappointing.
November 21, 2025 at 11:40 PM
Vaccines DO NOT cause autism - there is extensive research showing this. Resurrecting old, discredited, fraudulent work is shameful.
Vaccine-preventable illnesses are serious - this is going to cause real harms.
This is dangerous & disappointing.
Vaccine-preventable illnesses are serious - this is going to cause real harms.
This is dangerous & disappointing.
Reposted by Tara Herrmann, PhD
The CDC website is peddling false information about autism.
👉 Do not trust CDC for vaccine info or guidance
👉 Look to professional orgs or Public Health Canada (NACI) for unbiased, evidence-based guidance
Gift link:
wapo.st/4idz3Wn
👉 Do not trust CDC for vaccine info or guidance
👉 Look to professional orgs or Public Health Canada (NACI) for unbiased, evidence-based guidance
Gift link:
wapo.st/4idz3Wn
CDC in turmoil after agency backpedals on debunking vaccines-autism link
The CDC’s website now says health authorities ignored evidence of a potential connection between vaccines and autism, despite dozens of studies showing no link.
wapo.st
November 20, 2025 at 2:13 PM
The CDC website is peddling false information about autism.
👉 Do not trust CDC for vaccine info or guidance
👉 Look to professional orgs or Public Health Canada (NACI) for unbiased, evidence-based guidance
Gift link:
wapo.st/4idz3Wn
👉 Do not trust CDC for vaccine info or guidance
👉 Look to professional orgs or Public Health Canada (NACI) for unbiased, evidence-based guidance
Gift link:
wapo.st/4idz3Wn
“only an estimated 1 in 5 eligible individuals in the United States received lung cancer screening (LCS) in 2024, and increasing current uptake to 100% could raise the number of lung cancer deaths prevented and life-years-gained by three-fold” #lcsm
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
Lung Cancer Deaths Prevented and Life-Years Gained From Lung Cancer Screening
This study examines the current national prevalence of up-to-date lung cancer screening and estimates lung cancer deaths prevented and life-years gained from screening.
jamanetwork.com
November 20, 2025 at 2:58 PM
“only an estimated 1 in 5 eligible individuals in the United States received lung cancer screening (LCS) in 2024, and increasing current uptake to 100% could raise the number of lung cancer deaths prevented and life-years-gained by three-fold” #lcsm
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
It would have been Jei’s 51st birthday today
Some days the grief hits hard even though it’s been 5.5 yrs like when I saw an honor flight at the Vietnam Memorial shortly before Veterans Day
He took such pride in bringing folks home and giving families closure
To remember is to honor
Some days the grief hits hard even though it’s been 5.5 yrs like when I saw an honor flight at the Vietnam Memorial shortly before Veterans Day
He took such pride in bringing folks home and giving families closure
To remember is to honor
November 18, 2025 at 7:25 PM
It would have been Jei’s 51st birthday today
Some days the grief hits hard even though it’s been 5.5 yrs like when I saw an honor flight at the Vietnam Memorial shortly before Veterans Day
He took such pride in bringing folks home and giving families closure
To remember is to honor
Some days the grief hits hard even though it’s been 5.5 yrs like when I saw an honor flight at the Vietnam Memorial shortly before Veterans Day
He took such pride in bringing folks home and giving families closure
To remember is to honor
Reposted by Tara Herrmann, PhD
November 15, 2025 at 10:34 AM
Bakers half dozen in medical appts this week
1st ✅ done
Being chronically ill is its own full time job esp in the U.S.
When you are stuck in a 🪑 for hrs, you need something cheery, so I brought a reminder of friends (yes that’s 3 hello kitty stickers🙄) n travels
Remind me to just say no to 7 am
1st ✅ done
Being chronically ill is its own full time job esp in the U.S.
When you are stuck in a 🪑 for hrs, you need something cheery, so I brought a reminder of friends (yes that’s 3 hello kitty stickers🙄) n travels
Remind me to just say no to 7 am
November 17, 2025 at 4:15 PM
Bakers half dozen in medical appts this week
1st ✅ done
Being chronically ill is its own full time job esp in the U.S.
When you are stuck in a 🪑 for hrs, you need something cheery, so I brought a reminder of friends (yes that’s 3 hello kitty stickers🙄) n travels
Remind me to just say no to 7 am
1st ✅ done
Being chronically ill is its own full time job esp in the U.S.
When you are stuck in a 🪑 for hrs, you need something cheery, so I brought a reminder of friends (yes that’s 3 hello kitty stickers🙄) n travels
Remind me to just say no to 7 am
Reposted by Tara Herrmann, PhD
A yr ago today I was being released from the hospital after nearly dying and having emergency surgery for a hole in my GI due to one of the 💊 for my RA
All b/c my insurance thought they knew better than my MD and I
I will forever remain at ⬆️ of GI perforations
Despite that
All b/c my insurance thought they knew better than my MD and I
I will forever remain at ⬆️ of GI perforations
Despite that
August 14, 2025 at 12:51 PM
A yr ago today I was being released from the hospital after nearly dying and having emergency surgery for a hole in my GI due to one of the 💊 for my RA
All b/c my insurance thought they knew better than my MD and I
I will forever remain at ⬆️ of GI perforations
Despite that
All b/c my insurance thought they knew better than my MD and I
I will forever remain at ⬆️ of GI perforations
Despite that
Reposted by Tara Herrmann, PhD
No, JD, belonging in America does not depend on how many generations of your family have lived here. The values of this country matter - deeply - to who we are and what it means to be American.
August 12, 2025 at 1:31 AM
No, JD, belonging in America does not depend on how many generations of your family have lived here. The values of this country matter - deeply - to who we are and what it means to be American.
Umm just no
I do not want AI making a decision about drugs
If you now don’t have enough folks at the FDA perhaps you shouldn’t have fired them
I do not want AI making a decision about drugs
If you now don’t have enough folks at the FDA perhaps you shouldn’t have fired them
F.D.A. to Use A.I. in Drug Approvals to ‘Radically Increase Efficiency’
With a Trump-driven reduction of nearly 2,000 employees, agency officials view artificial intelligence as a way to speed drugs to the market.
www.nytimes.com
June 11, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Umm just no
I do not want AI making a decision about drugs
If you now don’t have enough folks at the FDA perhaps you shouldn’t have fired them
I do not want AI making a decision about drugs
If you now don’t have enough folks at the FDA perhaps you shouldn’t have fired them
Reposted by Tara Herrmann, PhD
Earlier this week, the FDA said that new clinical trials would be needed to give updated Covid vaccines to healthy kids and adults. An FDA advisory panel today recommended keeping the next round of shots the same - so will new clinical trials still be needed? It is unclear! @berkeleyjr.bsky.social
FDA panel says Covid vaccines can stay the same for fall amid access concerns
Committee members said they struggled with the decision. The FDA doesn't need to follow the panel's advice.
www.nbcnews.com
May 22, 2025 at 8:43 PM
Earlier this week, the FDA said that new clinical trials would be needed to give updated Covid vaccines to healthy kids and adults. An FDA advisory panel today recommended keeping the next round of shots the same - so will new clinical trials still be needed? It is unclear! @berkeleyjr.bsky.social
Reposted by Tara Herrmann, PhD
The way they choose to frame the amazing access we have to lifesaving vaccines is just maddening. Let me fix that for them - We're giving kids more vaccines to keep them safe from dangerous infectious diseases? What a remarkable achievement! Let's keep up this important work!
The section on vaccines says things like, “Since 1986, for the average child, by one year of age, the number of recommended vaccines on the CDC childhood schedule has increased from 3 injections to 29 injections”.
They imply that this is somehow ominous and not a sign of scientific discovery.
They imply that this is somehow ominous and not a sign of scientific discovery.
May 22, 2025 at 9:29 PM
The way they choose to frame the amazing access we have to lifesaving vaccines is just maddening. Let me fix that for them - We're giving kids more vaccines to keep them safe from dangerous infectious diseases? What a remarkable achievement! Let's keep up this important work!
If you live in South Dakota Senator Rounds is seeking feedback on where the country is headed…
How he could not understand all the cuts to education, science and healthcare hurt the U.S. economy is beyond me but maybe you want to let him know…
How he could not understand all the cuts to education, science and healthcare hurt the U.S. economy is beyond me but maybe you want to let him know…
Survey
outreach.senate.gov
May 22, 2025 at 9:39 PM
If you live in South Dakota Senator Rounds is seeking feedback on where the country is headed…
How he could not understand all the cuts to education, science and healthcare hurt the U.S. economy is beyond me but maybe you want to let him know…
How he could not understand all the cuts to education, science and healthcare hurt the U.S. economy is beyond me but maybe you want to let him know…
We need politicians with spines that reign in the chaos and protect our standing and foundation in innovative medical science
This also leaves many patients in the U.S. out to die
Not that I blame any company taking this route …
This also leaves many patients in the U.S. out to die
Not that I blame any company taking this route …
Upheaval at FDA pushes some biotech firms to move early trials out of US
Worry is growing that layoffs and policy changes at the drugs watchdog may delay regulatory reviews.
www.reuters.com
May 14, 2025 at 2:10 PM
We need politicians with spines that reign in the chaos and protect our standing and foundation in innovative medical science
This also leaves many patients in the U.S. out to die
Not that I blame any company taking this route …
This also leaves many patients in the U.S. out to die
Not that I blame any company taking this route …
Believe ppl when they show you who they are
Sometimes silence, letting dominos fall where they may is warranted
Especially if someone diminishes you and your voice
And if you fall down when someone tries to shrink you
That’s ok
Just remember you hold w/in yourself the strength to get back up
Sometimes silence, letting dominos fall where they may is warranted
Especially if someone diminishes you and your voice
And if you fall down when someone tries to shrink you
That’s ok
Just remember you hold w/in yourself the strength to get back up
May 9, 2025 at 12:32 AM
Believe ppl when they show you who they are
Sometimes silence, letting dominos fall where they may is warranted
Especially if someone diminishes you and your voice
And if you fall down when someone tries to shrink you
That’s ok
Just remember you hold w/in yourself the strength to get back up
Sometimes silence, letting dominos fall where they may is warranted
Especially if someone diminishes you and your voice
And if you fall down when someone tries to shrink you
That’s ok
Just remember you hold w/in yourself the strength to get back up
“depositions filed in the case last week, two NIH officials testified that DOGE itself gave directions in hundreds of grant terminations.
The lawsuit offers an unprecedented view into the termination of more than 600 grants at the NIH over the past two months.”
The lawsuit offers an unprecedented view into the termination of more than 600 grants at the NIH over the past two months.”
Trump’s NIH Axed Research Grants Even After a Judge Blocked the Cuts, Internal Records Show
A lawsuit led by the Washington state attorney general offers an unprecedented view of the termination of more than 600 NIH grants, including transgender research grants threatened by Trump’s executiv...
www.propublica.org
May 8, 2025 at 1:18 PM
“depositions filed in the case last week, two NIH officials testified that DOGE itself gave directions in hundreds of grant terminations.
The lawsuit offers an unprecedented view into the termination of more than 600 grants at the NIH over the past two months.”
The lawsuit offers an unprecedented view into the termination of more than 600 grants at the NIH over the past two months.”
Reposted by Tara Herrmann, PhD
It’s a pure fallacy to say that the best way to become immune is by getting infected. Even more bonkers in the case of measles is that the measles virus can wipe out ALL former immunity to other infections, meaning even if you don’t get that sick from measles you’re gonna get sick all the time after
The total illogic of telling people to get infected to prevent the same infection.
“It used to be, when I [was] a kid, that everybody got #measles,” he [RFK Jr] told the Fox News host. “And the measles gave you lifetime protection against measles infection.”
www.thedailybeast.com/rfk-jrs-wish...
“It used to be, when I [was] a kid, that everybody got #measles,” he [RFK Jr] told the Fox News host. “And the measles gave you lifetime protection against measles infection.”
www.thedailybeast.com/rfk-jrs-wish...
RFK Jr.’s Wish Is Coming True: Everybody’s Getting Measles
The number of measles cases in the U.S. has risen to 884 across 29 states.
www.thedailybeast.com
April 27, 2025 at 7:50 PM
It’s a pure fallacy to say that the best way to become immune is by getting infected. Even more bonkers in the case of measles is that the measles virus can wipe out ALL former immunity to other infections, meaning even if you don’t get that sick from measles you’re gonna get sick all the time after
Reposted by Tara Herrmann, PhD
This isn't a new product. It's an updated vaccine to account for new strains and viral evolution. Are they going to do this for all COVID and influenza vaccines yearly? Because that effectively shuts them down. There isn't enough time between identification of strains included & release of vaccine.
April 27, 2025 at 8:55 PM
This isn't a new product. It's an updated vaccine to account for new strains and viral evolution. Are they going to do this for all COVID and influenza vaccines yearly? Because that effectively shuts them down. There isn't enough time between identification of strains included & release of vaccine.