Joshua Sharfstein
@drjoshs.bsky.social
Posting on public health topics … some interesting photos if I manage to take them … & occasionally the Baltimore Orioles.
Reposted by Joshua Sharfstein
Appreciate @nationalacademies.org speaking up about the RFK jr directed changes to CDC website and pointing out that the science cited did not include the greater context or full body of research. Where is the “radical transparency”?
National Academies - Statement on CDC’s Updated Vaccine Guidance
National Academies respond to CDC’s updated vaccine guidance, offering scientific context and clarity on vaccine safety.
www.nationalacademies.org
November 25, 2025 at 2:14 AM
Appreciate @nationalacademies.org speaking up about the RFK jr directed changes to CDC website and pointing out that the science cited did not include the greater context or full body of research. Where is the “radical transparency”?
HHS responds -- again -- to questions about changing vaccine standards with two words.
But as I wrote in @milbankfund.bsky.social a few weeks ago, asserting "gold standard" science is not a meaningful response.
Nor does it reflect integrity in policymaking.
www.milbank.org/quarterly/op...
But as I wrote in @milbankfund.bsky.social a few weeks ago, asserting "gold standard" science is not a meaningful response.
Nor does it reflect integrity in policymaking.
www.milbank.org/quarterly/op...
November 21, 2025 at 2:29 PM
HHS responds -- again -- to questions about changing vaccine standards with two words.
But as I wrote in @milbankfund.bsky.social a few weeks ago, asserting "gold standard" science is not a meaningful response.
Nor does it reflect integrity in policymaking.
www.milbank.org/quarterly/op...
But as I wrote in @milbankfund.bsky.social a few weeks ago, asserting "gold standard" science is not a meaningful response.
Nor does it reflect integrity in policymaking.
www.milbank.org/quarterly/op...
With CDC now adding to confusion online about vaccine safety, it's more important than ever to establish networks of trusted sources -- and accurate information -- across communities.
With my colleague Dr. Vanya Jones in @jamahealthforum.com
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
With my colleague Dr. Vanya Jones in @jamahealthforum.com
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
November 21, 2025 at 11:31 AM
With CDC now adding to confusion online about vaccine safety, it's more important than ever to establish networks of trusted sources -- and accurate information -- across communities.
With my colleague Dr. Vanya Jones in @jamahealthforum.com
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
With my colleague Dr. Vanya Jones in @jamahealthforum.com
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
I wish I didn't have to re-up this Q & A and podcast with Professor Dan Salmon of the Institute for Vaccine Safety @johnshopkinssph.bsky.social
... setting out the evidence about vaccines & autism.
publichealth.jhu.edu/2025/vaccine...
... setting out the evidence about vaccines & autism.
publichealth.jhu.edu/2025/vaccine...
November 20, 2025 at 6:31 PM
I wish I didn't have to re-up this Q & A and podcast with Professor Dan Salmon of the Institute for Vaccine Safety @johnshopkinssph.bsky.social
... setting out the evidence about vaccines & autism.
publichealth.jhu.edu/2025/vaccine...
... setting out the evidence about vaccines & autism.
publichealth.jhu.edu/2025/vaccine...
Reposted by Joshua Sharfstein
NEW:
In 2024, Tierra Walker was sick and getting sicker. She was also pregnant.
She knew abortion was illegal in Texas, but thought there was an exception for women like her, whose health was at risk. Doctors told her there was no emergency.
Then she died.
www.propublica.org/article/texa...
In 2024, Tierra Walker was sick and getting sicker. She was also pregnant.
She knew abortion was illegal in Texas, but thought there was an exception for women like her, whose health was at risk. Doctors told her there was no emergency.
Then she died.
www.propublica.org/article/texa...
“Ticking Time Bomb”: A Pregnant Mother Kept Getting Sicker. She Died After She Couldn’t Get an Abortion in Texas.
Walker is one of several women ProPublica found with underlying health conditions who died when they couldn’t access abortions.
www.propublica.org
November 19, 2025 at 11:08 AM
NEW:
In 2024, Tierra Walker was sick and getting sicker. She was also pregnant.
She knew abortion was illegal in Texas, but thought there was an exception for women like her, whose health was at risk. Doctors told her there was no emergency.
Then she died.
www.propublica.org/article/texa...
In 2024, Tierra Walker was sick and getting sicker. She was also pregnant.
She knew abortion was illegal in Texas, but thought there was an exception for women like her, whose health was at risk. Doctors told her there was no emergency.
Then she died.
www.propublica.org/article/texa...
Mac Lumpkin, Lisa Ludeman, and I wrote this commentary in @jamainternalmed.com about the need for medications tested in developing countries to be available there after approval.
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
1/2
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
1/2
November 19, 2025 at 12:35 PM
Mac Lumpkin, Lisa Ludeman, and I wrote this commentary in @jamainternalmed.com about the need for medications tested in developing countries to be available there after approval.
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
1/2
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
1/2
Reposted by Joshua Sharfstein
New research out today. We describe the injured people & the situational characteristics involved in shootings by police during mental or behavioral health involved policing responses in the US. …Almost 2500 shootings over a 6-yr period - all carefully reviewed (twice!) by my very hard working team.
Mental and behavioral health characteristics among individuals injuriously shot by police in the United States
Criminalization of people experiencing mental illness is systemic, but the conditions surrounding police use-of-force in such encounters are under-examined.To describe mental or behavioral health (...
www.tandfonline.com
November 14, 2025 at 11:28 PM
New research out today. We describe the injured people & the situational characteristics involved in shootings by police during mental or behavioral health involved policing responses in the US. …Almost 2500 shootings over a 6-yr period - all carefully reviewed (twice!) by my very hard working team.
When the evidence in favor of vaccination is compelling, CDC should make a recommendation ... and the American people deserve to hear it.
Our case in @jama.com
w/ Tom Frieden and William Scaffner
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
Our case in @jama.com
w/ Tom Frieden and William Scaffner
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
Shared Clinical Decision-Making for COVID-19 Vaccination
This Viewpoint discusses shared clinical decision-making for COVID-19 vaccination.
jamanetwork.com
November 14, 2025 at 1:12 AM
When the evidence in favor of vaccination is compelling, CDC should make a recommendation ... and the American people deserve to hear it.
Our case in @jama.com
w/ Tom Frieden and William Scaffner
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
Our case in @jama.com
w/ Tom Frieden and William Scaffner
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
Reposted by Joshua Sharfstein
A court case in North Carolina is holding skilled nursing facilities accountable to adopt anti-discrimination policies for those with a history of substance use.
Sally Friedman of the Legal Action Center explains why it could set a national precedent.
podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/976-champion...
Sally Friedman of the Legal Action Center explains why it could set a national precedent.
podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/976-champion...
November 13, 2025 at 2:56 PM
A court case in North Carolina is holding skilled nursing facilities accountable to adopt anti-discrimination policies for those with a history of substance use.
Sally Friedman of the Legal Action Center explains why it could set a national precedent.
podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/976-champion...
Sally Friedman of the Legal Action Center explains why it could set a national precedent.
podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/976-champion...
Reposted by Joshua Sharfstein
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott is taking a public health approach to reducing gun violence.
So far, the city has seen an unprecedented reduction in the number of homicides and other violent crimes. He discusses this progress on Public Health On Call 🎧
podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/973-baltimor...
So far, the city has seen an unprecedented reduction in the number of homicides and other violent crimes. He discusses this progress on Public Health On Call 🎧
podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/973-baltimor...
November 7, 2025 at 8:09 PM
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott is taking a public health approach to reducing gun violence.
So far, the city has seen an unprecedented reduction in the number of homicides and other violent crimes. He discusses this progress on Public Health On Call 🎧
podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/973-baltimor...
So far, the city has seen an unprecedented reduction in the number of homicides and other violent crimes. He discusses this progress on Public Health On Call 🎧
podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/973-baltimor...
Reposted by Joshua Sharfstein
In a new Milbank Quarterly Opinion, @drjoshs.bsky.social questions the Trump administration’s use of the term “gold standard science” to justify recent public health policy decisions. He argues that the concept is being used to discredit established scientific processes and expert advisors.
What Could Be Wrong with "Gold Standard Science"? | Milbank Memorial Fund
If repetition is the mother of learning, then I am learning that the second Trump administration likes to use the term "gold standard science." It is the
www.milbank.org
November 5, 2025 at 3:43 PM
In a new Milbank Quarterly Opinion, @drjoshs.bsky.social questions the Trump administration’s use of the term “gold standard science” to justify recent public health policy decisions. He argues that the concept is being used to discredit established scientific processes and expert advisors.
What's better than "gold standard science"?
Integrity in policymaking.
Some thoughts in The Milbank Quarterly.
www.milbank.org/quarterly/op...
Integrity in policymaking.
Some thoughts in The Milbank Quarterly.
www.milbank.org/quarterly/op...
October 30, 2025 at 8:51 PM
What's better than "gold standard science"?
Integrity in policymaking.
Some thoughts in The Milbank Quarterly.
www.milbank.org/quarterly/op...
Integrity in policymaking.
Some thoughts in The Milbank Quarterly.
www.milbank.org/quarterly/op...
Reposted by Joshua Sharfstein
What to make of the Trump administration's new policy on IVF?
This @publichealthpod.bsky.social episode w/ @drjoshs.bsky.social is a great explainer podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/p...
This @publichealthpod.bsky.social episode w/ @drjoshs.bsky.social is a great explainer podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/p...
969 - Access to In Vitro Fertilization, 2025
Podcast Episode · Public Health On Call · 10/29/2025 · 17m
podcasts.apple.com
October 30, 2025 at 7:50 PM
What to make of the Trump administration's new policy on IVF?
This @publichealthpod.bsky.social episode w/ @drjoshs.bsky.social is a great explainer podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/p...
This @publichealthpod.bsky.social episode w/ @drjoshs.bsky.social is a great explainer podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/p...
Reposted by Joshua Sharfstein
Public Health On Call has won two Signal Awards 🎉
🥈"The Fight for a Swimmable Harbor in Baltimore" in the Science & Education category for Individual Episodes
🥉Our Vaccines 101 series in the Science & Education category for Limited Series and Specials
🔗 tinyurl.com/yd6mpama
🔗 tinyurl.com/2c2thask
🥈"The Fight for a Swimmable Harbor in Baltimore" in the Science & Education category for Individual Episodes
🥉Our Vaccines 101 series in the Science & Education category for Limited Series and Specials
🔗 tinyurl.com/yd6mpama
🔗 tinyurl.com/2c2thask
October 28, 2025 at 2:14 PM
Public Health On Call has won two Signal Awards 🎉
🥈"The Fight for a Swimmable Harbor in Baltimore" in the Science & Education category for Individual Episodes
🥉Our Vaccines 101 series in the Science & Education category for Limited Series and Specials
🔗 tinyurl.com/yd6mpama
🔗 tinyurl.com/2c2thask
🥈"The Fight for a Swimmable Harbor in Baltimore" in the Science & Education category for Individual Episodes
🥉Our Vaccines 101 series in the Science & Education category for Limited Series and Specials
🔗 tinyurl.com/yd6mpama
🔗 tinyurl.com/2c2thask
Reposted by Joshua Sharfstein
There’s a lot of confusion about how much ACA premiums are going up and what it means. That will likely continue this week as window shopping is expected to begin in the federal ACA marketplace. I’ll try to clear things up.
October 27, 2025 at 2:38 PM
There’s a lot of confusion about how much ACA premiums are going up and what it means. That will likely continue this week as window shopping is expected to begin in the federal ACA marketplace. I’ll try to clear things up.
Reposted by Joshua Sharfstein
The nation's second-largest measles outbreak this year is spreading beyond its epicenter along the Utah-Arizona border.
Measles spreading beyond the center of the Utah-Arizona outbreak
Cases are now popping up in more touristy areas of Utah, according to a health official.
nbcnews.to
October 24, 2025 at 10:00 PM
The nation's second-largest measles outbreak this year is spreading beyond its epicenter along the Utah-Arizona border.
Reposted by Joshua Sharfstein
Public Health On Call will soon release our 1,000th episode—and you can join the celebration 🎉
Submit questions for our hosts by October 31 for the opportunity to hear your voice on the podcast.
🎙️Email voice memos to [email protected].
Submit questions for our hosts by October 31 for the opportunity to hear your voice on the podcast.
🎙️Email voice memos to [email protected].
October 17, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Public Health On Call will soon release our 1,000th episode—and you can join the celebration 🎉
Submit questions for our hosts by October 31 for the opportunity to hear your voice on the podcast.
🎙️Email voice memos to [email protected].
Submit questions for our hosts by October 31 for the opportunity to hear your voice on the podcast.
🎙️Email voice memos to [email protected].
Reposted by Joshua Sharfstein
NEW: AP investigation finds over 420 anti-science bills attacking longstanding public health protections have been introduced in statehouses across the US this year, part of an organized, politically savvy campaign to enshrine a conspiracy theory-driven agenda into law. w/ @lauraungar.bsky.social
Anti-science bills hit statehouses, stripping away public health protections built over a century
More than 420 anti-science bills attacking longstanding public health protections – vaccines, milk safety and fluoride – have been introduced in statehouses across the U.S. this year.
apnews.com
October 21, 2025 at 5:53 PM
NEW: AP investigation finds over 420 anti-science bills attacking longstanding public health protections have been introduced in statehouses across the US this year, part of an organized, politically savvy campaign to enshrine a conspiracy theory-driven agenda into law. w/ @lauraungar.bsky.social
CDC is the nation's leading public health agency, but it's been a very tough few months for those who work there.
An interview with Yolanda Jacobs, AFGE chapter president.
johnshopkinssph.libsyn.com/966-cdc-is-a...
@publichealthpod.bsky.social
An interview with Yolanda Jacobs, AFGE chapter president.
johnshopkinssph.libsyn.com/966-cdc-is-a...
@publichealthpod.bsky.social
Public Health On Call: 966 - “CDC is a horrible place to be at this time”
About this episode: Following months of personnel cuts, funding terminations, and escalating violence, CDC employees face a new hurdle with the government shutdown. In this episode: Yolanda Jacobs, pr...
johnshopkinssph.libsyn.com
October 22, 2025 at 11:33 AM
CDC is the nation's leading public health agency, but it's been a very tough few months for those who work there.
An interview with Yolanda Jacobs, AFGE chapter president.
johnshopkinssph.libsyn.com/966-cdc-is-a...
@publichealthpod.bsky.social
An interview with Yolanda Jacobs, AFGE chapter president.
johnshopkinssph.libsyn.com/966-cdc-is-a...
@publichealthpod.bsky.social
Reposted by Joshua Sharfstein
Apprenticeships can be a useful public health intervention.
Maryland State Senator Cory McCray opens up about his own apprenticeship experience and how earn-while-you-learn opportunities can transform young people’s lives.
podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/959-the-appr...
Maryland State Senator Cory McCray opens up about his own apprenticeship experience and how earn-while-you-learn opportunities can transform young people’s lives.
podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/959-the-appr...
October 7, 2025 at 12:24 PM
Apprenticeships can be a useful public health intervention.
Maryland State Senator Cory McCray opens up about his own apprenticeship experience and how earn-while-you-learn opportunities can transform young people’s lives.
podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/959-the-appr...
Maryland State Senator Cory McCray opens up about his own apprenticeship experience and how earn-while-you-learn opportunities can transform young people’s lives.
podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/959-the-appr...
Reposted by Joshua Sharfstein
A recent executive order on homelessness focuses on “ending crime and disorder on America’s streets.”
@annymoliva.bsky.social of @naehomelessness.bsky.social discusses what this means for unhoused people and proven strategies for reducing homelessness.
podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/958-the-exec...
@annymoliva.bsky.social of @naehomelessness.bsky.social discusses what this means for unhoused people and proven strategies for reducing homelessness.
podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/958-the-exec...
October 6, 2025 at 12:44 PM
A recent executive order on homelessness focuses on “ending crime and disorder on America’s streets.”
@annymoliva.bsky.social of @naehomelessness.bsky.social discusses what this means for unhoused people and proven strategies for reducing homelessness.
podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/958-the-exec...
@annymoliva.bsky.social of @naehomelessness.bsky.social discusses what this means for unhoused people and proven strategies for reducing homelessness.
podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/958-the-exec...
Reposted by Joshua Sharfstein
Does taking Tylenol during pregnancy cause autism in children?
@bklee.bsky.social and @lizstuart.bsky.social break down the science of causality on Public Health On Call 🎧 podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/953-interpre...
@bklee.bsky.social and @lizstuart.bsky.social break down the science of causality on Public Health On Call 🎧 podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/953-interpre...
September 29, 2025 at 7:13 PM
Does taking Tylenol during pregnancy cause autism in children?
@bklee.bsky.social and @lizstuart.bsky.social break down the science of causality on Public Health On Call 🎧 podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/953-interpre...
@bklee.bsky.social and @lizstuart.bsky.social break down the science of causality on Public Health On Call 🎧 podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/953-interpre...
Reposted by Joshua Sharfstein
Last week, Dr. Debra Houry was testifying before Congress. This week, she’s talking with @drjoshs.bsky.social on Public Health On Call.
Dr. Houry reflects on her time at the CDC, how the agency has changed, and her “heartbreaking” decision to leave.
podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/951-dr-debra...
Dr. Houry reflects on her time at the CDC, how the agency has changed, and her “heartbreaking” decision to leave.
podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/951-dr-debra...
September 25, 2025 at 12:36 PM
Last week, Dr. Debra Houry was testifying before Congress. This week, she’s talking with @drjoshs.bsky.social on Public Health On Call.
Dr. Houry reflects on her time at the CDC, how the agency has changed, and her “heartbreaking” decision to leave.
podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/951-dr-debra...
Dr. Houry reflects on her time at the CDC, how the agency has changed, and her “heartbreaking” decision to leave.
podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/951-dr-debra...
Reposted by Joshua Sharfstein
Measles infections in the US have reached 1,514 this year, as outbreaks continue to spread and routine childhood vaccinations fall.
US Measles Cases Hit 1,514 on Fresh Outbreaks in Utah, Arizona
Measles infections in the US have reached 1,514 this year, as outbreaks continue to spread and routine childhood vaccinations fall.
bloom.bg
September 24, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Measles infections in the US have reached 1,514 this year, as outbreaks continue to spread and routine childhood vaccinations fall.
Insurers to maintain vaccine coverage: www.ahip.org/news/press-r...
AHIP Statement on Vaccine Coverage
AHIP is the national association whose members provide health care coverage, services, and solutions to hundreds of millions of Americans every day. We…
www.ahip.org
September 17, 2025 at 9:57 AM
Insurers to maintain vaccine coverage: www.ahip.org/news/press-r...