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
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...
Sexual health is essential to overall well-being, and honest conversations help break stigma—especially for underserved communities. Center Clinic offers accessible care in Dodge Center and Owatonna. Read more: www.southernminn.com/owatonna_peo...
STEELE COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH: Sexual health requires honest, open discussion
Center Clinic is a nonprofit that provides low- or no-cost sexual and reproductive health care services in Dodge Center and Owatonna. Our mission is to provide low-income, uninsured and underinsured
www.southernminn.com
November 28, 2025 at 1:35 PM
Sexual health is essential to overall well-being, and honest conversations help break stigma—especially for underserved communities. Center Clinic offers accessible care in Dodge Center and Owatonna. Read more: www.southernminn.com/owatonna_peo...
Tests found that all ByHeart baby formula lots may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum bacteria. At least 31 babies have gotten sick, and some recalled formula is still on shelves.
All ByHeart baby formula may be contaminated with botulism bacteria, tests show
Some product has remained on store shelves despite the recall, according to state officials and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
dallasnews.com
November 28, 2025 at 12:17 AM
Tests found that all ByHeart baby formula lots may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum bacteria. At least 31 babies have gotten sick, and some recalled formula is still on shelves.
Louisiana’s top health official, Dr. Ralph Abraham, known for criticizing COVID vaccines and supporting unproven treatments, is now the principal deputy director of the CDC. Experts raise concerns about his stance on vaccine policy.
abcnews.go.com/Health/new-c...
abcnews.go.com/Health/new-c...
What to know about the new CDC deputy director who has been critical of COVID vaccines
A top Louisiana health official has been appointed principal deputy director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
abcnews.go.com
November 27, 2025 at 8:02 PM
Louisiana’s top health official, Dr. Ralph Abraham, known for criticizing COVID vaccines and supporting unproven treatments, is now the principal deputy director of the CDC. Experts raise concerns about his stance on vaccine policy.
abcnews.go.com/Health/new-c...
abcnews.go.com/Health/new-c...
The Trump administration will halt official recognition of World AIDS Day, with the State Department advising against public promotion or use of government funds for the occasion. www.nytimes.com/2025/11/26/h...
Trump Administration Will No Longer Commemorate World AIDS Day
The State Department warned employees not to use government funds for the occasion and to “refrain from publicly promoting World AIDS Day through any communication channels.”
www.nytimes.com
November 27, 2025 at 7:04 PM
The Trump administration will halt official recognition of World AIDS Day, with the State Department advising against public promotion or use of government funds for the occasion. www.nytimes.com/2025/11/26/h...
La caída histórica en las tasas de vacunación es un reto complejo causado por factores técnicos, sociales y culturales que afecta la salud pública colectiva. Abordarlo requiere respuestas igualmente profundas y diversas. Más en: elciudadanoweb.com/baja-histori...
Baja histórica de la vacunación: un problema complejo que exige respuestas complejas
El doctor Leonardo Caruana señala que es necesario atender a las dimensiones técnicas, sociales, políticas y culturales que hoy convergen para erosionar uno de los pilares más sólidos de la salud…
elciudadanoweb.com
November 27, 2025 at 3:50 PM
La caída histórica en las tasas de vacunación es un reto complejo causado por factores técnicos, sociales y culturales que afecta la salud pública colectiva. Abordarlo requiere respuestas igualmente profundas y diversas. Más en: elciudadanoweb.com/baja-histori...
Expertos advierten que los alimentos ultraprocesados han desplazado dietas tradicionales y son un motor clave de enfermedades crónicas a nivel global, destacando la urgencia de regulaciones más estrictas.
www.jornada.com.mx/noticia/2025...
www.jornada.com.mx/noticia/2025...
Industria de alimentos ultraprocesados, motor de enfermedades crónicas: especialistas
Expertos en nutrición presentaron un documento sobre el alto impacto que provocan los alimentos altos el azúcares, grasas y sodio, así como los obstáculos para avanzar a la regulación.
www.jornada.com.mx
November 27, 2025 at 12:17 AM
Expertos advierten que los alimentos ultraprocesados han desplazado dietas tradicionales y son un motor clave de enfermedades crónicas a nivel global, destacando la urgencia de regulaciones más estrictas.
www.jornada.com.mx/noticia/2025...
www.jornada.com.mx/noticia/2025...
Kentucky reports a third infant death from whooping cough in 2025 amid the highest case counts in years. National pertussis rates remain elevated following a dip during the pandemic.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/pertussis/th...
www.cidrap.umn.edu/pertussis/th...
Third infant in Kentucky dies of whooping cough as national cases stay high for second year in a row
Dan Higgins / CDC
www.cidrap.umn.edu
November 26, 2025 at 1:35 PM
Kentucky reports a third infant death from whooping cough in 2025 amid the highest case counts in years. National pertussis rates remain elevated following a dip during the pandemic.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/pertussis/th...
www.cidrap.umn.edu/pertussis/th...
How Philadelphia was mapped out from its beginning to now is a lesson in American and global history. This video explains it so well: www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ocb...
Philadelphia’s City Layout Explained: From Penn’s Vision to Today’s Chaos
How Philadelphia’s city layout developed into what it is today.
Chapters;
0:00 Introduction
1:11 Philly's location and royal charter
1:59 The plan and survey
4:39 Plot sales and settlement
6:07 Old…
www.youtube.com
November 25, 2025 at 5:19 PM
How Philadelphia was mapped out from its beginning to now is a lesson in American and global history. This video explains it so well: www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ocb...
La Cámara de Diputados en México propone prohibir totalmente los vapeadores por sus daños a la salud, con penas de cárcel y fuertes multas. El dictamen busca proteger a jóvenes ante la expansión ilegal de estos dispositivos.
www.debate.com.mx/salud/diputa...
www.debate.com.mx/salud/diputa...
www.debate.com.mx
November 25, 2025 at 3:50 PM
La Cámara de Diputados en México propone prohibir totalmente los vapeadores por sus daños a la salud, con penas de cárcel y fuertes multas. El dictamen busca proteger a jóvenes ante la expansión ilegal de estos dispositivos.
www.debate.com.mx/salud/diputa...
www.debate.com.mx/salud/diputa...
Un experto de la OMS destaca que la clave para frenar el sarampión en México es la vacunación, resaltando la colaboración con el gobierno para fortalecer la respuesta y elevar la cobertura. oem.com.mx/elsoldemexic...
La respuesta para detener el sarampión en México es la vacuna: OMS - El Sol de México | Noticias, Deportes, Gossip, Columnas
José Moya Medina, representante de la OMS en México, explica cómo han colaborado con el gobierno para capacitar al personal, ofrecer un equipo de respuesta rápida y analizar las coberturas
oem.com.mx
November 25, 2025 at 1:35 PM
Un experto de la OMS destaca que la clave para frenar el sarampión en México es la vacunación, resaltando la colaboración con el gobierno para fortalecer la respuesta y elevar la cobertura. oem.com.mx/elsoldemexic...
US Border Patrol is tracking millions of American drivers using surveillance tech, raising concerns about privacy and public trust in government agencies. Read the full WIRED report: www.wired.com/story/securi...
US Border Patrol Is Spying on Millions of American Drivers
Plus: The SEC lets SolarWinds off the hook, Microsoft stops a historic DDoS attack, and FBI documents reveal the agency spied on an immigration activist Signal group in New York City.
www.wired.com
November 25, 2025 at 12:17 AM
US Border Patrol is tracking millions of American drivers using surveillance tech, raising concerns about privacy and public trust in government agencies. Read the full WIRED report: www.wired.com/story/securi...
Because of the recent misleading statements on autism and vaccines on the CDC website, I've updated History of Vaccines' page on autism and vaccines, one of our most popular ever. It now has authoritative information on the subject, not from CDC.
historyofvaccines.org/getting-vacc...
historyofvaccines.org/getting-vacc...
Why Have Vaccines Been Ruled Out as a Cause of Autism?
Vaccines do not cause autism; scientific studies confirm this.
historyofvaccines.org
November 24, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Because of the recent misleading statements on autism and vaccines on the CDC website, I've updated History of Vaccines' page on autism and vaccines, one of our most popular ever. It now has authoritative information on the subject, not from CDC.
historyofvaccines.org/getting-vacc...
historyofvaccines.org/getting-vacc...