Jim Wappes
@jimwappes.bsky.social
Editorial director at CIDRAP, University of MN, outdoor enthusiast, science geek/journalist specializing in infectious diseases
Reposted by Jim Wappes
After unprecedented autism-vaccine messaging change, scientists, advocates say CDC no longer trustworthy
Doctors, public health advocates, and the autism community expressed anger and sorrow over the CDCs reversal of it messaging on vaccines and autism.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
Doctors, public health advocates, and the autism community expressed anger and sorrow over the CDCs reversal of it messaging on vaccines and autism.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
November 20, 2025 at 10:14 PM
After unprecedented autism-vaccine messaging change, scientists, advocates say CDC no longer trustworthy
Doctors, public health advocates, and the autism community expressed anger and sorrow over the CDCs reversal of it messaging on vaccines and autism.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
Doctors, public health advocates, and the autism community expressed anger and sorrow over the CDCs reversal of it messaging on vaccines and autism.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
Reposted by Jim Wappes
ICYMI y'day, first CIDRAP story from @LizSzabo!
Experimental mRNA flu vaccine is more effective than conventional flu shot, but causes more side effects
Those who received the shot were 29% less likely to be diagnosed with flu than those who received a conventional flu shot
Experimental mRNA flu vaccine is more effective than conventional flu shot, but causes more side effects
Those who received the shot were 29% less likely to be diagnosed with flu than those who received a conventional flu shot
November 20, 2025 at 9:51 PM
ICYMI y'day, first CIDRAP story from @LizSzabo!
Experimental mRNA flu vaccine is more effective than conventional flu shot, but causes more side effects
Those who received the shot were 29% less likely to be diagnosed with flu than those who received a conventional flu shot
Experimental mRNA flu vaccine is more effective than conventional flu shot, but causes more side effects
Those who received the shot were 29% less likely to be diagnosed with flu than those who received a conventional flu shot
Reposted by Jim Wappes
As public health citizens, we rely on agencies like the CDC for science-based guidance. But last night’s change to its “Vaccines & Autism” page - now hinting at a possible vaccine link - deeply undermines that trust. When credible institutions shift in ways that echo anti-vax rhetoric, we all lose.
November 20, 2025 at 5:55 PM
As public health citizens, we rely on agencies like the CDC for science-based guidance. But last night’s change to its “Vaccines & Autism” page - now hinting at a possible vaccine link - deeply undermines that trust. When credible institutions shift in ways that echo anti-vax rhetoric, we all lose.
Reposted by Jim Wappes
The CDC’s mission was to protect and improve lives. When it starts echoing arguments used by anti-vaccine groups, something has gone terribly wrong. We must demand clarity, transparency, and a return to evidence-based messaging — for the health of the entire nation.
November 20, 2025 at 5:55 PM
The CDC’s mission was to protect and improve lives. When it starts echoing arguments used by anti-vaccine groups, something has gone terribly wrong. We must demand clarity, transparency, and a return to evidence-based messaging — for the health of the entire nation.
Reposted by Jim Wappes
CIDRAP Op-Ed: RSV prevention—a remarkable medical achievement finally realized
Jake Scott, MD
The transformation to having tools to prevent RSV happened so quickly that many haven't grasped its magnitude
www.cidrap.umn.edu/r...
Jake Scott, MD
The transformation to having tools to prevent RSV happened so quickly that many haven't grasped its magnitude
www.cidrap.umn.edu/r...
November 19, 2025 at 8:53 PM
CIDRAP Op-Ed: RSV prevention—a remarkable medical achievement finally realized
Jake Scott, MD
The transformation to having tools to prevent RSV happened so quickly that many haven't grasped its magnitude
www.cidrap.umn.edu/r...
Jake Scott, MD
The transformation to having tools to prevent RSV happened so quickly that many haven't grasped its magnitude
www.cidrap.umn.edu/r...
Reposted by Jim Wappes
Experimental mRNA flu vaccine is more effective than conventional flu shot, but causes more side effects
In a phase 3 trial, participants who received the shot were 29% less likely to be diagnosed with flu than those who received a conventional flu shot.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/i...
In a phase 3 trial, participants who received the shot were 29% less likely to be diagnosed with flu than those who received a conventional flu shot.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/i...
November 19, 2025 at 10:43 PM
Experimental mRNA flu vaccine is more effective than conventional flu shot, but causes more side effects
In a phase 3 trial, participants who received the shot were 29% less likely to be diagnosed with flu than those who received a conventional flu shot.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/i...
In a phase 3 trial, participants who received the shot were 29% less likely to be diagnosed with flu than those who received a conventional flu shot.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/i...
Reposted by Jim Wappes
Preliminary human bird flu case reported in Washington state
If confirmed, it will be the first human bird flu case in the United States since February.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/a...
If confirmed, it will be the first human bird flu case in the United States since February.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/a...
November 14, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Preliminary human bird flu case reported in Washington state
If confirmed, it will be the first human bird flu case in the United States since February.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/a...
If confirmed, it will be the first human bird flu case in the United States since February.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/a...
Reposted by Jim Wappes
New data show double the risk of Guillain-Barre syndrome after RSV in seniors
The rate was quadruple in those 75 and older, but those findings demonstrate less statistical power
www.cidrap.umn.edu/r...
The rate was quadruple in those 75 and older, but those findings demonstrate less statistical power
www.cidrap.umn.edu/r...
November 14, 2025 at 7:27 PM
New data show double the risk of Guillain-Barre syndrome after RSV in seniors
The rate was quadruple in those 75 and older, but those findings demonstrate less statistical power
www.cidrap.umn.edu/r...
The rate was quadruple in those 75 and older, but those findings demonstrate less statistical power
www.cidrap.umn.edu/r...
Reposted by Jim Wappes
With an absent CDC and mismatched 'subclade K' flu strain, experts face upcoming season with uncertainty
Early data from the United Kingdom and Japan show that the H3N2 subclade K was represented in 90% of flu samples.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/i...
Photo: NIAID/ Flickr cc
Early data from the United Kingdom and Japan show that the H3N2 subclade K was represented in 90% of flu samples.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/i...
Photo: NIAID/ Flickr cc
November 12, 2025 at 9:28 PM
With an absent CDC and mismatched 'subclade K' flu strain, experts face upcoming season with uncertainty
Early data from the United Kingdom and Japan show that the H3N2 subclade K was represented in 90% of flu samples.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/i...
Photo: NIAID/ Flickr cc
Early data from the United Kingdom and Japan show that the H3N2 subclade K was represented in 90% of flu samples.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/i...
Photo: NIAID/ Flickr cc
Reposted by Jim Wappes
#Rift Valley fever vaccine safe, immune-producing in adults, early-stage trial shows
The vaccine elicited both antibody and cellular immune responses.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/r...
Rod Waddington / Flickr cc
The vaccine elicited both antibody and cellular immune responses.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/r...
Rod Waddington / Flickr cc
November 13, 2025 at 4:46 PM
#Rift Valley fever vaccine safe, immune-producing in adults, early-stage trial shows
The vaccine elicited both antibody and cellular immune responses.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/r...
Rod Waddington / Flickr cc
The vaccine elicited both antibody and cellular immune responses.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/r...
Rod Waddington / Flickr cc
Reposted by Jim Wappes
CIDRAP Op-Ed: Vaccine effectiveness and safety: What the numbers truly mean in 2025
Our systematic rvw published this week shows that rigorous, transparent evidence synthesis can persist even when traditional advisory processes falter
by Jake Scott, MD
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
Our systematic rvw published this week shows that rigorous, transparent evidence synthesis can persist even when traditional advisory processes falter
by Jake Scott, MD
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
October 31, 2025 at 7:20 PM
CIDRAP Op-Ed: Vaccine effectiveness and safety: What the numbers truly mean in 2025
Our systematic rvw published this week shows that rigorous, transparent evidence synthesis can persist even when traditional advisory processes falter
by Jake Scott, MD
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
Our systematic rvw published this week shows that rigorous, transparent evidence synthesis can persist even when traditional advisory processes falter
by Jake Scott, MD
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
Reposted by Jim Wappes
New coronavirus subspecies with #SARS-CoV-2–like mutation discovered in Brazilian bat
The bat harbored the BRZ batCoV virus, which the researchers say has likely been silently circulating in Latin America for some time.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
The bat harbored the BRZ batCoV virus, which the researchers say has likely been silently circulating in Latin America for some time.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
October 31, 2025 at 7:49 PM
New coronavirus subspecies with #SARS-CoV-2–like mutation discovered in Brazilian bat
The bat harbored the BRZ batCoV virus, which the researchers say has likely been silently circulating in Latin America for some time.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
The bat harbored the BRZ batCoV virus, which the researchers say has likely been silently circulating in Latin America for some time.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
Reposted by Jim Wappes
Support for measles vaccination drops amid growing confusion about the disease, US poll shows
23% of US adults say RFK Jr recommends kids get the #measles vaccine, 29% say he does not recommend it, and 48% aren't sure
www.cidrap.umn.edu/m...
Photo: Gage Skidmore/Flickr cc
23% of US adults say RFK Jr recommends kids get the #measles vaccine, 29% say he does not recommend it, and 48% aren't sure
www.cidrap.umn.edu/m...
Photo: Gage Skidmore/Flickr cc
October 31, 2025 at 8:14 PM
Support for measles vaccination drops amid growing confusion about the disease, US poll shows
23% of US adults say RFK Jr recommends kids get the #measles vaccine, 29% say he does not recommend it, and 48% aren't sure
www.cidrap.umn.edu/m...
Photo: Gage Skidmore/Flickr cc
23% of US adults say RFK Jr recommends kids get the #measles vaccine, 29% say he does not recommend it, and 48% aren't sure
www.cidrap.umn.edu/m...
Photo: Gage Skidmore/Flickr cc
Reposted by Jim Wappes
New Osterholm Update podcast episode! @mtosterholm & @cvdall discuss a recent paper from the Vax Integrity Project, a CIDRAP-NEJM Evidence collaboration, latest measles & respi virus data, & how the govt shutdown is affecting public health surveillance
www.cidrap.umn.edu/a...
www.cidrap.umn.edu/a...
October 30, 2025 at 7:35 PM
New Osterholm Update podcast episode! @mtosterholm & @cvdall discuss a recent paper from the Vax Integrity Project, a CIDRAP-NEJM Evidence collaboration, latest measles & respi virus data, & how the govt shutdown is affecting public health surveillance
www.cidrap.umn.edu/a...
www.cidrap.umn.edu/a...
Reposted by Jim Wappes
🚀 CIDRAP has launched a new digital home for the Coronavirus Vaccines R&D Roadmap Initiative — a global, open-access platform to track progress toward broadly protective coronavirus vaccines.
🔗 Explore the site: cvr.cidrap.umn.edu
🔗 Explore the site: cvr.cidrap.umn.edu
Coronavirus Vaccines R&D Roadmap Initiative | CIDRAP
CIDRAP provides advice, information and analysis on the prevention, control and treatment of targeted infectious diseases and in public health preparedness.
cvr.cidrap.umn.edu
October 30, 2025 at 3:18 PM
🚀 CIDRAP has launched a new digital home for the Coronavirus Vaccines R&D Roadmap Initiative — a global, open-access platform to track progress toward broadly protective coronavirus vaccines.
🔗 Explore the site: cvr.cidrap.umn.edu
🔗 Explore the site: cvr.cidrap.umn.edu
Reposted by Jim Wappes
CIDRAP and CEPI launch resources to track development of coronavirus vaccines
The revamped open-access site tracks scientific progress toward the development of broadly protective coronavirus vaccines
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
The revamped open-access site tracks scientific progress toward the development of broadly protective coronavirus vaccines
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
October 30, 2025 at 5:04 PM
CIDRAP and CEPI launch resources to track development of coronavirus vaccines
The revamped open-access site tracks scientific progress toward the development of broadly protective coronavirus vaccines
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
The revamped open-access site tracks scientific progress toward the development of broadly protective coronavirus vaccines
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
Reposted by Jim Wappes
Third Wyoming hunt area in past month tests positive for #CWD
A hunter-harvested mule deer buck tested positive for CWD in Mule Deer Hunt Area 153 in the Pinedale region.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
Photo: Tom Talbott / Flickr cc
A hunter-harvested mule deer buck tested positive for CWD in Mule Deer Hunt Area 153 in the Pinedale region.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
Photo: Tom Talbott / Flickr cc
October 28, 2025 at 5:46 PM
Third Wyoming hunt area in past month tests positive for #CWD
A hunter-harvested mule deer buck tested positive for CWD in Mule Deer Hunt Area 153 in the Pinedale region.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
Photo: Tom Talbott / Flickr cc
A hunter-harvested mule deer buck tested positive for CWD in Mule Deer Hunt Area 153 in the Pinedale region.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
Photo: Tom Talbott / Flickr cc
Reposted by Jim Wappes
Analysis: Last year's COVID' vaccines protected well against severe illness
Overall protection against infections peaked at 4 weeks after vaccination.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
Overall protection against infections peaked at 4 weeks after vaccination.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
October 28, 2025 at 9:05 PM
Analysis: Last year's COVID' vaccines protected well against severe illness
Overall protection against infections peaked at 4 weeks after vaccination.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
Overall protection against infections peaked at 4 weeks after vaccination.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
Reposted by Jim Wappes
Louisiana officials waited months to alert public about deadly pertussis outbreak, investigation finds
Officials waited more than 3 months after 2 whooping cough deaths to issue a statewide health alert
www.cidrap.umn.edu/p...
Officials waited more than 3 months after 2 whooping cough deaths to issue a statewide health alert
www.cidrap.umn.edu/p...
October 28, 2025 at 9:22 PM
Louisiana officials waited months to alert public about deadly pertussis outbreak, investigation finds
Officials waited more than 3 months after 2 whooping cough deaths to issue a statewide health alert
www.cidrap.umn.edu/p...
Officials waited more than 3 months after 2 whooping cough deaths to issue a statewide health alert
www.cidrap.umn.edu/p...
Reposted by Jim Wappes
DNA analysis reveals likely pathogens that killed Napoleon’s army. Microbial DNA suggests troops suffered from paratyphoid fever and relapsing fever, among other diseases. arstechnica.com/science/2025...
DNA analysis reveals likely pathogens that killed Napoleon’s army
Microbial DNA suggests troops suffered from paratyphoid fever and relapsing fever, among other diseases.
arstechnica.com
October 24, 2025 at 3:50 PM
DNA analysis reveals likely pathogens that killed Napoleon’s army. Microbial DNA suggests troops suffered from paratyphoid fever and relapsing fever, among other diseases. arstechnica.com/science/2025...
Reposted by Jim Wappes
Quick takes: Measles in Southwest, polio vaccination urged, international tomato Salmonella outbreak
An outbreak centered largely in twin towns on the Arizona-Utah border has now reached 124 #measles cases
An outbreak centered largely in twin towns on the Arizona-Utah border has now reached 124 #measles cases
Quick takes: Measles in Southwest, polio vaccination urged, international tomato Salmonella outbreak
An outbreak centered largely in twin towns on the Arizona-Utah border has now reached 124 measles cases.
www.cidrap.umn.edu
October 24, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Quick takes: Measles in Southwest, polio vaccination urged, international tomato Salmonella outbreak
An outbreak centered largely in twin towns on the Arizona-Utah border has now reached 124 #measles cases
An outbreak centered largely in twin towns on the Arizona-Utah border has now reached 124 #measles cases
Reposted by Jim Wappes
Nearly 1 in 5 urinary tract infections tied to E coli in meat
The researchers also discovered that UTIs in patients from high-poverty neighborhoods were 60% more likely to be caused by animal-to-human strains
-from @cvdall
www.cidrap.umn.edu/a...
The researchers also discovered that UTIs in patients from high-poverty neighborhoods were 60% more likely to be caused by animal-to-human strains
-from @cvdall
www.cidrap.umn.edu/a...
October 24, 2025 at 7:08 PM
Nearly 1 in 5 urinary tract infections tied to E coli in meat
The researchers also discovered that UTIs in patients from high-poverty neighborhoods were 60% more likely to be caused by animal-to-human strains
-from @cvdall
www.cidrap.umn.edu/a...
The researchers also discovered that UTIs in patients from high-poverty neighborhoods were 60% more likely to be caused by animal-to-human strains
-from @cvdall
www.cidrap.umn.edu/a...
Reposted by Jim Wappes
#Shingles vaccine tied to significant reductions in risk of dementia, heart disease, and death
The study authors said that the findings suggest that the shingles vaccine can prevent both infection and its complications.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/a...
Photo: CDC / K.L. Herrmann
The study authors said that the findings suggest that the shingles vaccine can prevent both infection and its complications.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/a...
Photo: CDC / K.L. Herrmann
October 20, 2025 at 6:07 PM
#Shingles vaccine tied to significant reductions in risk of dementia, heart disease, and death
The study authors said that the findings suggest that the shingles vaccine can prevent both infection and its complications.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/a...
Photo: CDC / K.L. Herrmann
The study authors said that the findings suggest that the shingles vaccine can prevent both infection and its complications.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/a...
Photo: CDC / K.L. Herrmann
Reposted by Jim Wappes
With 3rd case of locally acquired clade 1 #mpox in California, officials warn of community spread
The 3 recent cases are unrelated, but the fact that all 3 people had not traveled internationally indicates that local person-to-person spread is likely
www.cidrap.umn.edu/m...
The 3 recent cases are unrelated, but the fact that all 3 people had not traveled internationally indicates that local person-to-person spread is likely
www.cidrap.umn.edu/m...
October 20, 2025 at 6:27 PM
With 3rd case of locally acquired clade 1 #mpox in California, officials warn of community spread
The 3 recent cases are unrelated, but the fact that all 3 people had not traveled internationally indicates that local person-to-person spread is likely
www.cidrap.umn.edu/m...
The 3 recent cases are unrelated, but the fact that all 3 people had not traveled internationally indicates that local person-to-person spread is likely
www.cidrap.umn.edu/m...
Reposted by Jim Wappes
Los Angeles County documents 2nd case of locally acquired clade 1 #mpox
The county announced the detection yesterday, and it involves an adult with no recent travel to mpox-endemic areas.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/m...
Photo: Naval Surface Warriors, Kenan O’Connor / Flickr cc
The county announced the detection yesterday, and it involves an adult with no recent travel to mpox-endemic areas.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/m...
Photo: Naval Surface Warriors, Kenan O’Connor / Flickr cc
October 17, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Los Angeles County documents 2nd case of locally acquired clade 1 #mpox
The county announced the detection yesterday, and it involves an adult with no recent travel to mpox-endemic areas.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/m...
Photo: Naval Surface Warriors, Kenan O’Connor / Flickr cc
The county announced the detection yesterday, and it involves an adult with no recent travel to mpox-endemic areas.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/m...
Photo: Naval Surface Warriors, Kenan O’Connor / Flickr cc