Public Health News (U.S.)
CDC Issues New Recommendations on Tularemia
The most significant scheduled announcement comes from the CDC, which is publishing an updated Recommendations and Reports (MMWR) document on Tularemia Antimicrobial Treatment and Prophylaxis.
- Key Focus: This new guidance is designed for U.S. healthcare providers and public health preparedness personnel.
- Significance: Tularemia, an uncommon but serious disease that is also classified as a potential bioterrorism agent, will have new strategies outlined for both naturally acquired infections and response scenarios.
Source: CDC MMWR
Continued Fallout from the Government Shutdown
The public health sector will continue to feel the effects of the federal government shutdown that began today. Expect ongoing news stories detailing the specific impacts, such as:
- Furlough Effects: Reporting on how the absence of over 32,000 furloughed HHS employees is slowing down non-essential public health functions.
- ACA and Medicaid: Continued political negotiations and analysis of the massive policy changes taking effect, including changes to Medicaid eligibility for millions of Americans under the 2025 Budget Reconciliation Law, and the threat of expiring ACA subsidies.
Source: KFF, Al Jazeera
Global Health News
World Oxygen Day Highlights Access Disparities
Thursday, October 2, marks the third annual World Oxygen Day, a major global awareness event.
- The Issue: The day is focused on raising awareness of the global importance of supplemental oxygen therapy. Oxygen is on the WHO’s Essential Medicine List, yet millions of people worldwide struggle to access necessary equipment and therapy.
- Advocacy: The day involves global patient advocacy organizations and professional societies working to reduce the stigma of supplemental oxygen use and highlighting barriers, including financial challenges for equipment suppliers and the need for policy reform.
Source: Respiratory Therapy (RT)
WHO Capacity-Building Webinar Series Begins
The World Health Organization (WHO) will launch a new capacity-building initiative.
- Focus: The series is aimed at strengthening national readiness for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and stroke care in member countries, underscoring the WHO’s efforts to address the global burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Source: World Health Organization (WHO) Events
Guidance for Immunizations in Cardiovascular Patients
The American College of Cardiology (ACC) recently issued its 2025 Concise Clinical Guidance on adult immunizations, specifically for patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Expect continued reporting on this statement as healthcare systems move into the respiratory disease season.
- Recommendations: The guidance reinforces the recommendation for all adults with heart disease to receive annual influenza and seasonal COVID-19 vaccines. It also advises on the use of RSV and pneumococcal vaccines to prevent severe illness that can exacerbate heart conditions.
- Goal: The statement is intended to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality by encouraging clinicians to integrate vaccination discussions into cardiology visits.
Source: American College of Cardiology (ACC)
Ongoing Dialogue on Vaccine Hesitancy in Pregnancy
Following recent reports and policy shifts, the discussion on vaccine hesitancy—especially regarding the COVID-19 vaccine in pregnant women—will continue.
- Context: Recent polling data has shown a significant drop in public confidence about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy, despite medical consensus and data linking maternal vaccination to lower risks of infection, stillbirth, and preterm birth. This disparity highlights the ongoing challenge for public health officials to combat misinformation and communicate clear, evidence-based recommendations.
