Osterholm Update
A weekly report on the COVID-19 pandemic from infectious disease expert Michael Osterholm, PhD, MPH. Dr. Osterholm is the director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) at the University of Minnesota and has spent a career investigating outbreaks. Since 2005, he has emphasized supply chain and other vulnerabilities and a critical need for pandemic preparedness. In this podcast, Dr. Osterholm dissects the latest COVID-19 news, data, and guidance. CIDRAP’s Chris Dall, MA, is the cohost of the Osterholm Update and a reporter for CIDRAP News. http://www.cidrap.umn.edu
The Current State of Measles
Before 2025, we didn't spend too much time talking about measles on this podcast, and that's because there wasn't much of a need to. But ever since the measles outbreak in West Texas began in January 2025, it's become a regular topic of discussion, with the U.S. now at more than 6,000 confirmed cases since the beginning of that year. In this week's episode, hosts Chris Dall and Dr. Michael Osterholm discuss the measles outbreak in Pennsylvania and the rest of the country. They’ll also cover some potential good news on the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, an...
Making Sense of Measles Misinformation
This past August, Pennsylvania announced two measles-associated deaths in unvaccinated residents, marking the first measles deaths in the state in thirty-five years. This week, hosts Chris Dall and Dr. Micheal Osterholm discuss the two deaths and the controversy surrounding them. They'll also highlight takeaways from the independent review of COVID, flu, and RSV vaccines by CIDRAP's Vaccine Integrity Project, answer a listener’s question about the timing of COVID and flu shots, provide an update on the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and share a special dedication for the 25th anniversary of CIDRAP.
Links:
Back to School: What You Need to Know
As summer comes to a close, another chapter begins: back to school. But with that comes a lot of different public health challenges and some muddled guidance for parents. Like how do we deal with measles in schools? When's the best time for my kids to get their flu shot? And do I need to be worried about the blueberries in my child's lunchbox? Hosts Chris Dall and Dr. Micheal Osterholm will try to answer some of these questions in this week’s episode. They’ll also discuss the latest on COVID-19, different foodborne illnesses, the two recent measles deaths...
Answering Your Questions: The Executive Order & More!
It’s been a whirlwind week of public health news from Washington, but hosts Chris Dall and Dr. Michael Osterholm are here to make sense of it all. This week they answer your questions about the White House's executive order on childhood vaccines and other topics. Dr. Osterholm also discusses the approval of Moderna’s new mRNA flu vaccine, as well as updates on cyclospora, Ebola and respiratory viruses. Plus, learn about the “Father of Blood Banks” in this week’s Public Health History segment.
Links:
American Red Cross Declares Second-Ever National Blood Supply Crisis (American Red Cross...
Cyclospora: Then and Now
Cyclospora cases continue to climb in the U.S. but this isn’t the first time we’ve had a multi-state outbreak linked to produce. Back in 1996, there was a major cyclospora outbreak across several states due to imported raspberries. It begs the question, have we learned anything from the past? Or are we repeating history all over again? This week hosts Chris Dall and Dr. Michael Osterholm focus on the cyclosporiasis outbreak, from the latest numbers, to how state and federal officials, as well as the media, have handled it all. They’ll break down the latest epidemiologic data a...
Cyclospora, Ticks, and Mosquitoes: Summertime Threats
We all look forward to summer, that time of year when we can spend more time outside and less time worrying about things like colds and flu. However, the warm summer months can bring their own infectious disease threats, whether it's ticks, mosquitoes, or foodborne parasites. This week, hosts Chris Dall and Dr. Michael Osterholm discuss some of these summertime infectious disease threats, from the growing cyclospora outbreak in the US, to new research that suggests the tickborne allergy alpha-gal syndrome may be under-recognized. They'll also bring you the latest on the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of...
Episode 212: Major Roadblocks
As the Ebola crisis continues to escalate in the DRC, we must ask: what will it take to end this outbreak? This is one of many questions Chris Dall and Dr. Michael Osterholm will discuss in this week’s episode. They’ll also cover the flu outbreak at a Texas Air Force base, consider what some newly released CDC emails reveal about the tenure of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr, and examine some recent studies on the effectiveness of last season's COVID vaccines. Plus, answering how New World screwworm could affect wildlife and another installment of This Week in P...
Episode 211: A System Held With Duct Tape
This week, Chris Dall and Dr. Michael Osterholm bring the latest on the Ebola outbreak in the DRC, what the World Cup means from a public health perspective, as well as explain what screwworm is and how it could threaten US livestock. They’ll also have updates on the hantavirus outbreak, discuss how the US could likely lose its measles elimination status, and give you an update on COVID and other respiratory infections. Plus, the latest installment of This Week in Public Health History.
Links:
The ‘diseases of crowds’ experts say could be at the Wo...
Episode 210: Ebola: What the Past Tells Us about the Present
This week on the Osterholm Update, Dr. Michael Osterholm and Chris Dall focus on the developing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, discussing the U.S. response, whether transmission can be airborne, and addressing travel concerns to Africa. We’ll also bring you the latest on the hantavirus outbreak, review a long-awaited report from the FDA on pediatric deaths linked to COVID vaccines, and provide updates on measles and other respiratory viruses. Plus, a Public Health History segment highlighting the first EMS service in the U.S.
Links:
‘Among the things he fear...
Episode 209: Awareness vs. Alarm: Making Sense of the Headlines
In Episode 209, Dr. Michael Osterholm and Chris Dall talk through the response to the hantavirus outbreak and the lingering questions about how the virus spreads. They also discuss a recent Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as the latest findings from The Vaccine Integrity Project’s comprehensive review of peer-reviewed evidence on Tdap vaccination during pregnancy.
Links:
Hantavirus Is Not the Next Covid, But Try Telling That to the News Media (The Daily Show)
Safety and Effectiveness of Tdap Vaccination During Pregnancy Report (Vaccine Integrity Project)
Episode 208: Bad News, Good News
This week on the Osterholm Update, Chris Dall and Dr. Osterholm dissect the latest results of Paxlovid trials and what they tell us about COVID-19. They'll also discuss a CDC study on COVID-19 vaccines that's been blocked by the acting CDC director, examine a survey that reveals the impact of changes to CDC messaging on vaccines and autism, explore the US Defense Secretary's decision to no longer require flu shots for US military members and bring you up to speed on the hantavirus outbreak on a Dutch cruise ship. Plus, the latest findings of CIDRAP’s analysis of HPV va...
Episode 207: Asking the Right Questions
This week Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall talk about Erica Schwartz, the Trump's administration's most recent nomination for the CDC Director, as well as changes to the charter of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Dr. Osterholm also examines a somewhat misleading Politico poll on public support for vaccines, provides a spring respiratory update and answers a listener's question about long COVID in women. Chris Dall explains a concerning rise in Shigella cases, plus a special space-themed Public Health History segment.
Don’t believe headlines saying that vaccine skepticism is widespread (STAT)
Respiratory Immu...
Episode 206: What we know about long COVID
This week Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall focus on long COVID, tackling some listener questions and providing context about what long COVID is, its potential risks, as well as some of the latest research and reports about it. Dr. Osterholm also discusses the CDC's pause on testing for rabies and pox viruses, plus a respiratory update and the latest on US measles outbreaks. Dr. Osterholm also honors National Health Week in the public health history segment.
Antidepressant relieves fatigues in people with long COVID, study finds (CIDRAP)
The RECOVER Initiative (NIH)
End...
Episode 205: Disease Waits for No One
In "Disease Waits for No One," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss how a federal judge temporarily blocked Health Secretary RFK Jr's rollback of childhood vaccine recommendations. Has the damage of this administration's assault on US vaccine policy already been done? Or is there a chance it could be undone? They'll also dive into a report calling for sweeping changes to how the government tracks COVID vaccine harms, review a recent meningitis outbreak in the UK, cover the latest on measles and avian flu, and answer a listener's question about the risk of catching COVID in...
Episode 204: Holding the Tools
In "Holding the Tools" Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall dive into the latest COVID, flu and RSV activity, discuss the surge in norovirus cases, and provide an update on measles outbreaks across the Americas. Dr. Osterholm also shares the latest work from CIDRAP’s Vaccine Integrity Project, and honors a couple of different public health heroes for Women’s History Month.
Viewpoint: Threats to Gavi mean placing ideology over saving lives (CIDRAP)
Dentists still write millions of prescriptions a year for an antibiotic with life-threatening risks (CIDRAP)
Reso...
Episode 203: Somebody to Lean On
In "Somebody to Lean On," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss vaccine updates including the FDA’s back-and-forth on the Moderna vaccine, leadership shake-ups at institutions like the CDC, and the current state of measles in the US. Dr. Osterholm will also bring you a respiratory virus update, including current vaccine guidance for flu, COVID and RSV.
Op-Ed: The FDA refused to review a flu vaccine, contrary to evidence. Now the agency reversed itself (CIDRAP)
The State of US Vaccine Policy (CIDRAP and Unbiased Science)
Dentists still write millions of...
Episode 202: The Bells Still Ring
In "The Bells Still Ring," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss a recent poll on Americans’ trust in vaccine information from the CDC, the measles outbreaks in immigration detention centers, and explain the controversy over a US-funded hepatitis B vaccine trial in Africa. Dr. Osterholm will also bring you some good news on US funding for global health and answer an ID Query about Nipah virus.
Interactive vaccine map for US schools (Washington Post)
Large share of older US adults haven’t had a recent flu or COVID vaccine, poll finds (CIDRAP News)
<...
Episode 201: The Twilight Zone of Immunization
In "The Twilight Zone of Immunization," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss recent comments from CDC officials about measles, the US withdrawal from the WHO, and the latest mpox news. Dr. Osterholm also shares an update on this winter respiratory virus season and discusses the challenges that families are facing in accessing healthcare amid immigration enforcement surges in Minnesota.
Minnesota residents delay medical care for fear of encountering ICE (CIDRAP)
Press Release: CIDRAP launches new partnerships to support independent, evidence-based vaccine information (CIDRAP)
Resources for vaccine and public health advocacy:<...
Episode 200: A Moment Among Moments
In the 200th episode of the Osterholm Update, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss recent changes to the childhood immunization schedule, the latest data on this year's influenza season, and an update on CIDRAP's Vaccine Integrity Project. Osterholm Update producers Dr. Sydney Redepenning and Elise Holmes also join to discuss this milestone episode and reflect on how the podcast has evolved over the years.
CMS to stop requiring states to report childhood vaccination levels (Liz Szabo, CIDRAP News)
U.S. vaccination rates are plunging. Look up where your school stands (Weber et al., The...
Episode 199: Flu Takes Charge
In "Flu Takes Charge" Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall give us an update on the emerging flu season, Dr. Osterholm covers a new poll that shows fewer Americans are willing to recommend the MMR vaccine, and we'll hear about the Vaccine Integrity Project's latest video.
Protecting Vaccine Integrity in 2025: Evidence, Access, and Public Trust
Resources for vaccine and public health advocacy:
Voices for Vaccines
Families Fighting Flu
Vaccinate Your Family
Shot@Life
Medical Reserve Corps
Learn more about the Vaccine Integrity Project
<...Episode 198: Gaps in the Safety Net
In "Gaps in the Safety Net" Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss why we shouldn’t compare other countries’ vaccine schedules to the US schedule. Dr. Osterholm continues to cover the recent infant botulism outbreak, and he answers an ID Query about New World Screwworm.
Resources for vaccine and public health advocacy:
Voices for Vaccines
Families Fighting Flu
Vaccinate Your Family
Shot@Life
Medical Reserve Corps
Learn more about the Vaccine Integrity Project
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Special Episode: ACIP's Hepatitis B Vaccine Decisions
In this special episode of the podcast, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the ACIP's recent decision to end universal hepatitis B birth dose recommendations and the impact it will have on public health.
Noted articles:
…And What Have We Done?
This Is What It Looks Like When RFK Jr. Wins
Resources for vaccine and public health advocacy:
Voices for Vaccines
Families Fighting Flu
Vaccinate Your Family
Shot@Life
Medical Reserve Corps
Learn more about the Vaccine In...
Episode 197: Fork in the Road
In "Fork in the Road" Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the changes to the CDC's vaccines and autism page and this week's meeting of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Dr. Osterholm also covers the recent infant botulism outbreak and Chris answers an ID Query about possible C. difficile vaccines.
After unprecedented autism-vaccine messaging change, scientists, advocates say CDC no longer trustworthy
New review finds no evidence to support delaying universal hepatitis B birth-dose vaccination
Resources for vaccine and public health advocacy:
Voices for Vaccines
Families...
Episode 196: Flu Shifts: Why Vaccines Still Matter
In "Flu Shifts: Why Vaccines Still Matter," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall review the latest trends and flu and how this year's vaccine compares to the circulating strains. Dr. Osterholm also discusses H5N1 impact on mammals in Antarctica and answers an ID Query about infant botulism.
Resources for vaccine and public health advocacy:
Voices for Vaccines
Families Fighting Flu
Vaccinate Your Family
Shot@Life
Medical Reserve Corps
Learn more about the Vaccine Integrity Project
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Episode 195: We Can Make a Difference
NOTE: In order to align our schedule with the holidays, we will not be releasing an episode on 11/13. We'll be back with our next episode on 11/20 and will resume our biweekly release schedule.
In "We Can Make a Difference," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the recent publication from CIDRAP's Vaccine Integrity Project, an upcoming collaboration between CIDRAP and NEJM Evidence, and the latest measles and respiratory virus data. Dr. Osterholm also answers an ID Query about how the government shutdown is impacting public health surveillance and shares another "This Week in Public Health History" segment.
<...Episode 194: Bending Not Breaking
In "Bending Not Breaking," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss recent layoffs and layoff reversals at the CDC, comments from the administration on the MMR vaccine, and the latest respiratory virus data. Dr. Osterholm also shares an update on pertussis cases and answers an ID Query about herd immunity.
Resources for vaccine and public health advocacy:
Voices for Vaccines
Families Fighting Flu
Vaccinate Your Family
Shot@Life
Medical Reserve Corps
Learn more about the Vaccine Integrity Project
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Episode 193: Fevers, Furloughs, and Falsehoods
In "Fevers, Furloughs, and Falsehoods," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall break down the CDC’s recent ACIP meeting and the ongoing uncertainty around updated vaccine recommendations. Dr. Osterhom discusses state-level differences in vaccine access, possible changes to the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, and reviews the latest data on COVID-19, Ebola, and STIs. Dr. Osterholm also answers an ID Query on the studies associating acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) use during pregnancy and autism, and share the latest installment of This Week in Public Health History on the 2001 anthrax attacks.
Tracking State Actions on Vaccine Policy and Access (KF...
Special Update: Dysfunction at ACIP
In this special update, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall recap the events of last week's ACIP meeting and what it means for COVID, MMRV, and hepatitis B vaccine availability.
Learn more about the Vaccine Integrity Project
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Episode 192: Ice Cream and Shark Attacks
In "Ice Cream and Shark Attacks," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the FDA’s recent decision to authorize updated COVID-19 vaccines for limited groups, the confusion around access for those under 65, and the uncertain outcomes of this week’s ACIP meeting. They also cover ongoing upheaval at the CDC, provide updates on COVID-19 and measles, answer an ID Query on Chagas disease, and share the latest installment of This Week in Public Health History.
Vaccine Integrity Project Viewpoint: Four tips for understanding this week’s ACIP meeting
Vaccine Integrity Project - Fall Immunization Information
...
Episode 191: 'The Big One' with Mark Olshaker, Ann Hennigan Grace, & Dr. Sydney Redepenning
In this week's special episode, Chris Dall interviews Dr. Osterholm and his coauthor Mark Olshaker on their new book The Big One: How We Must Prepare for Future Deadly Pandemics. They are also joined by Ann Hennigan Grace and CIDRAP's Dr. Sydney Redepenning who both conducted research and fact-checking for the book.
The Big One is available for purchase online and at your local bookseller!
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Episode 190: Courage Over Fear
In "Courage Over Fear," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the critical Vaccine Integrity Project respiratory virus immunization meeting, recent federal actions to sow disinformation on vaccines, and encourage public servants, including those at CDC, who are facing fear amidst violence. Dr. Osterholm also covers the latest COVID data and reviews a new pre-print study on H5N1 avian influenza transmission.
CIDRAP Vaccine Integrity Project Respiratory Virus Vaccine Meeting
Statement: CIDRAP stands behind public health officials after attack on CDC (CIDRAP)
Resources for vaccine and public health advocacy:
<...Episode 189: Are We at Risk of Losing Our Vaccines?
In "Are We At Risk of Losing Our Vaccines?", Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss declining childhood vaccination rates, a statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics on non-medical exemptions for mandated vaccines, and the recent termination of $500 million in mRNA vaccine research contracts. Dr. Osterholm also covers the latest COVID data and shares another "This Week in Public Health History" segment.
Medical vs nonmedical immunization exemptions for child care and school attendance: policy statement (Hackell et al., Pediatrics)
Resources for vaccine and public health advocacy:
Voices for Vaccines
Families...
Episode 188: Finding the Light
In "Finding the Light," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss a recent study on aluminum in childhood vaccines, the latest COVID variant data, and the recent approval of the Moderna COVID vaccine for children at risk of severe disease. Dr. Osterholm also provides an update on CIDRAP's Vaccine Integrity Project and shares the latest "This Week in Public History" segment.
Report: No link between aluminum-adjuvanted childhood vaccines, conditions such as autism (Van Beusekom, CIDRAP News)
State, local public health officials grapple with fallout from funding, job cuts (Dall, CIDRAP News)
Resources for vaccine...
Episode 187: Stay the Course
In "Stay the Course," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall review the outcomes of the June ACIP meeting and shares updates on the Vaccine Integrity Project. Dr. Osterholm also covers the latest trends in COVID-19, H5N1, and measles, and answers an ID query about RSV vaccines.
US measles cases top 1,200 as UK loses 'measles free' status (CIDRAP News)
The U.S. government is failing on vaccine policy. The Vaccine Integrity Project is here to help (STAT, paywall)
‘Too many, too soon’? Debunking a common fear about kids’ vaccines (STAT, paywall)
...
Episode 186: Chaos Reigns
In "Chaos Reigns," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss this week's ACIP meeting, the latest COVID variant data, and the current measles trends in the United States and Canada. Dr. Osterholm covers some good news about federal health agencies and answers an ID query about autism.
Voices for Vaccines
Families Fighting Flu
Vaccinate Your Family
Shot@Life
Medical Reserve Corps
Learn more about the Vaccine Integrity Project
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Episode 185: Our Light, Our Fight
In "Our Light, Our Fight," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the remaking of the CDC's vaccine advisory group, ACIP, provide a updates on measles, H5N1, COVID-19, and mpox. Dr. Osterholm also shares a list of resources on how to get involved and "organize" around vaccine policy.
Viewpoint: RFK's reckless firing of CDC vaccine advisors not supported by evidence (Vaccine Integrity Project Staff and Advisers)
CIDRAP mpox news updates (CIDRAP)
Resources to take action:
Voices for Vaccines
Families Fighting Flu
Vaccinate Your Family<...
Episode 184: Fool's Gold: Reframing the Science
In "Fool's Gold: Reframing the Science," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the latest federal actions surrounding vaccine policy, report on a new COVID variant sweeping Asia, and give an update on measles cases across North America.
Learn more about the Vaccine Integrity Project
Viewpoint: Making key COVID vaccine decisions without input, transparency is a public disservice (Vaccine Integrity Project Staff and Advisers)
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Episode 183: Time to Organize
In "Time to Organize," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss HHS Secretary Kennedy's proposed changes to vaccine policy, the latest measles news, and the Trump administration's newly announced next-generation universal influenza vaccine platform.
Learn more about the Vaccine Integrity Project
Viewpoint: Proposed system for vaccine approval, safety monitoring begs crucial questions (Vaccine Integrity Project Staff and Advisers)
An inactivated multivalent influenza A virus vaccine is broadly protective in mice and ferrets (Park et al., Science)
Universal Influenza Vaccine Technology Landscape
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Episode 182: The Vaccine Confidence Crisis
In "The Vaccine Confidence Crisis," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss measles cases in the United States, the latest COVID vaccine news, and the launch of CIDRAP's Vaccine Integrity Project.
Learn more about the Vaccine Integrity Project
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Episode 181: Public Health Policy Is Political
In "Public Health Policy is Political," Chris Dall and Dr. Osterholm discuss the ongoing measles outbreak, the latest round of job cuts in the public health workforce, and new studies on long-COVID. Dr. Osterholm also reviews the latest vaccine news for Novavax, seasonal influenza, and H5N1.
Studies: 1 in 7 US working-age adults report long COVID, with heaviest burden on the poor (CIDRAP)
A Clearer Picture of Covid’s Lasting Effects on the Body (NYT, paywall)
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