History of Vaccines

‘Vaccines don’t save lives. Vaccinations do’: Experts talk vaccine safety, misinformation University of Wisconsin’s Morgridge Institute for Research, hosted a Fearless Science Forum event Oct. 27. The panelists included professor of Pathobiological Sciences Dr. Jorge Osorio, professors of…

badgerherald.com/news/2025/10/30/vaccines-dont-save-lives-vaccinations-do-experts-talk-vaccine-safety-misinformation/

‘Vaccines don’t save lives. Vaccinations do’: Experts talk vaccine safety, misinformation University of Wisconsin’s Morgridge Institute for Research, hosted a Fearless Science Forum event Oct. 27. The panelists included professor of Pathobiological Sciences Dr. Jorge Osorio, professors of…

Experts at the UW Fearless Science Forum stress that vaccines only save lives when people actually get vaccinated.

'This is a completely different level of anti-vaccine engagement than we've ever seen before,' says epidemiologist Dr. Seth Berkley Epidemiologist Dr. Seth Berkley spoke to Live Science about the importance of vaccine equity and the obstacles undermining it, as well as the political challenges to vaccines being raised in the U.S.

Vaccine misinformation is reaching unprecedented levels, threatening the progress we've made in global health. Dr. Seth Berkley highlights the urgent need for better education, access, and global cooperation.
www.livescience.com/health/medic...

Why Some People Need a Stronger Flu Shot Older adults, especially those 65 and older, have weaker immune systems and face much higher risks from the flu. Standard flu shots may not offer enough protection for them.

Why do some people need high-dose influenza vaccine? Glad you asked…

historyofvaccines.org/blog/why-som...

IDSA releases COVID vaccine guidance for people with weakened immune systems Evgeniy Shkolenko / iStock

The Infectious Diseases Society of America now recommends COVID-19 vaccination for adults and children with weakened immune systems, noting it reduces risk of hospitalization and severe illness. Guidance was based on recent evidence.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/ids...

Typhoid conjugate vaccine highly effective in endemic settings, study finds A review and meta-analysis of studies in Pakistan, India, and Zimbabwe finds vaccine effectiveness was 87% in preventing culture-confirmed typhoid in children.

A new review finds that the typhoid conjugate vaccine (TCV) is highly effective at preventing typhoid fever in countries where the disease is common, supporting its broader use in national immunization programs.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/typhoid/typh...

DeSantis moves to end Florida's childhood vaccination mandates. Doctors brace for impact Florida announced plans to end mandatory vaccination. Now scientists are assessing which of several diseases deadly to children are likely to make a resurgence and when.

Florida plans to end childhood vaccine mandates, raising concerns about the possible return of diseases. Experts warn the change could impact not just children but entire communities.
abcnews.go.com/Health/desantis-moves-end-floridas-childhood-vaccination-mandates-doctors/story?id=126719452

Feeding Vaccines to Wild Animals: The Story of Oral Rabies Vaccination Oral rabies vaccination: a creative public health solution using vaccine-laden baits to protect wild animals and humans from a deadly disease.

Oral rabies vaccination baits have helped control rabies in wild animals, using creative science to protect both wildlife and humans. Programs in Europe and North America show the impact of vaccinating with nature, not against it.
historyofvaccines.org/blog/feeding...

Flu season is underway, and a COVID uptick is likely as winter approaches. Experts say vaccination timing matters less than actually getting protected, especially before holiday season spikes. www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...

Cali refuerza la vacunación contra el VPH para prevenir el cáncer y promover la salud desde la infancia

Cali refuerza la vacunación gratuita contra el VPH dirigida a menores de 9 a 17 años, protegiendo contra diversos tipos de cáncer y promoviendo la equidad en salud infantil y adolescente. Más info: www.cali.gov.co/boletines/pu...

Mississippi Baby Dies of Whooping Cough Amid Rising Cases A baby in Mississippi has died of whooping cough for the first time since 2012. The baby was less than two months old—too young for vaccination.

Mississippi reports its first infant whooping cough death since 2012, with 115 cases recorded in 2025—more than double last year's total. Health officials link rising cases to falling adult vaccination rates. www.mississippifreepress.org/mississippi-...

The Return of Measles: A Global Health Crisis Unfolding in 2025

Measles has surged in 2025, affecting people worldwide from remote villages to major cities. Preventable through vaccination, outbreaks highlight the risks when coverage drops. Global health requires vigilance to protect the most vulnerable. historyofvaccines.org/blog/return-...

Measles death toll climbs to 8 in Mongolia so far in 2025 Measles death toll climbs to 8 in Mongolia so far in 2025-

Mongolia has reported 8 measles deaths in 2025, with 285 people hospitalized and 3 children critically ill. Measles remains highly contagious and severe for the unprotected.
english.news.cn/20250718/bed...

MSF records one child died from measles each day in 2025 Afghanistan | MSF Our teams in Afghanistan are reporting an alarming surge of measles at three hospitals where we provide support, including almost three times as many deaths as were witnessed during the same period…

Afghanistan faces a surge in measles, with one child dying every day in 2025. MSF reports a rise in hospital cases and urges targeted vaccination efforts as low immunization coverage puts vulnerable children at greater risk. www.msf.org/msf-records-...

After 17 die in measles outbreak, Indonesia launches vaccination campaign Indonesian authorities have rolled out a vaccination campaign in response to an outbreak that has caused 17 deaths.

A measles outbreak in Indonesia has led to 17 deaths and more than 2,000 infections in East Java. Low vaccination rates are cited as a key factor, prompting a new campaign to reach thousands of children. Source: www.pbs.org/newshour/wor...

Morocco measles cases top 40,000 in 2025 In a follow-up on the measles outbreak in Morocco this year, after reporting a backlog of cases (19,947) since March 1 through May 10 (epi weeks 9-19), the total measles cases reported since the…

Morocco has reported over 40,000 measles cases and 79 deaths so far in 2025. A nationwide vaccination campaign is underway, verifying millions of children's immunization records with broad community support. Read more: outbreaknewstoday.substack.com/p/morocco-me...

Chickenpox: why the UK has approved the MMRV vaccine in under-fours but the US is preparing to restrict it In England, there are around 4,500 hospital admissions a year due to chickenpox.

The UK will introduce the MMRV vaccine for young children in 2026, aiming to combine protection against measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox, while the US moves to restrict its use for under-fours due to policy changes. theconversation.com/chickenpox-w...

Delaying childhood vaccines increases risk for serious disease and outbreaks. Experts emphasize that the recommended schedule is designed to protect children when they're most vulnerable. Misinformation and lower vaccination rates threaten public health. www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...

How Kenya’s new typhoid vaccine rolled out in the heart of the most-at-risk communities Convenience can be a matter of life or death – that’s why health workers in Kibra, Kenya’s largest slum, bring new jabs to church, to market and to doorsteps.

Kenya’s new typhoid vaccine campaign brought protection directly to communities, reaching markets, churches, and homes. Over 16 million children were vaccinated, targeting those most at risk for drug-resistant typhoid. Source: www.gavi.org/vaccineswork...

Parental support for school vaccine mandates remains high in US fotodrobik / iStock

A recent poll finds 70% of US adults support requiring the MMR vaccine for school entry, marking a rise from last year—even as some states move to end such mandates. Outbreaks highlight the risks to unvaccinated kids. Source: www.cidrap.umn.edu/measles/pare...

Australia approves the first vaccine to protect koalas against chlamydia Australia has approved the first vaccine to protect koalas against chlamydia, a disease that can cause blindness, infertility and death.

Australia has approved the first vaccine to protect koalas from chlamydia, a disease that can cause blindness, infertility, and death in these iconic animals. lufkindailynews.com/ap_video/aus...

Why Stakes Are High in the U.S. Vaccine Debate Secretary Kennedy’s Senate hearing on Thursday illustrated that the United States’ scientific reputation—long considered a global gold standard—is at risk of eroding.

The U.S. vaccine debate is straining public trust, with leadership changes and policy shifts at the CDC fueling confusion and risking both national and global health standards. www.cfr.org/expert-brief...

The hepatitis B vaccine has sharply cut infections in children. Why are some against it? The CDC's vaccine advisory panel is set to discuss and possibly vote on the vaccine at a meeting next week.

Debate grows over the hepatitis B vaccine for newborns as some political figures question its necessity, despite evidence showing it sharply reduced childhood infections. Experts warn stopping universal vaccination could risk preventable disease. www.nbcnews.com/health/kids-... wifi

West African leaders commit to advance Lassa Fever vaccine for the region | CEPI West African Ministers of Health pledge their joint commitment to advance the development of, and readiness for, much-needed vaccines against Lassa

West African health ministers just pledged to advance Lassa fever vaccine development, uniting for regional health security. The disease affects hundreds of thousands yearly—new commitments may turn the tide. More at cepi.net/west-african...

Mississippi State Health Officer touts importance of vaccine mandates after Florida roll back Dr. Daniel Edney warns against Mississippi following suit with Florida's plan to remove childhood vaccine mandates.

Mississippi’s State Health Officer stresses that vaccine mandates are key to public health, noting the state's high childhood vaccination rates have prevented serious outbreaks for decades. Recent changes in Florida spark fresh debate.
magnoliatribune.com/2025/09/09/m...

Emma was born with congenital rubella syndrome which affects her vision and hearing as well as other health complications. She explains how people can take small steps to make her feel more… Left Out of Life: Emma's story

Emma’s story highlights how congenital rubella syndrome can lead to profound challenges, showing the often-overlooked impact on daily life and families. Learn more about her experience: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pgz2...

If a pregnant woman comes into contact with the german measles (rubella) virus, her baby is likely to suffer serious harm. Often this results in miscarriage, or if the foetus survives, the baby will… Congenital Rubella Syndrome - Ian's story

Ian's story reveals the lifelong effects of congenital rubella syndrome, reminding us how rubella can seriously impact children and families. Watch his journey and learn more here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_aQ...

80-year-old Janith Farnham has helped shepherd her daughter, Jacque, through life for decades. Jacque was born with congenital rubella syndrome, which can cause a host of issues. (AP video/Shelby… Preventable diseases: Getting Rubella during pregnancy changed two lives

Getting rubella during pregnancy can have a life-changing impact, as seen in this personal story highlighting the importance of disease prevention for expecting mothers. Watch the full account here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhH2...

From Rubella to Rabies: Lessons from Dr. Stanley Plotkin’s Lifelong Vaccine Quest A rare look at Dr. Stanley Plotkin’s journey in vaccine science, public health, and the ongoing fight against disease and misinformation—insights from TWiV.

Vaccine pioneer Dr. Stanley Plotkin reflects on his groundbreaking work and the challenges facing vaccine science—from rubella elimination to the fight against misinformation and the importance of public trust. Read more: historyofvaccines.org/blog/rubella...

Stanley Plotkin joins TWiV to recount his career as a vaccinologist, having participated in the development of vaccines for polio, rabies, and rubella, and his thoughts on the current anti-science,… TWiV 1247: In the company of vaccines with Stanley Plotkin

Stanley Plotkin shares insights from his legendary career in vaccine development, discussing breakthroughs in polio, rubella, and rabies vaccines, and reflecting on today’s challenges in public health and vaccine confidence. www.youtube.com/watch?v=HH9G...