Beth Bourdeau Duke
@bourdeauduke.bsky.social
HIV public health researcher at UCSF
Informed citizen
Informed citizen
Reposted by Beth Bourdeau Duke
I am hearing that RFK Jr.’s minions are going to go after HPV vaccines. I’ve got problems with these people and now you’re going to hear about them, first from a personal perspective and then from a professional one.
It all boils down to this: WE HAVE A SAFE VACCINE THAT PREVENTS CANCER.
It all boils down to this: WE HAVE A SAFE VACCINE THAT PREVENTS CANCER.
January 28, 2026 at 7:52 PM
I am hearing that RFK Jr.’s minions are going to go after HPV vaccines. I’ve got problems with these people and now you’re going to hear about them, first from a personal perspective and then from a professional one.
It all boils down to this: WE HAVE A SAFE VACCINE THAT PREVENTS CANCER.
It all boils down to this: WE HAVE A SAFE VACCINE THAT PREVENTS CANCER.
Reposted by Beth Bourdeau Duke
Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus that's airborne and spreads easily when an infected person breathes, sneezes or coughs. A vaccine can prevent it. https://to.pbs.org/3O9iu2I
South Carolina measles outbreak hits nearly 600 new cases in just over a month
The outbreak centered in northwestern Spartanburg County is showing little sign of slowing down, with health officials saying Tuesday that 789 cases have been confirmed since September.
to.pbs.org
January 28, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus that's airborne and spreads easily when an infected person breathes, sneezes or coughs. A vaccine can prevent it. https://to.pbs.org/3O9iu2I
Reposted by Beth Bourdeau Duke
Reposted by Beth Bourdeau Duke
if bovino is out and conservatives are turning on noem then there is a real opportunity to demand that miller resign too.
January 27, 2026 at 1:07 AM
if bovino is out and conservatives are turning on noem then there is a real opportunity to demand that miller resign too.
Reposted by Beth Bourdeau Duke
The killing of Alex Pretti and the grotesque lying was an overreach by the administration. They've paid a price and had to pull back a bit. But it's when there's some disarray that the democratic opposition needs to intensify the offensive, and turn a marginal tactical success into a major victory.
January 26, 2026 at 10:56 PM
The killing of Alex Pretti and the grotesque lying was an overreach by the administration. They've paid a price and had to pull back a bit. But it's when there's some disarray that the democratic opposition needs to intensify the offensive, and turn a marginal tactical success into a major victory.
Reposted by Beth Bourdeau Duke
Nearly half of the databases that the CDC used to update regularly — surveillance systems that tracked public health information like Covid vaccination rates and hospitalizations for respiratory syncytial virus — have been paused without explanation, according to new research.
Dozens of CDC databases are not being updated — most related to vaccines, study finds
The agency plays a key role in tracking the disease spread and vaccination rates. Last year, it seemed to back away from some of that work, according to new research.
nbcnews.to
January 27, 2026 at 12:20 AM
Nearly half of the databases that the CDC used to update regularly — surveillance systems that tracked public health information like Covid vaccination rates and hospitalizations for respiratory syncytial virus — have been paused without explanation, according to new research.
Reposted by Beth Bourdeau Duke
The Senate may choose to vote together on the DHS and LHHS bills. Thus, a filibuster on DHS may mean no funding for NIH. What my colleagues are saying:
“Shut it down, public health will understand. I’ll work without pay again.”
- anonymous NIHer
“Shut it down, public health will understand. I’ll work without pay again.”
- anonymous NIHer
January 25, 2026 at 5:19 AM
The Senate may choose to vote together on the DHS and LHHS bills. Thus, a filibuster on DHS may mean no funding for NIH. What my colleagues are saying:
“Shut it down, public health will understand. I’ll work without pay again.”
- anonymous NIHer
“Shut it down, public health will understand. I’ll work without pay again.”
- anonymous NIHer
Reposted by Beth Bourdeau Duke
this is it. this is the level. this is the standard for democratic officials. anything less is intolerable.
January 24, 2026 at 9:09 PM
this is it. this is the level. this is the standard for democratic officials. anything less is intolerable.
Reposted by Beth Bourdeau Duke
not impressed by the fact that the democrats dot org people finally got someone on social media who matches the energy of fucking gavin newsom, who talks big and throws trans people under the table.
SHOW. US. LEADERSHIP. THAT. MATTERS.
SHOW. US. LEADERSHIP. THAT. MATTERS.
January 25, 2026 at 12:17 AM
not impressed by the fact that the democrats dot org people finally got someone on social media who matches the energy of fucking gavin newsom, who talks big and throws trans people under the table.
SHOW. US. LEADERSHIP. THAT. MATTERS.
SHOW. US. LEADERSHIP. THAT. MATTERS.
Reposted by Beth Bourdeau Duke
I’m completely fed up with elected Representatives saying shit like, “Republicans will tell you behind closed doors that they don’t agree with what ICE is doing”.
Playtime is over. Professional courtesy no longer exists.
Name them, record them, and make it public.
Playtime is over. Professional courtesy no longer exists.
Name them, record them, and make it public.
January 24, 2026 at 11:01 PM
I’m completely fed up with elected Representatives saying shit like, “Republicans will tell you behind closed doors that they don’t agree with what ICE is doing”.
Playtime is over. Professional courtesy no longer exists.
Name them, record them, and make it public.
Playtime is over. Professional courtesy no longer exists.
Name them, record them, and make it public.
Reposted by Beth Bourdeau Duke
Criminal tribunals will be the bare minimum, and are the modest response under the circumstances
January 24, 2026 at 5:21 PM
Criminal tribunals will be the bare minimum, and are the modest response under the circumstances
Reposted by Beth Bourdeau Duke
ICE agents are America's failures, basically indistinguishable from lazy school shooters, losers who want to play Call of Duty on our streets against people who can't fight back. They have unlimited ammo and toss tear gas like they're pressing L1. They have to be defunded and jailed. All of them.
MS NOW news crew capturing ICE/DHS agents firing pepper balls, flash bangs, and tear gas at non violent protesters.
file:///C:/Users/Nikki/Downloads/Velshi-2026-01-24.mp4
file:///C:/Users/Nikki/Downloads/Velshi-2026-01-24.mp4
January 24, 2026 at 5:13 PM
ICE agents are America's failures, basically indistinguishable from lazy school shooters, losers who want to play Call of Duty on our streets against people who can't fight back. They have unlimited ammo and toss tear gas like they're pressing L1. They have to be defunded and jailed. All of them.
Reposted by Beth Bourdeau Duke
"'I was hit so hard with the fact that this man would not do this for me,' she said" www.startribune.com/detained-by-...
Two women, detained by ICE, say they helped agent having seizure
The women say they guided agents through the emergency, later raising concerns about medical protocols, weapons safety and accountability.
www.startribune.com
January 24, 2026 at 1:32 AM
"'I was hit so hard with the fact that this man would not do this for me,' she said" www.startribune.com/detained-by-...
Reposted by Beth Bourdeau Duke
“He has no idea what he’s talking about,” says Dr. Sean O’Leary, chair of AAP's infectious disease committee.
Rejecting decades of science, vaccine panel chair says polio and other shots should be optional, the New York Times reports: www.nytimes.com/2026/01/23/h...
Rejecting decades of science, vaccine panel chair says polio and other shots should be optional, the New York Times reports: www.nytimes.com/2026/01/23/h...
Rejecting Decades of Science, Vaccine Panel Chair Says Polio and Other Shots Should Be Optional
www.nytimes.com
January 23, 2026 at 7:57 PM
“He has no idea what he’s talking about,” says Dr. Sean O’Leary, chair of AAP's infectious disease committee.
Rejecting decades of science, vaccine panel chair says polio and other shots should be optional, the New York Times reports: www.nytimes.com/2026/01/23/h...
Rejecting decades of science, vaccine panel chair says polio and other shots should be optional, the New York Times reports: www.nytimes.com/2026/01/23/h...
Reposted by Beth Bourdeau Duke
YES! A step in the right direction. After a horrendous year for science & the #NIH, it is imperative to protect it from political interference. NIH's success is due to decisions based on science, not political ideology.
Science does not belong to politicians.
🧪 degette.house.gov/media-center...
Science does not belong to politicians.
🧪 degette.house.gov/media-center...
DeGette Introduces Bill to Protect NIH From Political Interference
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01), Ranking Member of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, introduced the Follow the Science Act to shield the National Institutes...
degette.house.gov
January 22, 2026 at 8:37 PM
YES! A step in the right direction. After a horrendous year for science & the #NIH, it is imperative to protect it from political interference. NIH's success is due to decisions based on science, not political ideology.
Science does not belong to politicians.
🧪 degette.house.gov/media-center...
Science does not belong to politicians.
🧪 degette.house.gov/media-center...
Reposted by Beth Bourdeau Duke
🚨 New from me: Grant review at more than half of NIH's institutes could be frozen by the end of the year.
That's because crucial NIH grant-review panels are slated to be empty at those institutes by Jan 2027.
A wonky bureaucratic problem with big implications.
A short 🧵
That's because crucial NIH grant-review panels are slated to be empty at those institutes by Jan 2027.
A wonky bureaucratic problem with big implications.
A short 🧵
Exclusive: key NIH review panels due to lose all members by the end of 2026
Thirteen of the agency’s advisory councils, which must review grant applications before funding is awarded, are on track to have no voting members.
www.nature.com
January 22, 2026 at 7:46 PM
🚨 New from me: Grant review at more than half of NIH's institutes could be frozen by the end of the year.
That's because crucial NIH grant-review panels are slated to be empty at those institutes by Jan 2027.
A wonky bureaucratic problem with big implications.
A short 🧵
That's because crucial NIH grant-review panels are slated to be empty at those institutes by Jan 2027.
A wonky bureaucratic problem with big implications.
A short 🧵
Reposted by Beth Bourdeau Duke
RFK Jr. appointee Kirk Milhoan has just clearly stated, out loud, that he wants to experiment on the people of the United States by seeing what happens as vaccination coverage plummets and infectious diseases spread.
January 22, 2026 at 7:47 PM
RFK Jr. appointee Kirk Milhoan has just clearly stated, out loud, that he wants to experiment on the people of the United States by seeing what happens as vaccination coverage plummets and infectious diseases spread.
Reposted by Beth Bourdeau Duke
"2025 was a year in public health that I’m sure none of us wants to repeat. But we, as an #HIV Community, remained steadfast in holding control of our here-and-now existence. Our future, and our health, demand that we continue that momentum in 2026." via @thebodydotcom.bsky.social
The State of Our HIV Union in 2026 Is Stronger Than You Think
Despite the devastation of the past year, the collective efforts to lift the voices of the HIV Community have not been stopped. Nearly all threats to HIV-related services are met with organizing and d...
www.thebody.com
January 22, 2026 at 9:42 AM
"2025 was a year in public health that I’m sure none of us wants to repeat. But we, as an #HIV Community, remained steadfast in holding control of our here-and-now existence. Our future, and our health, demand that we continue that momentum in 2026." via @thebodydotcom.bsky.social
Reposted by Beth Bourdeau Duke
🧪IMPORTANT! This graphic explains how science all over the US is funded. Congress approved a 2% increase in the #NIH budget for FY 26.
Buried in the bill-
Shift of ~40% of grants to MYF. This will still result in a 35% DECREASE in the NUMBER of grants funded per yr.
Russel Vought is behind this.
Buried in the bill-
Shift of ~40% of grants to MYF. This will still result in a 35% DECREASE in the NUMBER of grants funded per yr.
Russel Vought is behind this.
January 22, 2026 at 1:25 AM
🧪IMPORTANT! This graphic explains how science all over the US is funded. Congress approved a 2% increase in the #NIH budget for FY 26.
Buried in the bill-
Shift of ~40% of grants to MYF. This will still result in a 35% DECREASE in the NUMBER of grants funded per yr.
Russel Vought is behind this.
Buried in the bill-
Shift of ~40% of grants to MYF. This will still result in a 35% DECREASE in the NUMBER of grants funded per yr.
Russel Vought is behind this.
Reposted by Beth Bourdeau Duke
"We, as a group, have decided to persevere with the same language — unaltered, uncensored. I feel strongly that there is no other way to accurately describe the problem and investigate it rigorously." - @dmohottige.bsky.social
This is scientific integrity.
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
This is scientific integrity.
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
‘Shattered’: US scientists speak out about how Trump policies disrupted their careers
Researchers lay bare the human toll of lay-offs, funding cuts and attacks on science one year after the president’s return to the White House.
www.nature.com
January 21, 2026 at 3:07 PM
"We, as a group, have decided to persevere with the same language — unaltered, uncensored. I feel strongly that there is no other way to accurately describe the problem and investigate it rigorously." - @dmohottige.bsky.social
This is scientific integrity.
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
This is scientific integrity.
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Reposted by Beth Bourdeau Duke
Hakeem Jeffries is the House Democratic Follower. You can't name a single policy issue in the last year he's actually led on.
When forming a position, he follows polls, public sentiment and his own caucus members. But he never, ever gets out front to persuade or lead.
When forming a position, he follows polls, public sentiment and his own caucus members. But he never, ever gets out front to persuade or lead.
Scoop: House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries opposes bill funding DHS and ICE
Democrats are lining up against the bill.
www.axios.com
January 21, 2026 at 5:50 PM
Hakeem Jeffries is the House Democratic Follower. You can't name a single policy issue in the last year he's actually led on.
When forming a position, he follows polls, public sentiment and his own caucus members. But he never, ever gets out front to persuade or lead.
When forming a position, he follows polls, public sentiment and his own caucus members. But he never, ever gets out front to persuade or lead.
Reposted by Beth Bourdeau Duke
If we continue to compromise with people whose stated goal is to destroy NIH, then we will not be successful in saving it.
January 21, 2026 at 12:11 AM
If we continue to compromise with people whose stated goal is to destroy NIH, then we will not be successful in saving it.
Reposted by Beth Bourdeau Duke
Some good discussion going on re: today's LHHS appropriations bill in this thread.
I do appreciate the hard fought wins in the bill, but at the end of the day, the multiyear funding language is very damaging. We need to keep talking about that - if that point is lost we have no hope to change it.
I do appreciate the hard fought wins in the bill, but at the end of the day, the multiyear funding language is very damaging. We need to keep talking about that - if that point is lost we have no hope to change it.
The conference (agreement between House and Senate) appropriations bill that includes HHS and NIH was released this morning.
www.appropriations.senate.gov/news/majorit...
1/5
www.appropriations.senate.gov/news/majorit...
1/5
Committee Releases Conferenced Defense, Homeland Security, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Bi...
United States Senate Committee on Appropriations
www.appropriations.senate.gov
January 21, 2026 at 4:09 AM
Some good discussion going on re: today's LHHS appropriations bill in this thread.
I do appreciate the hard fought wins in the bill, but at the end of the day, the multiyear funding language is very damaging. We need to keep talking about that - if that point is lost we have no hope to change it.
I do appreciate the hard fought wins in the bill, but at the end of the day, the multiyear funding language is very damaging. We need to keep talking about that - if that point is lost we have no hope to change it.
Reposted by Beth Bourdeau Duke
Catastrophe: Florida's Department of Health is stopping coverage for antivirals to 10,000 low-income people with HIV infection, blaming impending federal cuts to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program. 12.5% of Americans with HIV live in Florida.
Thousands to lose access to HIV drugs with new cuts
An estimated 10,000 people are about to lose access to their HIV medication as the Florida Department of Health makes cuts to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP).
www.fox13news.com
January 19, 2026 at 3:38 PM
Catastrophe: Florida's Department of Health is stopping coverage for antivirals to 10,000 low-income people with HIV infection, blaming impending federal cuts to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program. 12.5% of Americans with HIV live in Florida.
Reposted by Beth Bourdeau Duke
To recap: the two major parties refuse to rein in the reign of a demented sociopathic king who daily is marching us into both World War III and the next Civil War simultaneously because a Black president once made fun of him and also the Special Boy wasn't given the Shiny Golden Medal he covets
January 19, 2026 at 4:08 PM
To recap: the two major parties refuse to rein in the reign of a demented sociopathic king who daily is marching us into both World War III and the next Civil War simultaneously because a Black president once made fun of him and also the Special Boy wasn't given the Shiny Golden Medal he covets