Julia Raifman, ScD
@juliaraifman.bsky.social
Evidence-based posts about public health & equity. All views are my own.
Pinned
Grateful to the scientists standing up for the integrity of institutions essential to the health & well-being of our whole society
Evidence-based approaches are especially critical to the health of infants & children, whose health depends on reduced community spread of infectious diseases
Evidence-based approaches are especially critical to the health of infants & children, whose health depends on reduced community spread of infectious diseases
There’s much precedent for ignoring HIV/AIDS
It tragically allowed the epidemic to grow worse & take more lives
May we learn from history & speak to the importance of supporting continued progress against HIV in the US & around the world
www.history.com/articles/aid...
It tragically allowed the epidemic to grow worse & take more lives
May we learn from history & speak to the importance of supporting continued progress against HIV in the US & around the world
www.history.com/articles/aid...
How AIDS Remained an Unspoken—But Deadly—Epidemic for Years | HISTORY
Health officials first became aware of AIDS in the summer of 1981, but U.S. leaders remained largely silent for four ...
www.history.com
November 26, 2025 at 12:24 AM
There’s much precedent for ignoring HIV/AIDS
It tragically allowed the epidemic to grow worse & take more lives
May we learn from history & speak to the importance of supporting continued progress against HIV in the US & around the world
www.history.com/articles/aid...
It tragically allowed the epidemic to grow worse & take more lives
May we learn from history & speak to the importance of supporting continued progress against HIV in the US & around the world
www.history.com/articles/aid...
Reposted by Julia Raifman, ScD
This is why I hate RFK Jr’s push to switch to screening pregnant women for Hep B: moms aren’t the only people who can infect babies with Hep B!
Did you know?
Kids can be affected by “horizontal transmission” of Hep B without likely exposure to blood or sexual contact
Most US articles on horizontal transmission are 30 years old
Why?
The perinatal dose of the Hep B vaccine — These cases declined after it was recommended by ACIP in 1991
Kids can be affected by “horizontal transmission” of Hep B without likely exposure to blood or sexual contact
Most US articles on horizontal transmission are 30 years old
Why?
The perinatal dose of the Hep B vaccine — These cases declined after it was recommended by ACIP in 1991
Horizontal transmission of hepatitis B virus infection to United States-born children of Hmong refugees - PubMed
There is evidence that hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission continues among Southeast Asian refugees after resettlement. To determine the prevalence of HBV infection (hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg] positive or core antibody positive) and modes of transmission in Hmong refugee households in Wisc …
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
November 24, 2025 at 4:11 PM
This is why I hate RFK Jr’s push to switch to screening pregnant women for Hep B: moms aren’t the only people who can infect babies with Hep B!
Did you know?
190 countries have infant immunization schedules that include the Hep B vaccine
115 countries recommend a universal birth-dose of the Hep B vaccine, one of the key actions WHO recommends to reduce Hep B prevalence
Read more in the WHO Hep B Report ➡️
iris.who.int/server/api/c...
190 countries have infant immunization schedules that include the Hep B vaccine
115 countries recommend a universal birth-dose of the Hep B vaccine, one of the key actions WHO recommends to reduce Hep B prevalence
Read more in the WHO Hep B Report ➡️
iris.who.int/server/api/c...
November 23, 2025 at 10:44 PM
Did you know?
190 countries have infant immunization schedules that include the Hep B vaccine
115 countries recommend a universal birth-dose of the Hep B vaccine, one of the key actions WHO recommends to reduce Hep B prevalence
Read more in the WHO Hep B Report ➡️
iris.who.int/server/api/c...
190 countries have infant immunization schedules that include the Hep B vaccine
115 countries recommend a universal birth-dose of the Hep B vaccine, one of the key actions WHO recommends to reduce Hep B prevalence
Read more in the WHO Hep B Report ➡️
iris.who.int/server/api/c...
Did you know?
Kids can be affected by “horizontal transmission” of Hep B without likely exposure to blood or sexual contact
Most US articles on horizontal transmission are 30 years old
Why?
The perinatal dose of the Hep B vaccine — These cases declined after it was recommended by ACIP in 1991
Kids can be affected by “horizontal transmission” of Hep B without likely exposure to blood or sexual contact
Most US articles on horizontal transmission are 30 years old
Why?
The perinatal dose of the Hep B vaccine — These cases declined after it was recommended by ACIP in 1991
Horizontal transmission of hepatitis B virus infection to United States-born children of Hmong refugees - PubMed
There is evidence that hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission continues among Southeast Asian refugees after resettlement. To determine the prevalence of HBV infection (hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg] positive or core antibody positive) and modes of transmission in Hmong refugee households in Wisc …
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
November 23, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Did you know?
Kids can be affected by “horizontal transmission” of Hep B without likely exposure to blood or sexual contact
Most US articles on horizontal transmission are 30 years old
Why?
The perinatal dose of the Hep B vaccine — These cases declined after it was recommended by ACIP in 1991
Kids can be affected by “horizontal transmission” of Hep B without likely exposure to blood or sexual contact
Most US articles on horizontal transmission are 30 years old
Why?
The perinatal dose of the Hep B vaccine — These cases declined after it was recommended by ACIP in 1991
Reposted by Julia Raifman, ScD
"The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little."
-FDR, 1937
-FDR, 1937
November 22, 2025 at 6:31 PM
"The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little."
-FDR, 1937
-FDR, 1937
Reposted by Julia Raifman, ScD
Proposals from Senators Scott and Cassidy to convert ACA premium tax credits into health accounts present trade-offs that benefit healthy people at the expense of sick people. Senator Scott's proposal, in particular, would destabilize the insurance market in some states.
www.kff.org/affordable-c...
www.kff.org/affordable-c...
November 21, 2025 at 10:43 PM
Proposals from Senators Scott and Cassidy to convert ACA premium tax credits into health accounts present trade-offs that benefit healthy people at the expense of sick people. Senator Scott's proposal, in particular, would destabilize the insurance market in some states.
www.kff.org/affordable-c...
www.kff.org/affordable-c...
Reposted by Julia Raifman, ScD
With the federal government stripping away vaccine infrastructure, states are on the hook to protect the health and safety of their residents. CAP's @jillrose.bsky.social explains 6 ways states can protect access to vaccines: https://ampr.gs/3X83W4Q
6 Ways States Can Protect Vaccine Access While the Trump Administration Dismantles the Federal System
As the federal government dismantles the country’s vaccine infrastructure, the burden of ensuring access to vaccines for flu, measles, and more is shifting to states.
ampr.gs
November 21, 2025 at 8:00 PM
With the federal government stripping away vaccine infrastructure, states are on the hook to protect the health and safety of their residents. CAP's @jillrose.bsky.social explains 6 ways states can protect access to vaccines: https://ampr.gs/3X83W4Q
The US has had measles “elimination status” for 25 years. It may be about to lose this status.
Measles can severely and fatally impact children, including infants under 1 year old who are too young to be vaccinated.
Increasing — and not further decreasing — child vaccination rates is essential.
Measles can severely and fatally impact children, including infants under 1 year old who are too young to be vaccinated.
Increasing — and not further decreasing — child vaccination rates is essential.
Texas Measles Strain Continues to Spread, Officials Say
www.nytimes.com
November 20, 2025 at 12:37 AM
The US has had measles “elimination status” for 25 years. It may be about to lose this status.
Measles can severely and fatally impact children, including infants under 1 year old who are too young to be vaccinated.
Increasing — and not further decreasing — child vaccination rates is essential.
Measles can severely and fatally impact children, including infants under 1 year old who are too young to be vaccinated.
Increasing — and not further decreasing — child vaccination rates is essential.
Ahead of the upcoming ACIP meeting on the child immunization schedule, it’s important to remember immunizations are about more than individual decisions — immunizations affect communities, including babies too young to be vaccinated
Utah health officials discovered a person infected with measles visited a Logan medical clinic, where 11 vulnerable babies were exposed, launching a race to get the infants preventative treatment.
Nearly a dozen Utah infants were exposed to measles, triggering a race for preventative treatment
Utah health officials discovered a person infected with measles visited a Logan medical clinic, where 11 vulnerable babies were exposed, launching a race to get the infants preventative treatment.
www.sltrib.com
November 18, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Ahead of the upcoming ACIP meeting on the child immunization schedule, it’s important to remember immunizations are about more than individual decisions — immunizations affect communities, including babies too young to be vaccinated
Evidence-based child vaccine recommendations are about more than individual decisions
A baby too young to be vaccinated contracted measles & recently died in childhood of a complication
Vaccines protect kids who receive them — & babies & others in their communities
www.latimes.com/science/stor...
A baby too young to be vaccinated contracted measles & recently died in childhood of a complication
Vaccines protect kids who receive them — & babies & others in their communities
www.latimes.com/science/stor...
L.A. child dies from complication of measles infection contracted in infancy
The child died from subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, a fatal progressive brain disorder that strikes roughly 1 in 10,000 people infected with measles.
www.latimes.com
November 17, 2025 at 10:10 PM
Evidence-based child vaccine recommendations are about more than individual decisions
A baby too young to be vaccinated contracted measles & recently died in childhood of a complication
Vaccines protect kids who receive them — & babies & others in their communities
www.latimes.com/science/stor...
A baby too young to be vaccinated contracted measles & recently died in childhood of a complication
Vaccines protect kids who receive them — & babies & others in their communities
www.latimes.com/science/stor...
“The idea Congress can shut down the govt over affordable health care, delay action on extending these subsidies & maybe not extend them at all shows how far we have drifted from the basic principle that health care should be stable & not subject to political cycles”
- @ucheblackstockmd.bsky.social
- @ucheblackstockmd.bsky.social
Opinion | Congress needs to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies now
As an emergency physician, I have cared for marginalized patients who came into public hospitals after delaying care because they had nowhere else to turn.
www.msnbc.com
November 15, 2025 at 2:09 AM
“The idea Congress can shut down the govt over affordable health care, delay action on extending these subsidies & maybe not extend them at all shows how far we have drifted from the basic principle that health care should be stable & not subject to political cycles”
- @ucheblackstockmd.bsky.social
- @ucheblackstockmd.bsky.social
Reposted by Julia Raifman, ScD
Information underpins democracy and the BBC is a key part of that.
We need to protect our institutions
open.substack.com/pub/christin...
We need to protect our institutions
open.substack.com/pub/christin...
Information underpins Democracy – why the BBC must be defended
Recent events at the BBC have wide-reaching implications for our democracy - and the sooner we realise it, the better
open.substack.com
November 11, 2025 at 7:42 AM
Information underpins democracy and the BBC is a key part of that.
We need to protect our institutions
open.substack.com/pub/christin...
We need to protect our institutions
open.substack.com/pub/christin...
Public news is an essential public good
The threats are substantial — it has been sad & serious to see cuts to NPR & PBS in the US
May leaders in the UK & around the world speak up for the BBC
The threats are substantial — it has been sad & serious to see cuts to NPR & PBS in the US
May leaders in the UK & around the world speak up for the BBC
If you care about the BBC, stand up and defend it: this could be the beginning of the end | Polly Toynbee
If you care about the BBC, stand up and defend it: this could be the beginning of the end | Polly Toynbee
Replacing the TV licence with a means-tested alternative may help disarm the right of one of its most effective weapons, says Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee
www.theguardian.com
November 11, 2025 at 1:00 AM
Public news is an essential public good
The threats are substantial — it has been sad & serious to see cuts to NPR & PBS in the US
May leaders in the UK & around the world speak up for the BBC
The threats are substantial — it has been sad & serious to see cuts to NPR & PBS in the US
May leaders in the UK & around the world speak up for the BBC
Reposted by Julia Raifman, ScD
What can policy-oriented social scientists do in this moment?
POTUS has remade the GOP coalition anew in his image. Lines of conflict & opposition coalitions are scrambled. He's taking apart long-standing institutions & conventions, making the future is more fluid than ever in my lifetime....
POTUS has remade the GOP coalition anew in his image. Lines of conflict & opposition coalitions are scrambled. He's taking apart long-standing institutions & conventions, making the future is more fluid than ever in my lifetime....
September 17, 2025 at 1:27 PM
What can policy-oriented social scientists do in this moment?
POTUS has remade the GOP coalition anew in his image. Lines of conflict & opposition coalitions are scrambled. He's taking apart long-standing institutions & conventions, making the future is more fluid than ever in my lifetime....
POTUS has remade the GOP coalition anew in his image. Lines of conflict & opposition coalitions are scrambled. He's taking apart long-standing institutions & conventions, making the future is more fluid than ever in my lifetime....
Reposted by Julia Raifman, ScD
Zohran Mamdani represents the future of the Democratic party | Robert Reich
Zohran Mamdani represents the future of the Democratic party | Robert Reich
Democratic party leaders like Chuck Schumer refuse to endorse Mamdani. And The New York Times wrongly cautions against him. Both are wrong
www.theguardian.com
October 28, 2025 at 10:33 AM
Zohran Mamdani represents the future of the Democratic party | Robert Reich
Mamdani shows:
Supporting economic security & minority/human rights goes hand in hand & is a compelling set of values
(& campaign message)
May we see more of this 💕
Supporting economic security & minority/human rights goes hand in hand & is a compelling set of values
(& campaign message)
May we see more of this 💕
November 5, 2025 at 2:35 AM
Mamdani shows:
Supporting economic security & minority/human rights goes hand in hand & is a compelling set of values
(& campaign message)
May we see more of this 💕
Supporting economic security & minority/human rights goes hand in hand & is a compelling set of values
(& campaign message)
May we see more of this 💕
Reposted by Julia Raifman, ScD
JUST IN: Courts ordered SNAP payments to restart, and the Trump administration said Monday the food benefits would be half the normal payment. About 1 in 8 U.S. residents get an average of $187 a month per person on SNAP.
SNAP benefits will restart, but it will be half the normal payment
Courts ordered SNAP payments to restart, and the Trump administration said Monday the food benefits would be half the normal payment. About 1 in 8 U.S. residents get an average of $187 a month per person on SNAP.
n.pr
November 3, 2025 at 6:02 PM
JUST IN: Courts ordered SNAP payments to restart, and the Trump administration said Monday the food benefits would be half the normal payment. About 1 in 8 U.S. residents get an average of $187 a month per person on SNAP.
Reposted by Julia Raifman, ScD
Why should you 🫵🏿 care about SNAP? SNAP recipients saw:
- Improved life expectancy
- Lower chance of incarceration
- Lowers chance of poverty
- Lived in better neighborhoods
- Higher human capital
SNAP keeps our neighbors fed, communities safer, and kids educated. Also people are HUNGRY. DUH!
- Improved life expectancy
- Lower chance of incarceration
- Lowers chance of poverty
- Lived in better neighborhoods
- Higher human capital
SNAP keeps our neighbors fed, communities safer, and kids educated. Also people are HUNGRY. DUH!
October 31, 2025 at 11:12 AM
Why should you 🫵🏿 care about SNAP? SNAP recipients saw:
- Improved life expectancy
- Lower chance of incarceration
- Lowers chance of poverty
- Lived in better neighborhoods
- Higher human capital
SNAP keeps our neighbors fed, communities safer, and kids educated. Also people are HUNGRY. DUH!
- Improved life expectancy
- Lower chance of incarceration
- Lowers chance of poverty
- Lived in better neighborhoods
- Higher human capital
SNAP keeps our neighbors fed, communities safer, and kids educated. Also people are HUNGRY. DUH!
Thanks to @feedingamerica.org for helping families have food on the table this holiday season
Regardless of what happens next with SNAP, many people are losing jobs at the same time as health insurance premiums are rising & Medicaid coverage is set to decline
We can support those most affected
Regardless of what happens next with SNAP, many people are losing jobs at the same time as health insurance premiums are rising & Medicaid coverage is set to decline
We can support those most affected
November 1, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Thanks to @feedingamerica.org for helping families have food on the table this holiday season
Regardless of what happens next with SNAP, many people are losing jobs at the same time as health insurance premiums are rising & Medicaid coverage is set to decline
We can support those most affected
Regardless of what happens next with SNAP, many people are losing jobs at the same time as health insurance premiums are rising & Medicaid coverage is set to decline
We can support those most affected
Reposted by Julia Raifman, ScD
SNAP boosts households' average monthly income by 31%.
For households with kids, it's 42%.
SNAP prevents food insecurity, but it also enables households use scarce non-SNAP resources for other things... rent, utilities, diapers, school supplies...
from: www.fns.usda.gov/data-researc...
🥗 🛟
For households with kids, it's 42%.
SNAP prevents food insecurity, but it also enables households use scarce non-SNAP resources for other things... rent, utilities, diapers, school supplies...
from: www.fns.usda.gov/data-researc...
🥗 🛟
October 31, 2025 at 12:11 PM
SNAP boosts households' average monthly income by 31%.
For households with kids, it's 42%.
SNAP prevents food insecurity, but it also enables households use scarce non-SNAP resources for other things... rent, utilities, diapers, school supplies...
from: www.fns.usda.gov/data-researc...
🥗 🛟
For households with kids, it's 42%.
SNAP prevents food insecurity, but it also enables households use scarce non-SNAP resources for other things... rent, utilities, diapers, school supplies...
from: www.fns.usda.gov/data-researc...
🥗 🛟
Did you know? The US has one of the highest child poverty rates of OECD countries.
The average child poverty rate across OECD countries is 12.2%
In the US, it’s over 20%
It’s partly why many children rely on SNAP
High rates of child poverty warrant a national conversation.
The average child poverty rate across OECD countries is 12.2%
In the US, it’s over 20%
It’s partly why many children rely on SNAP
High rates of child poverty warrant a national conversation.
October 31, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Did you know? The US has one of the highest child poverty rates of OECD countries.
The average child poverty rate across OECD countries is 12.2%
In the US, it’s over 20%
It’s partly why many children rely on SNAP
High rates of child poverty warrant a national conversation.
The average child poverty rate across OECD countries is 12.2%
In the US, it’s over 20%
It’s partly why many children rely on SNAP
High rates of child poverty warrant a national conversation.
Reposted by Julia Raifman, ScD
Mail-in voters who haven't returned ballots yet: Check your state's deadline to make sure your vote gets counted.
If your ballot must be received by Election Day, consider stopping by a ballot drop box or early voting site. It may be too late for the U.S. Postal Service to deliver it by Nov. 4...
If your ballot must be received by Election Day, consider stopping by a ballot drop box or early voting site. It may be too late for the U.S. Postal Service to deliver it by Nov. 4...
Table 11: Receipt and Postmark Deadlines for Absentee/Mail Ballots
Summary of the state deadlines for when election officials must receive absentee/mailed ballots and postmark deadlines.
www.ncsl.org
October 30, 2025 at 12:44 PM
Mail-in voters who haven't returned ballots yet: Check your state's deadline to make sure your vote gets counted.
If your ballot must be received by Election Day, consider stopping by a ballot drop box or early voting site. It may be too late for the U.S. Postal Service to deliver it by Nov. 4...
If your ballot must be received by Election Day, consider stopping by a ballot drop box or early voting site. It may be too late for the U.S. Postal Service to deliver it by Nov. 4...
Reposted by Julia Raifman, ScD
I just spoke with Capital Area Food Bank CEO Radha Muthiah about how they are preparing for a possible lapse in SNAP funding. She told me that for every meal they provide, SNAP provides *nine*.
"The magnitude of the SNAP program is significant," she says.
"The magnitude of the SNAP program is significant," she says.
Today @mayorbowser.dc.gov says no final decision has been made yet on whether D.C. will cover the cost of SNAP benefits should federal funding lapse this weekend as expected. She's waiting for the outcome of a court hearing on a lawsuit filed by 25 states (including D.C.) on it.
October 29, 2025 at 8:31 PM
I just spoke with Capital Area Food Bank CEO Radha Muthiah about how they are preparing for a possible lapse in SNAP funding. She told me that for every meal they provide, SNAP provides *nine*.
"The magnitude of the SNAP program is significant," she says.
"The magnitude of the SNAP program is significant," she says.
Reposted by Julia Raifman, ScD
Food bank director: “for every meal that a food bank provides, the SNAP program provides nine. There’s no way we can meet that gap.”
October 27, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Food bank director: “for every meal that a food bank provides, the SNAP program provides nine. There’s no way we can meet that gap.”
“I’m so appreciative.
I can’t wait to hug my babies.
And then I will get to work for others like me.”
— Jackie Merlos, after release from 4 months of ICE custody
I can’t wait to hug my babies.
And then I will get to work for others like me.”
— Jackie Merlos, after release from 4 months of ICE custody
Portland mother detained at Canadian border released after 4 months in immigration detention
https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2025/10/portland-mother-detained-at-canadian-border-released-after-4-months-in-immigration-detention.html
https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2025/10/portland-mother-detained-at-canadian-border-released-after-4-months-in-immigration-detention.html
October 28, 2025 at 3:43 AM
“I’m so appreciative.
I can’t wait to hug my babies.
And then I will get to work for others like me.”
— Jackie Merlos, after release from 4 months of ICE custody
I can’t wait to hug my babies.
And then I will get to work for others like me.”
— Jackie Merlos, after release from 4 months of ICE custody