Katy Stephenson
@kstephensonmd.bsky.social
Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School. Infectious diseases doc and scientist at Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. #IDsky
Pinned
Hello everybody! I’m a vaccine researcher at Harvard and lead some studies on respiratory virus epidemiology in Boston. Also a practicing infectious diseases doctor. But I’m really here to connect with my community and advocate for public health. As my old timey 60s activist dad tells me - organize!
Silence = Death
Trump Administration Will No Longer Commemorate World AIDS Day www.nytimes.com/2025/11/26/h...
Trump Administration Will No Longer Commemorate World AIDS Day www.nytimes.com/2025/11/26/h...
Trump Administration Will No Longer Commemorate World AIDS Day
www.nytimes.com
November 26, 2025 at 8:21 PM
Silence = Death
Trump Administration Will No Longer Commemorate World AIDS Day www.nytimes.com/2025/11/26/h...
Trump Administration Will No Longer Commemorate World AIDS Day www.nytimes.com/2025/11/26/h...
Reposted by Katy Stephenson
New preprint: with increasing resistance to ceftriaxone, the last recommended antibiotic for gonorrhea, we urgently need new drugs. Two--zoliflodacin & gepotdiacin--are up for approval by the FDA in Dec. Here we show a point mutation can result in cross-resistance. www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
Zoliflodacin and gepotidacin cross-resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Resistance to zoliflodacin, a first-in-class antibiotic for gonorrhea treatment, can occur through gyrBD429N, but this mutation's impact on fitness and resistance to other topoisomerase targeting drug...
www.biorxiv.org
November 26, 2025 at 2:39 AM
New preprint: with increasing resistance to ceftriaxone, the last recommended antibiotic for gonorrhea, we urgently need new drugs. Two--zoliflodacin & gepotdiacin--are up for approval by the FDA in Dec. Here we show a point mutation can result in cross-resistance. www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
Reposted by Katy Stephenson
UNAIDS says millions across the world lost access to treatment and preventive care due to financial shortfalls.
International funding cuts disrupted global response to HIV, UN report says
UNAIDS says millions across the world lost access to treatment and preventive care due to financial shortfalls.
bit.ly
November 25, 2025 at 9:30 PM
UNAIDS says millions across the world lost access to treatment and preventive care due to financial shortfalls.
Reposted by Katy Stephenson
As someone who has worked in HIV for 35+ years, I can tell you Carl is a consummate scientific leader. We’ve been lucky to have him at head of DAIDS. The only thing that wins here is the virus.
Unfortunately, I can confirm that this is true.
I have known Carl for 2 decades and he is smart, dedicated, and quite apolitical, focused on science and getting stuff done on important problems.
Huge unnecessary loss of leadership and expertise.
I have known Carl for 2 decades and he is smart, dedicated, and quite apolitical, focused on science and getting stuff done on important problems.
Huge unnecessary loss of leadership and expertise.
Hearing news that Carl Dieffenbach, the Director of the Division of AIDS at #NIH (NIAID), has been removed from his position because he was "not aligned with HHS/OMB."
Russell Vought continues to remove great scientists as part of the Project 2025 mission to politicize and destroy NIH.
🧪 1/
Russell Vought continues to remove great scientists as part of the Project 2025 mission to politicize and destroy NIH.
🧪 1/
November 24, 2025 at 10:21 AM
As someone who has worked in HIV for 35+ years, I can tell you Carl is a consummate scientific leader. We’ve been lucky to have him at head of DAIDS. The only thing that wins here is the virus.
Reposted by Katy Stephenson
Two new Cochrane reviews show strong and consistent evidence that HPV vaccines are effective in preventing cervical cancer and pre-cancerous changes, especially when given to young people before they are exposed to the virus.
www.cochrane.org/about-us/new...
www.cochrane.org/about-us/new...
November 25, 2025 at 12:40 AM
Two new Cochrane reviews show strong and consistent evidence that HPV vaccines are effective in preventing cervical cancer and pre-cancerous changes, especially when given to young people before they are exposed to the virus.
www.cochrane.org/about-us/new...
www.cochrane.org/about-us/new...
Reposted by Katy Stephenson
WOW! Autism Society of America, The Autistic Self-Advocacy Network, the Autism Science Foundation, the Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network and Autism Speaks put out a statement denouncing the CDC changing its website on vaccines
autisticadvocacy.org/2025/11/lead...
autisticadvocacy.org/2025/11/lead...
Leading Autism and Disability Organizations Statement on CDC's Vaccines and Autism Page
As national organizations dedicated to advancing the well-being of autistic individuals and partners across the disability and public health sectors, we are deeply disappointed by the latest update to...
autisticadvocacy.org
November 24, 2025 at 11:18 PM
WOW! Autism Society of America, The Autistic Self-Advocacy Network, the Autism Science Foundation, the Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network and Autism Speaks put out a statement denouncing the CDC changing its website on vaccines
autisticadvocacy.org/2025/11/lead...
autisticadvocacy.org/2025/11/lead...
Reposted by Katy Stephenson
We are witnessing a poisonous effort to destroy what the vast majority of Americans know is a key pillar of public health.
Vaccines are responsible for 40% of the reduction in child mortality achieved in the last half century.
Vaccines are responsible for 40% of the reduction in child mortality achieved in the last half century.
November 20, 2025 at 6:23 PM
We are witnessing a poisonous effort to destroy what the vast majority of Americans know is a key pillar of public health.
Vaccines are responsible for 40% of the reduction in child mortality achieved in the last half century.
Vaccines are responsible for 40% of the reduction in child mortality achieved in the last half century.
Reposted by Katy Stephenson
DPH Commissioner Robbie Goldstein says the CDC is spreading vaccine misinformation that is "deeply troubling and even dangerous."
Mass. Health Officials Call Out CDC Over Vaccine Claims | WBZ NewsRadio 1030
DPH Commissioner Robbie Goldstein says the CDC is spreading vaccine misinformation that is "deeply troubling and even dangerous."
wbznewsradio.iheart.com
November 21, 2025 at 12:20 AM
DPH Commissioner Robbie Goldstein says the CDC is spreading vaccine misinformation that is "deeply troubling and even dangerous."
Reposted by Katy Stephenson
Decades of rigorous and scientifically sound research have proven that vaccines do not cause autism. CDC’s decision to change language on its website reversing that finding is reckless & harmful.
Our statement w/ @hivma.bsky.social, APIC, @sheaepi.bsky.social & @sidpharm.bsky.social: bit.ly/3XEc0KH
Our statement w/ @hivma.bsky.social, APIC, @sheaepi.bsky.social & @sidpharm.bsky.social: bit.ly/3XEc0KH
November 21, 2025 at 12:42 AM
Decades of rigorous and scientifically sound research have proven that vaccines do not cause autism. CDC’s decision to change language on its website reversing that finding is reckless & harmful.
Our statement w/ @hivma.bsky.social, APIC, @sheaepi.bsky.social & @sidpharm.bsky.social: bit.ly/3XEc0KH
Our statement w/ @hivma.bsky.social, APIC, @sheaepi.bsky.social & @sidpharm.bsky.social: bit.ly/3XEc0KH
I did not realize that Larry Summers is *currently* teaching large undergraduate classes at Harvard.
www.thecrimson.com/article/2025...
www.thecrimson.com/article/2025...
As Summers Sought Clandestine Relationship With Woman He Called a Mentee, Epstein Was His ‘Wing Man’ | News | The Harvard Crimson
When former Harvard President Lawrence H. Summers was pursuing a romantic relationship with a woman he described as a mentee, he turned to a longtime associate for guidance: convicted sex offender Jef...
www.thecrimson.com
November 17, 2025 at 3:11 AM
I did not realize that Larry Summers is *currently* teaching large undergraduate classes at Harvard.
www.thecrimson.com/article/2025...
www.thecrimson.com/article/2025...
H5N5 👀
Health officials in Washington state said they have confirmed the first U.S. human case of bird flu since February, with a strain that has previously been reported in animals but never before in humans.
First U.S. case of human bird flu in 9 months confirmed in Washington state
The U.S. has reported its first human case of bird flu since February, with a confirmed infection in Washington state
wapo.st
November 14, 2025 at 11:36 PM
H5N5 👀
Summers was president of one of the most prestigious and famous academic institutions in the United States. This is what we have to deal with
"I observed that half the IQ In world was possessed by women without mentioning they are more than 51 percent of population" — Larry Summers to Jeff Epstein
November 12, 2025 at 9:46 PM
Summers was president of one of the most prestigious and famous academic institutions in the United States. This is what we have to deal with
I like this piece a lot about Rosalind Franklin’s role in solving the structure of DNA. It really respects her as a full scientist - what she saw, what she didn’t appreciate, what could have been if she’d had true peers to support her, or had not died so young.
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
What Rosalind Franklin truly contributed to the discovery of DNA’s structure
Franklin was no victim in how the DNA double helix was solved. An overlooked letter and an unpublished news article, both written in 1953, reveal that she was an equal player.
www.nature.com
November 9, 2025 at 12:00 AM
I like this piece a lot about Rosalind Franklin’s role in solving the structure of DNA. It really respects her as a full scientist - what she saw, what she didn’t appreciate, what could have been if she’d had true peers to support her, or had not died so young.
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Reposted by Katy Stephenson
One analytical model shows that, as of November 5th, the dismantling of U.S.A.I.D. has already caused the deaths of 600,000 people, two-thirds of them children. https://newyorkermag.visitlink.me/jUzNSc
The Shutdown of U.S.A.I.D. Has Already Killed Hundreds of Thousands
The short documentary “Rovina’s Choice” tells the story of what goes when aid goes.
newyorkermag.visitlink.me
November 6, 2025 at 9:00 PM
One analytical model shows that, as of November 5th, the dismantling of U.S.A.I.D. has already caused the deaths of 600,000 people, two-thirds of them children. https://newyorkermag.visitlink.me/jUzNSc
Reposted by Katy Stephenson
We will continue to support Boston's health centers in doing everything they can to protect the health and well-being of all residents, including members of our LGBTQIA2S+ community.
For help finding care, call 617-534-5050, email [email protected], or visit boston.gov/mayors-health-line.
For help finding care, call 617-534-5050, email [email protected], or visit boston.gov/mayors-health-line.
October 21, 2025 at 9:07 PM
We will continue to support Boston's health centers in doing everything they can to protect the health and well-being of all residents, including members of our LGBTQIA2S+ community.
For help finding care, call 617-534-5050, email [email protected], or visit boston.gov/mayors-health-line.
For help finding care, call 617-534-5050, email [email protected], or visit boston.gov/mayors-health-line.
Before people freak out about such a statement, the CDC cannot compel any investigator to conduct such a study, nor would any local IRB ever approve it. And the “CDC” is staffed overwhelmingly by ethical investigators that are not afraid to stand up to power, as we’ve already seen.
seems that RFK is clearing the path for his CDC to do tuskegee syphillis experiments as a matter of course. in other news, RFK is a genuine monster who relishes in the pain and suffering of those he feels he has control or dominion over
RFK is undoing human subjects protections so he can conduct placebo trials of vaccines. That means infecting people knowingly. I wonder who will “volunteer” for these trials? If history is any guide, a lot of incarcerated and other powerless people.
October 19, 2025 at 8:19 PM
Before people freak out about such a statement, the CDC cannot compel any investigator to conduct such a study, nor would any local IRB ever approve it. And the “CDC” is staffed overwhelmingly by ethical investigators that are not afraid to stand up to power, as we’ve already seen.
Reposted by Katy Stephenson
We’re offering free vaccine clinics in Boston. Vaccines are safe, effective, and protect against serious illness. Getting vaccinated keeps you healthy and helps protect your family, friends, and community.
Find upcoming vaccine clinics at boston.gov/vaccine-clinics.
Find upcoming vaccine clinics at boston.gov/vaccine-clinics.
Free Vaccine Clinics in Boston
Everyone ages six months and older is encouraged to get the updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Pregnant parents, babies, and older adults should consult their health care professional about RSV vaccin...
boston.gov
October 15, 2025 at 9:09 PM
We’re offering free vaccine clinics in Boston. Vaccines are safe, effective, and protect against serious illness. Getting vaccinated keeps you healthy and helps protect your family, friends, and community.
Find upcoming vaccine clinics at boston.gov/vaccine-clinics.
Find upcoming vaccine clinics at boston.gov/vaccine-clinics.
Reposted by Katy Stephenson
In over 130K births, French researchers found no association between birth defects and mothers who received an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine during the first trimester.
#vaccination #covid19 #publichealth
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
#vaccination #covid19 #publichealth
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
First-Trimester mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination and Risk of Major Congenital Anomalies
This cohort study examines the association between first-trimester exposure to messenger RNA (mRNA) COVID-19 vaccines and the risk of major congenital malformations among infants in France.
jamanetwork.com
October 16, 2025 at 12:10 AM
In over 130K births, French researchers found no association between birth defects and mothers who received an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine during the first trimester.
#vaccination #covid19 #publichealth
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
#vaccination #covid19 #publichealth
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
Profiles of some of the infectious disease experts who lost their jobs this year. www.nytimes.com/2025/10/13/h...
They Fought Outbreaks Worldwide. Now They’re Fighting for New Lives.
www.nytimes.com
October 13, 2025 at 1:19 PM
Profiles of some of the infectious disease experts who lost their jobs this year. www.nytimes.com/2025/10/13/h...
Reposted by Katy Stephenson
President Trump got an updated Covid vaccine & flu shot at Walter Reed today www.cnn.com/2025/10/10/p...
Trump received Covid vaccine and flu shot during second physical of the year | CNN Politics
President Donald Trump received a Covid vaccine and flu shot during his visit to Walter Reed Medical Center on Friday, his physician said in a memo released by the White House.
www.cnn.com
October 11, 2025 at 2:10 AM
President Trump got an updated Covid vaccine & flu shot at Walter Reed today www.cnn.com/2025/10/10/p...
Reposted by Katy Stephenson
In a national cohort of veterans, the 2024–2025 Covid-19 vaccine was linked to reduced risks of emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths from Covid-19 across the overall cohort and in various subgroups. Full study results: nej.md/47anKdz
#MedSky #IDSky
#MedSky #IDSky
October 8, 2025 at 9:10 PM
In a national cohort of veterans, the 2024–2025 Covid-19 vaccine was linked to reduced risks of emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths from Covid-19 across the overall cohort and in various subgroups. Full study results: nej.md/47anKdz
#MedSky #IDSky
#MedSky #IDSky
Reposted by Katy Stephenson
A study of nearly 300,000 people published today in the New England Journal of Medicine found “that last season’s 2024–2025 mRNA COVID vaccines reduced people’s risk of emergency department visits by 29 percent, their risk of hospitalizations by 39 percent and their risk of death by 64 percent.”
Annual COVID Vaccines Save Lives, New Study Shows
A new study shows that receiving an updated COVID vaccine reduced people’s risk of severe disease and death in all age groups, regardless of immunity from prior infection or vaccination
www.scientificamerican.com
October 8, 2025 at 9:24 PM
A study of nearly 300,000 people published today in the New England Journal of Medicine found “that last season’s 2024–2025 mRNA COVID vaccines reduced people’s risk of emergency department visits by 29 percent, their risk of hospitalizations by 39 percent and their risk of death by 64 percent.”
Reposted by Katy Stephenson
Dear #microbiology and #immunology community- I took a break from social media after I deleted my Twitter account, but am back here. Please help me rebuild my community by following me and amplifying this message- I will follow you back. Thank you and I look forward to our many interactions!
October 5, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Dear #microbiology and #immunology community- I took a break from social media after I deleted my Twitter account, but am back here. Please help me rebuild my community by following me and amplifying this message- I will follow you back. Thank you and I look forward to our many interactions!
I stand by Dr. Marrazzo. Both she and Kathy Neuzil have long been heroes of mine and incredible role models. This latest chapter just shows them off even more. ID doctors stick together! www.nytimes.com/2025/10/02/h...
Kennedy Fires N.I.H. Scientist Who Filed Whistle-Blower Complaint
www.nytimes.com
October 3, 2025 at 1:45 AM
I stand by Dr. Marrazzo. Both she and Kathy Neuzil have long been heroes of mine and incredible role models. This latest chapter just shows them off even more. ID doctors stick together! www.nytimes.com/2025/10/02/h...
I stand by Dr. Marrazzo.
Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo, former Director of NIAID, is Fired by Health and Human Services Secretary Kennedy in Retaliation for Filing Whistleblower Complaint with the Office of Special Counsel
bit.ly/4gRA3yx
bit.ly/4gRA3yx
October 2, 2025 at 1:48 AM
I stand by Dr. Marrazzo.