Lena Sun
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lenasun.bsky.social
Lena Sun
@lenasun.bsky.social
4.2K followers 380 following 180 posts
National health reporter, The Washington Post
[email protected]; Reach me securely on Signal: LenaSun.04
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lenasun.bsky.social
Lena Sun @lenasun.bsky.social · Feb 16
Hearing that @CDCgov personnel on probationary list are getting termination letters this evening. If you’re one of them, you can reach me securely on Signal at LenaSun.04. I promise to keep your name confidential. We want to get a sense of who’s been cut. DMs ok too. Also [email protected]
lenasun.bsky.social
NEW: The AMA and a leading public health research group focused on vaccines are teaming up to create a parallel system to review vaccine safety and effectiveness. 
The CDC’s vaccine review process has “effectively collapsed” under RFKJr. My story.
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/...
AMA joins effort to launch vaccine science review amid CDC turmoil
The American Medical Association and a partner group are taking on a new role in reviewing vaccine safety and effectiveness as the CDC’s review process faces criticism.
www.washingtonpost.com
February 10, 2026 at 12:15 PM
Reposted by Lena Sun
fenitn.bsky.social
“Katie Mettler, a former chair of the Washington Post guild, said: “I’m glad Will Lewis has been fired. I wish it had happened before he fired all my friends.”” www.nytimes.com/2026/02/07/t...
www.nytimes.com
February 7, 2026 at 11:10 PM
Reposted by Lena Sun
rachelroubein.bsky.social
We are absolutely heartbroken by the loss of two-thirds of our Washington Post health team. Editors, please hire these wonderful journalists.
lenasun.bsky.social Lena Sun @lenasun.bsky.social · 10d
We had devastating cuts to @washingtonpost. Our health team of 14 lost 9 reporters yesterday despite it being listed as part of the Post’s new focus.
But I still have my job. Along w/a core team, we are still dedicated to covering public health, holding the powerful to account.
February 6, 2026 at 1:11 PM
lenasun.bsky.social
We had devastating cuts to @washingtonpost. Our health team of 14 lost 9 reporters yesterday despite it being listed as part of the Post’s new focus.
But I still have my job. Along w/a core team, we are still dedicated to covering public health, holding the powerful to account.
February 5, 2026 at 7:16 PM
Reposted by Lena Sun
fenitn.bsky.social
South Carolina is now experiencing the nation’s worst measles outbreak since the virus was declared eliminated a quarter century ago.

@lenasun.bsky.social and photographer Juan Diego Reyes show what’s happening on the ground wapo.st/4rttZRg
What South Carolina’s soaring measles outbreak means for the rest of the U.S.
More than 840 measles infections have been reported in South Carolina, surpassing the tally in Texas last year. Public health experts say it shows the risks when vaccination coverage falls.
wapo.st
January 31, 2026 at 4:24 PM
lenasun.bsky.social
NEW: South Carolina’s measles outbreak is country’s largest in more than 25 years. But its falling vaccination coverage + rising religious exemptions from school requirements don’t make it an outlier. My story. Gift link. 1/3
wapo.st/4rttZRg
What South Carolina’s soaring measles outbreak means for the rest of the U.S.
More than 840 measles infections have been reported in South Carolina, surpassing the tally in Texas last year. Public health experts say it shows the risks when vaccination coverage falls.
wapo.st
January 31, 2026 at 1:05 PM
Reposted by Lena Sun
sarahkaplan48.bsky.social
Want to help? Renew your subscription -- and buy more for family and friends.

You may not agree with every op-ed The Post publishes, but our investigative journalism, breaking news reporting and other essential work cannot happen without subscribers.
sarahkaplan48.bsky.social Sarah Kaplan @sarahkaplan48.bsky.social · 20d
My @washingtonpost.com colleagues worked round the clock this weekend to expose the truth of what's happening in Minneapolis and bring urgent weather news to millions facing dangerous cold and snow.

If you value this work, tell Jeff Bezos to #SaveThePost
www.washingtonpost.com/investigatio...
Federal agent secured gun from Minn. man before fatal shooting, videos show
A Washington Post analysis of videos sheds light on the encounter that left 37-year-old Alex Pretti dead.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 26, 2026 at 5:05 PM
lenasun.bsky.social

BREAKING: Sudden freeze of public health funds for states, then reversal, throws state and local health departments into confusion on eve of major snowstorm. Me + @Rachelroubein.Bsky.com
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/...
Freeze of public health funds for states, then reversal, sows confusion
A sense of whiplash spread across state public health agencies after the Trump administration paused $5 billion in federal spending, only to quickly say it would lift the pause on Saturday.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 24, 2026 at 8:27 PM
lenasun.bsky.social

NEW: US formally exits WHO. U.S. officials say nation will remain a global leader in health, but through “existing and new engagements directly with other countries, the private sector, nongovernmental organizations, and faith-based entities.” My story.
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/...
Formal U.S. withdrawal from WHO is decried as ‘scientifically reckless’
Trump justified withdrawing from the health alliance formed in 1948 based on what he viewed as the “mishandling” of the coronavirus pandemic and a failure to adopt changes.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 22, 2026 at 10:27 PM
lenasun.bsky.social
SCOOP: CDC vaccine experts were blindsided by RFKJr top deputy’s decision to unilaterally overhaul child schedule. Also, previously undisclosed CDC presentation refutes Trump admin narrative that US is outlier on vaccine policy. My story @Washingtonpost.com
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/...
CDC staff ‘blindsided’ as child vaccine schedule unilaterally overhauled
The Trump administration took unprecedented steps to recommend fewer vaccines for children without extensive consultations with career scientists.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 7, 2026 at 11:50 AM
lenasun.bsky.social
Our deep dive on RFKJr. Re the previously undisclosed email, former ACIP chair and longtime member says:
“The secretary is within his legal rights to make these suggestions or request requests, but it’s unheard of as far as I know.” gift link below. @washingtonpost.com
rachelroubein.bsky.social Rachel Roubein @rachelroubein.bsky.social · Dec 30
“Bobby has asked for the following changes,” top Kennedy aide emailed HHS officials. Email reveals his previously undisclosed role in seeking vaccine policy changes in a highly unusual way, per experts/former/current officials. W/ @lenasun.bsky.social @laurenweberhp.bsky.social
wapo.st/48YSPC1
How RFK Jr. upended the public health system
Interviews with almost 100 people reveal how Kennedy, as health secretary, has reshaped the vaccine and broader public health infrastructure in less than a year.
wapo.st
December 30, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Reposted by Lena Sun
fenitn.bsky.social
The Post interviewed almost 100 sources for this comprehensive, revelatory account of how RFK Jr. has disrupted public health in America.

It's the capstone to a year of extensive reporting by @rachelroubein.bsky.social, @lenasun.bsky.social & @laurenweberhp.bsky.social.

Gift link: wapo.st/48YSPC1
Inside RFK Jr.’s reshaping of public health in Trump’s first year
Interviews with almost 100 people reveal how Kennedy, as health secretary, has reshaped the vaccine and broader public health infrastructure in less than a year.
wapo.st
December 30, 2025 at 1:13 PM
Reposted by Lena Sun
fenitn.bsky.social
BREAKING: The U.S. is preparing to stop recommending most childhood vaccines and defer to doctors instead.

The plan, which is not finalized, marks a fundamental shift in the U.S. vaccine strategy, @lenasun.bsky.social & @rachelroubein.bsky.social report.

Gift link: wapo.st/4aXfzn5
Under RFK Jr., U.S. plans to stop recommending most vaccines, defer to doctors
The plan, which is not finalized, suggests children get fewer shots and shifts to a model telling parents to consult doctors to make their own vaccine choices.
wapo.st
December 19, 2025 at 10:32 PM
lenasun.bsky.social
BREAKING: US. plans to stop recommending most childhood vaccines, defer to doctors, per sources familiar. HHS consulted w chief science officer and top FDA official. Me and @rachel_roubein
1/4
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
U.S. plans to stop recommending most childhood vaccines, defer to doctors
The plan, which is not finalized, suggests children get fewer shots and shifts to a model telling parents to consult doctors to make their own vaccine choices.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 19, 2025 at 10:59 PM
lenasun.bsky.social
SCOOP: American Academy of Pediatrics loses HHS funding after criticizing RFK Jr. Programs included work on reducing sudden infant deaths and identifying autism early. Me and @Paigecunningham.Bsky.Social
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
American Academy of Pediatrics loses HHS funding after criticizing RFK Jr.
HHS cuts key AAP grants, citing concerns about “identity-based language” and insufficient focus on agency priorities. The organization said the cuts could harm child health.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 17, 2025 at 7:34 PM
lenasun.bsky.social
SCOOP: American Academy of Pediatrics loses HHS funding after criticizing RFK Jr. Research included reducing sudden infant deaths and identifying autism early. Me and @Paigecunningham.Bsky.Social
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
American Academy of Pediatrics loses HHS funding after criticizing RFK Jr.
HHS cuts key AAP grants, citing concerns about “identity-based language” and insufficient focus on agency priorities. The organization said the cuts could harm child health.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 17, 2025 at 7:27 PM
lenasun.bsky.social
BREAKING: CDC approves major child vaccine change, rejects controversial one that RFKJr’s handpicked vaccine advisory panel had recommended. My story.
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
CDC approves major child vaccine change, rejects controversial one
The CDC formally approved a major change to the childhood immunization schedule by dropping the long-standing recommendation for all newborns to get a hepatitis B vaccine.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 16, 2025 at 11:38 PM
Reposted by Lena Sun
fenitn.bsky.social
For decades, the CDC has fought attempts by the anti-vaccine movement to sow doubts in the safety and efficacy of the shots that marked a triumph of public health.

This week, the agency instead provided a powerful platform www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
Under RFK Jr., the CDC provides a megaphone to the anti-vaccine movement
Common anti-vaccine talking points were on display as the CDC’s immunization advisers repealed a hepatitis B birth vaccine recommendation and scrutinized the childhood schedule.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 6, 2025 at 2:50 PM
lenasun.bsky.social
NEW: How the CDC has become a powerful platform for the anti-vaccine movement it once sought to fight. 1/5
Me, @davidovalle.bsky.social, @paigecunningham.bsky.social
@washingtonpost.com
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
Under RFK Jr., the CDC provides a megaphone to the anti-vaccine movement
Common anti-vaccine talking points were on display as the CDC’s immunization advisers repealed a hepatitis B birth vaccine recommendation and scrutinized the childhood schedule.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 6, 2025 at 12:47 PM
Reposted by Lena Sun
fenitn.bsky.social
!!!

The Post obtained hot mic comments by the chair of RFK Jr.'s CDC vaccine committee.

"We feel like a little bit like puppets on a string as opposed to really being an independent advisory panel" wapo.st/4atob4M
During the Friday discussion, Kirk Milhoan, a pediatric cardiologist who was recently named as the panel’s new chair, was overheard telling another panel member that he wanted to talk to “some of the higher-ups” about the panel’s work. “You know, I feel like, you know, it’s, sort of like we feel like a little bit like puppets on a string as opposed to really being an independent advisory panel,” according to a transcript of the exchange captured by videoconferencing software and obtained by The Washington Post. Asked about those remarks, Milhoan wrote in a text message, “There are pressures from many organizations: federal, industry, medical organizations that are trying to influence by ad hominem attacks, when we are trying to look at and ask for data.”
December 5, 2025 at 8:10 PM
lenasun.bsky.social
BREAKING: CDC panel makes most sweeping revision to child vaccine schedule under RFK Jr. Our story.
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
CDC panel makes most sweeping revision to child vaccine schedule under RFK Jr.
The panel voted to eliminate a long-standing recommendation for every newborn to receive a hepatitis B shot, excluding those born to mothers testing negative.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 5, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Reposted by Lena Sun
fenitn.bsky.social
NEW: @lenasun.bsky.social spoke to the new chairman of the federal vaccine advisory panel remade under RFK Jr.

They are planning to vote to end universal hepatitis B vaccination at birth and to scrutinize whether childhood shots are causing autoimmune disorders.
wapo.st/3XrsKoD
RFK Jr.'s vaccine advisers plan biggest change yet to childhood schedule
The new chair of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices said the panel plans to vote to end universal hepatitis B vaccination at birth and to scrutinize if childhood shots cause allergies.
wapo.st
December 2, 2025 at 4:09 PM
lenasun.bsky.social
NEW: In an interview w/ me, new chair of ACIP says they are planning to vote on ending practice of vaccinating all newborns for hepatitis B and to examine whether childhood immunization schedule is behind rise of allergies and autoimmune disorders.
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
RFK Jr.’s vaccine advisers plan biggest change yet to childhood schedule
The new chair of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices said the panel plans to vote to end universal hepatitis B vaccination at birth and to scrutinize if childhood shots cause allergies.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 2, 2025 at 5:52 PM
lenasun.bsky.social
BREAKING: Louisiana health official who ordered his health department to stop promoting mass vaccinations during a surge in flu cases this winter has been tapped to be the new number 2 at @CDCgov. My story.
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
New leader tapped for CDC had stopped pushing vaccines amid flu surge
Ralph Abraham, a Louisiana health official who stopped promoting mass vaccination vaccines, has been appointed as the CDC's principal deputy director
www.washingtonpost.com
November 25, 2025 at 5:20 PM
lenasun.bsky.social
NEW: The National Academies release statement saying the revised language on @CDCgov web page on links between vaccines and autism, which cited some of the academies work, did not provide the full context. 1/2
www.nationalacademies.org/news/stateme...
National Academies - Statement on CDC’s Updated Vaccine Guidance
National Academies respond to CDC’s updated vaccine guidance, offering scientific context and clarity on vaccine safety.
www.nationalacademies.org
November 23, 2025 at 10:24 PM