Your Local Epidemiologist
@ylepidemiologist.bsky.social
👩🏻🔬 Simplifying public health with data-driven insights
💡 Helping you make informed health decisions
🎓 MPH, PhD
👇🏻 Get weekly science-backed updates
https://yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com/
💡 Helping you make informed health decisions
🎓 MPH, PhD
👇🏻 Get weekly science-backed updates
https://yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com/
Pinned
1/ 🚨 Big changes are coming. We’re entering a new era in America, and it’s messy out there. But I’m here to help you navigate the chaos with evidence-based, clear health information. If you’re tired of the noise, you’re in the right place. 👇
1/ New Dietary Guidelines have arrived. MyPlate is out. The inverted food pyramid is in.
The USDA and HHS released the 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans last week. These guidelines shape nutrition policy, school meals, and clinical guidance for millions. Let's break down what changed 👇
The USDA and HHS released the 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans last week. These guidelines shape nutrition policy, school meals, and clinical guidance for millions. Let's break down what changed 👇
January 16, 2026 at 3:05 PM
1/ New Dietary Guidelines have arrived. MyPlate is out. The inverted food pyramid is in.
The USDA and HHS released the 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans last week. These guidelines shape nutrition policy, school meals, and clinical guidance for millions. Let's break down what changed 👇
The USDA and HHS released the 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans last week. These guidelines shape nutrition policy, school meals, and clinical guidance for millions. Let's break down what changed 👇
1/ A lot is shifting in New York health policy right now. From childcare to health insurance to a historic nurse strike, this week’s updates have real implications, both good and bad, for families across the state. Here’s what you need to know. 🧵
January 15, 2026 at 8:01 PM
1/ A lot is shifting in New York health policy right now. From childcare to health insurance to a historic nurse strike, this week’s updates have real implications, both good and bad, for families across the state. Here’s what you need to know. 🧵
1/ Alright everyone. We're in the middle of a tough flu season—and with it, questions, myths, and viral TikToks about antivirals are everywhere. Katelyn has escaped to the Amazon jungle, so Jess Steier from @unbiasedscipod.bsky.social kindly lent us her expertise. Let’s break down #fluantivirals🧵
January 14, 2026 at 10:25 PM
1/ Alright everyone. We're in the middle of a tough flu season—and with it, questions, myths, and viral TikToks about antivirals are everywhere. Katelyn has escaped to the Amazon jungle, so Jess Steier from @unbiasedscipod.bsky.social kindly lent us her expertise. Let’s break down #fluantivirals🧵
1/ Buckle up, folks. We’re in the thick of a very rough flu season.
Katelyn has escaped to the Amazon jungle, so we enlisted the help of our friend Jess Steier from @unbiasedscipod.bsky.social for this week's #publichealth Dose. We're talking flu, measles, at-home HPV testing, and more 👇
Katelyn has escaped to the Amazon jungle, so we enlisted the help of our friend Jess Steier from @unbiasedscipod.bsky.social for this week's #publichealth Dose. We're talking flu, measles, at-home HPV testing, and more 👇
January 13, 2026 at 11:48 PM
1/ Buckle up, folks. We’re in the thick of a very rough flu season.
Katelyn has escaped to the Amazon jungle, so we enlisted the help of our friend Jess Steier from @unbiasedscipod.bsky.social for this week's #publichealth Dose. We're talking flu, measles, at-home HPV testing, and more 👇
Katelyn has escaped to the Amazon jungle, so we enlisted the help of our friend Jess Steier from @unbiasedscipod.bsky.social for this week's #publichealth Dose. We're talking flu, measles, at-home HPV testing, and more 👇
1/ 2026 is already off to a fast start for #publichealth in California. We're seeing winter flooding, a growing flu surge, and major federal vaccine policy changes. I’m Matt, Your Local Epidemiologist in CA. Let’s start with this week's flooding 👇
January 9, 2026 at 5:00 PM
1/ 2026 is already off to a fast start for #publichealth in California. We're seeing winter flooding, a growing flu surge, and major federal vaccine policy changes. I’m Matt, Your Local Epidemiologist in CA. Let’s start with this week's flooding 👇
1/ 2025 was a tough year for public health. Outbreaks, vaccine falsehoods, and politics tested the system hard.
To put it simply, we’ve been through a health gauntlet.
But, despite the chaos, there’s a lot to still celebrate in New York. So here are 8 #publichealth wins worth celebrating 🧵
To put it simply, we’ve been through a health gauntlet.
But, despite the chaos, there’s a lot to still celebrate in New York. So here are 8 #publichealth wins worth celebrating 🧵
January 8, 2026 at 3:02 PM
1/ 2025 was a tough year for public health. Outbreaks, vaccine falsehoods, and politics tested the system hard.
To put it simply, we’ve been through a health gauntlet.
But, despite the chaos, there’s a lot to still celebrate in New York. So here are 8 #publichealth wins worth celebrating 🧵
To put it simply, we’ve been through a health gauntlet.
But, despite the chaos, there’s a lot to still celebrate in New York. So here are 8 #publichealth wins worth celebrating 🧵
1/ Well, it’s been a week and it's only Wednesday. Flu is surging, measles hit a sobering milestone, and new SNAP food restrictions are rolling out in multiple states. Here’s your Dose to start the year on a #publichealth note.
January 8, 2026 at 12:22 AM
1/ Well, it’s been a week and it's only Wednesday. Flu is surging, measles hit a sobering milestone, and new SNAP food restrictions are rolling out in multiple states. Here’s your Dose to start the year on a #publichealth note.
1/ As you've probably heard by now, RFK Jr. unilaterally updated the routine vaccination schedule for children in the United States: routine vaccination now covers 11 diseases instead of 17. This isn’t based on any new data or evidence—it’s purely ideological. So here’s what that means for you 👇
January 6, 2026 at 10:03 PM
1/ As you've probably heard by now, RFK Jr. unilaterally updated the routine vaccination schedule for children in the United States: routine vaccination now covers 11 diseases instead of 17. This isn’t based on any new data or evidence—it’s purely ideological. So here’s what that means for you 👇
1/ Well, he did it. He actually did it.
RFK Jr. just issued a unilateral directive to overhaul the U.S. childhood vaccine schedule. This isn’t based on new data or new evidence, and he bypassed every scientific and clinical process we have, including not taking public comment.
RFK Jr. just issued a unilateral directive to overhaul the U.S. childhood vaccine schedule. This isn’t based on new data or new evidence, and he bypassed every scientific and clinical process we have, including not taking public comment.
January 5, 2026 at 8:52 PM
1/ Well, he did it. He actually did it.
RFK Jr. just issued a unilateral directive to overhaul the U.S. childhood vaccine schedule. This isn’t based on new data or new evidence, and he bypassed every scientific and clinical process we have, including not taking public comment.
RFK Jr. just issued a unilateral directive to overhaul the U.S. childhood vaccine schedule. This isn’t based on new data or new evidence, and he bypassed every scientific and clinical process we have, including not taking public comment.
1/ 2025 asked a lot of public health. We faced attacks on science. Budget cuts. Political pressure.
But despite all that, progress still happened. Every year, I take a moment to celebrate public health wins throughout the year. So without further ado, here are some amazing wins from 2025👇
But despite all that, progress still happened. Every year, I take a moment to celebrate public health wins throughout the year. So without further ado, here are some amazing wins from 2025👇
December 31, 2025 at 4:28 PM
1/ 2025 asked a lot of public health. We faced attacks on science. Budget cuts. Political pressure.
But despite all that, progress still happened. Every year, I take a moment to celebrate public health wins throughout the year. So without further ado, here are some amazing wins from 2025👇
But despite all that, progress still happened. Every year, I take a moment to celebrate public health wins throughout the year. So without further ado, here are some amazing wins from 2025👇
1/ As 2025 wraps up, I keep thinking about how much this year asked of people. For many people, it wasn’t about big wins or milestones, it was about getting through hard, uncertain days. Showing up when things felt heavy. Adjusting plans. Relearning how to cope when life didn’t go how we expected.
December 30, 2025 at 5:32 PM
1/ As 2025 wraps up, I keep thinking about how much this year asked of people. For many people, it wasn’t about big wins or milestones, it was about getting through hard, uncertain days. Showing up when things felt heavy. Adjusting plans. Relearning how to cope when life didn’t go how we expected.
1/ Last week, you probably heard about RFK Jr.'s sudden plan to move the U.S. childhood vaccine schedule to Denmark’s. He was supposed to have a press conference on Friday, but it was canceled for legal and political concerns. For now, that move is off the table, but this idea isn’t going away...👇
December 23, 2025 at 9:20 PM
1/ Last week, you probably heard about RFK Jr.'s sudden plan to move the U.S. childhood vaccine schedule to Denmark’s. He was supposed to have a press conference on Friday, but it was canceled for legal and political concerns. For now, that move is off the table, but this idea isn’t going away...👇
1/ It's a holiday week, and you know what that means: Lots of travel, gatherings, and shared air. So here’s a quick infectious disease “weather report” to help you navigate the next couple of weeks of travel.
December 22, 2025 at 10:49 PM
1/ It's a holiday week, and you know what that means: Lots of travel, gatherings, and shared air. So here’s a quick infectious disease “weather report” to help you navigate the next couple of weeks of travel.
1/ This week, California took a major step toward rebuilding public health for the future. A new statewide initiative, called PHNIX, is bringing together some of the strongest leaders in the field. Here’s what PHNIX is and why it matters, along with the rest of your weekly #publichealth update 👇
December 19, 2025 at 3:34 PM
1/ This week, California took a major step toward rebuilding public health for the future. A new statewide initiative, called PHNIX, is bringing together some of the strongest leaders in the field. Here’s what PHNIX is and why it matters, along with the rest of your weekly #publichealth update 👇
1/ Medspas are everywhere right now, but a recent NYC investigation found serious health and safety violations at multiple locations. As we head into the holidays, here’s what to know about medspas along with the rest of this week’s New York #publichealth news 👇
December 18, 2025 at 6:14 PM
1/ Medspas are everywhere right now, but a recent NYC investigation found serious health and safety violations at multiple locations. As we head into the holidays, here’s what to know about medspas along with the rest of this week’s New York #publichealth news 👇
1/ Happy Tuesday! #Respiratoryseason is in full swing, and today we're talking all things infectious disease. Here’s what you need to know about flu, Covid-19, and measles as winter ramps up 👇
December 16, 2025 at 7:42 PM
1/ Happy Tuesday! #Respiratoryseason is in full swing, and today we're talking all things infectious disease. Here’s what you need to know about flu, Covid-19, and measles as winter ramps up 👇
Last night, I tried to write about evidence-based solutions. I was originally trained as a violence epidemiologist, am married to a police officer, and am a mom. I know there are things we can do.
I wrote it.
Deleted it.
Rewrote it.
I wrote it.
Deleted it.
Rewrote it.
December 15, 2025 at 11:53 PM
Last night, I tried to write about evidence-based solutions. I was originally trained as a violence epidemiologist, am married to a police officer, and am a mom. I know there are things we can do.
I wrote it.
Deleted it.
Rewrote it.
I wrote it.
Deleted it.
Rewrote it.
1/ California is seeing two major public health stories this week: a deadly mushroom poisoning outbreak linked to foraging, and the first real test of our #WestCoastHealthAlliance due to ACIP’s hepatitis B birth-dose vote. Here’s what you need to know 👇
December 12, 2025 at 5:23 PM
1/ California is seeing two major public health stories this week: a deadly mushroom poisoning outbreak linked to foraging, and the first real test of our #WestCoastHealthAlliance due to ACIP’s hepatitis B birth-dose vote. Here’s what you need to know 👇
1/ New York City is seeing an unsettling trend: after years of progress, new #HIV infections are rising again. In 2024, NYC saw a 5.4% increase on top of the 6.9% rise the year before. So why is this happening now? And how do we protect decades of hard-won progress?
December 11, 2025 at 3:57 PM
1/ New York City is seeing an unsettling trend: after years of progress, new #HIV infections are rising again. In 2024, NYC saw a 5.4% increase on top of the 6.9% rise the year before. So why is this happening now? And how do we protect decades of hard-won progress?
1/ Fall vax rates are slipping, flu is taking off, and when it comes to vaccination schedules (or anything, really) the U.S. isn't Denmark. Plus, a gut-punch report on how ICE policies are shaping health behaviors and hurting kids’ health. Here’s your quick #publichealth briefing for the week!
December 10, 2025 at 12:00 AM
1/ Fall vax rates are slipping, flu is taking off, and when it comes to vaccination schedules (or anything, really) the U.S. isn't Denmark. Plus, a gut-punch report on how ICE policies are shaping health behaviors and hurting kids’ health. Here’s your quick #publichealth briefing for the week!
1/ ACIP’s meeting last week was disgraceful, unprepared, & chaotic. They voted to roll back the universal #HepB birth dose despite no evidence of harm, and pushed an antibody test that doesn’t reliably guide decisions. This shift will have real consequences—with babies and families paying the price.
December 8, 2025 at 6:43 PM
1/ ACIP’s meeting last week was disgraceful, unprepared, & chaotic. They voted to roll back the universal #HepB birth dose despite no evidence of harm, and pushed an antibody test that doesn’t reliably guide decisions. This shift will have real consequences—with babies and families paying the price.
1/ RFK Jr’s federal vaccine advisory committee, ACIP, meets today to review childhood vaccines. It’s the first test of our West Coast Health Alliance—the four-state buffer designed to protect science-based policy. Plus, I have a few other California #publichealth updates to cover. Let's get into it👇
December 5, 2025 at 8:52 PM
1/ RFK Jr’s federal vaccine advisory committee, ACIP, meets today to review childhood vaccines. It’s the first test of our West Coast Health Alliance—the four-state buffer designed to protect science-based policy. Plus, I have a few other California #publichealth updates to cover. Let's get into it👇
For anyone who missed yesterday, our colleague Ed has been doing amazing coverage of the ACIP meeting.
Alright, time for me to get started (apologies for the delay).
Here is the link to the livestream:
www.youtube.com/live/kUgXRUp...
Here is the latest agenda:
www.cdc.gov/acip/downloa...
Here are the slides (not all are posted yet):
www.cdc.gov/acip/meeting...
Here is the link to the livestream:
www.youtube.com/live/kUgXRUp...
Here is the latest agenda:
www.cdc.gov/acip/downloa...
Here are the slides (not all are posted yet):
www.cdc.gov/acip/meeting...
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) - December 5, 2025 - Day 2 of 2
YouTube video by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
www.youtube.com
December 5, 2025 at 2:49 PM
For anyone who missed yesterday, our colleague Ed has been doing amazing coverage of the ACIP meeting.
Final ACIP coverage for the day from Ed.
We are back from the break. Malone states that work group proceedings are confidential per the Federal Advisory Committees Act.
Malone announces the formation of multiple new work groups including one for vaccination in pregnancy. It will undoubtedly exclude subject matter experts as has been...
Malone announces the formation of multiple new work groups including one for vaccination in pregnancy. It will undoubtedly exclude subject matter experts as has been...
Alright it continues. We begin with a comment from Griffin.
Griffin talks about risk-benefit balance and how we expose everyone to risk through the universal birth dose (I suppose the risk of HBV infection is a picayune triviality in this calculus in her mind). She notes an "explosion" in...
Griffin talks about risk-benefit balance and how we expose everyone to risk through the universal birth dose (I suppose the risk of HBV infection is a picayune triviality in this calculus in her mind). She notes an "explosion" in...
December 4, 2025 at 10:44 PM
Final ACIP coverage for the day from Ed.
1/ Tomorrow, #ACIP —the committee guiding U.S. vaccine policy—will review the entire childhood vaccine schedule. This is the same committee RFK Jr. overhauled, including long-time vaccine skeptics and COVID-19 contrarians. With that in mind, we think it’s important that you know the facts👇
December 4, 2025 at 9:25 PM
1/ Tomorrow, #ACIP —the committee guiding U.S. vaccine policy—will review the entire childhood vaccine schedule. This is the same committee RFK Jr. overhauled, including long-time vaccine skeptics and COVID-19 contrarians. With that in mind, we think it’s important that you know the facts👇