Jim Wappes
@jimwappes.bsky.social
Editorial director at CIDRAP, University of MN, outdoor enthusiast, science geek/journalist specializing in infectious diseases
Reposted by Jim Wappes
South Carolina’s measles outbreak hits 700 cases as CDC confirms 416 so far in 2026
The spike in cases comes as some federal officials downplay #measles and the importance of vaccination
www.cidrap.umn.edu/m...
Photo: Heather Hazzan / Self Magazine
The spike in cases comes as some federal officials downplay #measles and the importance of vaccination
www.cidrap.umn.edu/m...
Photo: Heather Hazzan / Self Magazine
January 23, 2026 at 9:46 PM
South Carolina’s measles outbreak hits 700 cases as CDC confirms 416 so far in 2026
The spike in cases comes as some federal officials downplay #measles and the importance of vaccination
www.cidrap.umn.edu/m...
Photo: Heather Hazzan / Self Magazine
The spike in cases comes as some federal officials downplay #measles and the importance of vaccination
www.cidrap.umn.edu/m...
Photo: Heather Hazzan / Self Magazine
Reposted by Jim Wappes
CDC-funded hep B vaccine study in Africa suspended pending review, officials say
Health officials in Guinea-Bissau say a committee reviewing the controversial study needs more information before it can make a final decision.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/h...
Health officials in Guinea-Bissau say a committee reviewing the controversial study needs more information before it can make a final decision.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/h...
January 22, 2026 at 9:18 PM
CDC-funded hep B vaccine study in Africa suspended pending review, officials say
Health officials in Guinea-Bissau say a committee reviewing the controversial study needs more information before it can make a final decision.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/h...
Health officials in Guinea-Bissau say a committee reviewing the controversial study needs more information before it can make a final decision.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/h...
Reposted by Jim Wappes
New Public Health Alerts report!
Seasonal influenza activity, vaccination rates, and pediatric influenza mortality, Massachusetts 2024-25
In the 2024-25 season, the state had 441 flu-related deaths and its highest level of influenza-like illness ever
www.cidrap.umn.edu/p...
Seasonal influenza activity, vaccination rates, and pediatric influenza mortality, Massachusetts 2024-25
In the 2024-25 season, the state had 441 flu-related deaths and its highest level of influenza-like illness ever
www.cidrap.umn.edu/p...
January 22, 2026 at 8:25 PM
New Public Health Alerts report!
Seasonal influenza activity, vaccination rates, and pediatric influenza mortality, Massachusetts 2024-25
In the 2024-25 season, the state had 441 flu-related deaths and its highest level of influenza-like illness ever
www.cidrap.umn.edu/p...
Seasonal influenza activity, vaccination rates, and pediatric influenza mortality, Massachusetts 2024-25
In the 2024-25 season, the state had 441 flu-related deaths and its highest level of influenza-like illness ever
www.cidrap.umn.edu/p...
Reposted by Jim Wappes
Utah measles total rises to 216; CDC deputy director says losing elimination status ‘cost of doing business’
Arizona has seen 12 cases in 2025.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/m...
Arizona has seen 12 cases in 2025.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/m...
January 21, 2026 at 9:26 PM
Utah measles total rises to 216; CDC deputy director says losing elimination status ‘cost of doing business’
Arizona has seen 12 cases in 2025.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/m...
Arizona has seen 12 cases in 2025.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/m...
Reposted by Jim Wappes
Most Americans would recommend RSV immunizations for older adults, infants, pregnant women
A total of 70% of respondents in an Annenberg Public Policy Center survey said the vaccine is less risky for older adults than RSV infection.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/r...
A total of 70% of respondents in an Annenberg Public Policy Center survey said the vaccine is less risky for older adults than RSV infection.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/r...
January 21, 2026 at 11:07 PM
Most Americans would recommend RSV immunizations for older adults, infants, pregnant women
A total of 70% of respondents in an Annenberg Public Policy Center survey said the vaccine is less risky for older adults than RSV infection.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/r...
A total of 70% of respondents in an Annenberg Public Policy Center survey said the vaccine is less risky for older adults than RSV infection.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/r...
Reposted by Jim Wappes
Fewer older adults being vaccinated against #flu, #pneumonia, CDC data reveal
Older adults have higher risks of certain diseases because they have more underlying illnesses and because immune systems weaken with age.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/i...
Older adults have higher risks of certain diseases because they have more underlying illnesses and because immune systems weaken with age.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/i...
January 21, 2026 at 8:12 PM
Fewer older adults being vaccinated against #flu, #pneumonia, CDC data reveal
Older adults have higher risks of certain diseases because they have more underlying illnesses and because immune systems weaken with age.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/i...
Older adults have higher risks of certain diseases because they have more underlying illnesses and because immune systems weaken with age.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/i...
Reposted by Jim Wappes
COMMENTARY: When confusion replaces clarity about vaccines, children pay the price
by @mtosterholm & @sarahdespres
When confusion about childhood immunization is the goal, consequences show up quickly, in pediatric wards, NICUs, and grieving families
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
by @mtosterholm & @sarahdespres
When confusion about childhood immunization is the goal, consequences show up quickly, in pediatric wards, NICUs, and grieving families
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
January 21, 2026 at 4:51 PM
COMMENTARY: When confusion replaces clarity about vaccines, children pay the price
by @mtosterholm & @sarahdespres
When confusion about childhood immunization is the goal, consequences show up quickly, in pediatric wards, NICUs, and grieving families
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
by @mtosterholm & @sarahdespres
When confusion about childhood immunization is the goal, consequences show up quickly, in pediatric wards, NICUs, and grieving families
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
Reposted by Jim Wappes
South Carolina measles outbreak expands by 200+, reaches 646 cases
The South Carolina outbreak is now the largest in the country and will likely surpass the 762-case West Texas outbreak that began one year ago today.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/m...
The South Carolina outbreak is now the largest in the country and will likely surpass the 762-case West Texas outbreak that began one year ago today.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/m...
January 20, 2026 at 9:56 PM
South Carolina measles outbreak expands by 200+, reaches 646 cases
The South Carolina outbreak is now the largest in the country and will likely surpass the 762-case West Texas outbreak that began one year ago today.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/m...
The South Carolina outbreak is now the largest in the country and will likely surpass the 762-case West Texas outbreak that began one year ago today.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/m...
Reposted by Jim Wappes
COMMENTARY: When overhauling childhood vaccine recs, feds need to provide at least some useful data
by Kevin Griffis
When officials alter a policy that has shaped pediatric care for decades and affects millions, there is an expectation of serious rigor
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
by Kevin Griffis
When officials alter a policy that has shaped pediatric care for decades and affects millions, there is an expectation of serious rigor
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
January 20, 2026 at 8:37 PM
COMMENTARY: When overhauling childhood vaccine recs, feds need to provide at least some useful data
by Kevin Griffis
When officials alter a policy that has shaped pediatric care for decades and affects millions, there is an expectation of serious rigor
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
by Kevin Griffis
When officials alter a policy that has shaped pediatric care for decades and affects millions, there is an expectation of serious rigor
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
Reposted by Jim Wappes
US flu activity declining but remains high
The number of US jurisdictions reporting very high or high flu activity fell from the previous week, from 45 to 36
www.cidrap.umn.edu/i...
The number of US jurisdictions reporting very high or high flu activity fell from the previous week, from 45 to 36
www.cidrap.umn.edu/i...
January 16, 2026 at 10:10 PM
US flu activity declining but remains high
The number of US jurisdictions reporting very high or high flu activity fell from the previous week, from 45 to 36
www.cidrap.umn.edu/i...
The number of US jurisdictions reporting very high or high flu activity fell from the previous week, from 45 to 36
www.cidrap.umn.edu/i...
Reposted by Jim Wappes
Americans value scientific leadership, but partisan divides shape views on US standing and funding
A new Pew Research Center survey shows that partisan views on science have shifted since 2023.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/a...
A new Pew Research Center survey shows that partisan views on science have shifted since 2023.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/a...
January 16, 2026 at 9:56 PM
Americans value scientific leadership, but partisan divides shape views on US standing and funding
A new Pew Research Center survey shows that partisan views on science have shifted since 2023.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/a...
A new Pew Research Center survey shows that partisan views on science have shifted since 2023.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/a...
Reposted by Jim Wappes
CIDRAP Op-ed: Vaccine myths that won’t die and how to counter them—part 2
by @jakescottMD
Today's myths include "Vaccines cause autism," "VAERS proves vaccines kill people," "Natural immunity is better," and "mRNA vaccines cause turbo cancers."
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
by @jakescottMD
Today's myths include "Vaccines cause autism," "VAERS proves vaccines kill people," "Natural immunity is better," and "mRNA vaccines cause turbo cancers."
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
January 16, 2026 at 5:13 PM
CIDRAP Op-ed: Vaccine myths that won’t die and how to counter them—part 2
by @jakescottMD
Today's myths include "Vaccines cause autism," "VAERS proves vaccines kill people," "Natural immunity is better," and "mRNA vaccines cause turbo cancers."
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
by @jakescottMD
Today's myths include "Vaccines cause autism," "VAERS proves vaccines kill people," "Natural immunity is better," and "mRNA vaccines cause turbo cancers."
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
Reposted by Jim Wappes
Osterholm Update producers @sydredepenning
and Elise Holmes (@elise_julia) also join to discuss this milestone episode and reflect on how the podcast has evolved over the years
and Elise Holmes (@elise_julia) also join to discuss this milestone episode and reflect on how the podcast has evolved over the years
Episode 200: A Moment Among Moments
In the 200th episode of the Osterholm Update, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss recent changes to the childhood immunization schedule, the latest data on this year's influenza season, and an update on CIDRAP's Vaccine Integrity Project. Osterholm Update producers Dr. Sydney Redepenning and Elise Holmes also join to discuss this milestone episode and reflect on how the podcast has evolved over the years. CMS to stop requiring states to report childhood vaccination levels (Liz Szabo, CIDRAP News) U.S. vaccination rates are plunging. Look up where your school stands (Weber et al., The Washington Post) Resources for vaccine and public health advocacy: Voices for Vaccines Families Fighting Flu Vaccinate Your Family Shot@Life Medical Reserve Corps Learn more about the Vaccine Integrity Project MORE EPISODES SUPPORT THIS PODCAST
www.cidrap.umn.edu
January 16, 2026 at 12:11 AM
Osterholm Update producers @sydredepenning
and Elise Holmes (@elise_julia) also join to discuss this milestone episode and reflect on how the podcast has evolved over the years
and Elise Holmes (@elise_julia) also join to discuss this milestone episode and reflect on how the podcast has evolved over the years
Reposted by Jim Wappes
200th "Osterholm Update" episode!
@mtosterholm & @cvdall discuss recent changes to the childhood immunization schedule, the latest data on this year's influenza season, and an update on CIDRAP's Vaccine Integrity Project.
@mtosterholm & @cvdall discuss recent changes to the childhood immunization schedule, the latest data on this year's influenza season, and an update on CIDRAP's Vaccine Integrity Project.
January 16, 2026 at 12:11 AM
200th "Osterholm Update" episode!
@mtosterholm & @cvdall discuss recent changes to the childhood immunization schedule, the latest data on this year's influenza season, and an update on CIDRAP's Vaccine Integrity Project.
@mtosterholm & @cvdall discuss recent changes to the childhood immunization schedule, the latest data on this year's influenza season, and an update on CIDRAP's Vaccine Integrity Project.
Reposted by Jim Wappes
Controversial CDC Vaccine Study in Guinea-Bissau May Be Canceled
African officials say a controversial study of the hepatitis B vaccine—scheduled to begin this month—may be canceled, but US officials differ.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
African officials say a controversial study of the hepatitis B vaccine—scheduled to begin this month—may be canceled, but US officials differ.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
January 15, 2026 at 11:43 PM
Controversial CDC Vaccine Study in Guinea-Bissau May Be Canceled
African officials say a controversial study of the hepatitis B vaccine—scheduled to begin this month—may be canceled, but US officials differ.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
African officials say a controversial study of the hepatitis B vaccine—scheduled to begin this month—may be canceled, but US officials differ.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
Reposted by Jim Wappes
CIDRAP Op-ed: Vaccine myths that won't die and how to counter them—part 1
@jakescottMD
Today's myths: "Vaccines were never properly tested," "Vaccinated and unvaccinated kids haven’t been compared," "The ingredients are toxic," and "Too many, too soon."
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
@jakescottMD
Today's myths: "Vaccines were never properly tested," "Vaccinated and unvaccinated kids haven’t been compared," "The ingredients are toxic," and "Too many, too soon."
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
January 15, 2026 at 5:03 PM
CIDRAP Op-ed: Vaccine myths that won't die and how to counter them—part 1
@jakescottMD
Today's myths: "Vaccines were never properly tested," "Vaccinated and unvaccinated kids haven’t been compared," "The ingredients are toxic," and "Too many, too soon."
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
@jakescottMD
Today's myths: "Vaccines were never properly tested," "Vaccinated and unvaccinated kids haven’t been compared," "The ingredients are toxic," and "Too many, too soon."
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
Reposted by Jim Wappes
Measles cases soar in South Carolina, top 400
Also, Utah has 25 new cases, raising the state total to 201.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/m...
Also, Utah has 25 new cases, raising the state total to 201.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/m...
January 14, 2026 at 9:12 PM
Measles cases soar in South Carolina, top 400
Also, Utah has 25 new cases, raising the state total to 201.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/m...
Also, Utah has 25 new cases, raising the state total to 201.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/m...
Reposted by Jim Wappes
US cuts to #HIV programs in sub-Saharan Africa pose global risk, experts say
Reduced funding will erode decades of progress and impede future advancements, but there is hope for the future with alternative resources.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/h...
Photo: World Bank / Flickr cc
Reduced funding will erode decades of progress and impede future advancements, but there is hope for the future with alternative resources.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/h...
Photo: World Bank / Flickr cc
January 13, 2026 at 10:00 PM
US cuts to #HIV programs in sub-Saharan Africa pose global risk, experts say
Reduced funding will erode decades of progress and impede future advancements, but there is hope for the future with alternative resources.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/h...
Photo: World Bank / Flickr cc
Reduced funding will erode decades of progress and impede future advancements, but there is hope for the future with alternative resources.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/h...
Photo: World Bank / Flickr cc
Reposted by Jim Wappes
The authors warn that the real threats are confusion, instability, and potential payment and access disruptions—not malpractice liability.
Science hasn’t changed. Clinicians shouldn’t have to, either.
Link: tinyurl.com/5n6nwnu4
Science hasn’t changed. Clinicians shouldn’t have to, either.
Link: tinyurl.com/5n6nwnu4
Navigating Conflicting Vaccination Recommendations
This Perspective discusses how clinicians can navigate conflicting vaccination recommendations following revisions from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and US Centers for Disease Cont...
tinyurl.com
January 13, 2026 at 6:37 PM
The authors warn that the real threats are confusion, instability, and potential payment and access disruptions—not malpractice liability.
Science hasn’t changed. Clinicians shouldn’t have to, either.
Link: tinyurl.com/5n6nwnu4
Science hasn’t changed. Clinicians shouldn’t have to, either.
Link: tinyurl.com/5n6nwnu4
Reposted by Jim Wappes
States, health organizations reject new CDC vaccine guidance
A growing number of states are pushing back against sweeping changes to the US childhood vaccine schedule.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/p...
A growing number of states are pushing back against sweeping changes to the US childhood vaccine schedule.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/p...
January 12, 2026 at 5:36 PM
States, health organizations reject new CDC vaccine guidance
A growing number of states are pushing back against sweeping changes to the US childhood vaccine schedule.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/p...
A growing number of states are pushing back against sweeping changes to the US childhood vaccine schedule.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/p...
Reposted by Jim Wappes
Study: 87% of primary care providers say drug shortages lower quality of care
The perceived prevalence of drug shortages was high, at 88%.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/r...
Photo: macwagen / Flickr cc
The perceived prevalence of drug shortages was high, at 88%.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/r...
Photo: macwagen / Flickr cc
January 8, 2026 at 8:39 PM
Study: 87% of primary care providers say drug shortages lower quality of care
The perceived prevalence of drug shortages was high, at 88%.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/r...
Photo: macwagen / Flickr cc
The perceived prevalence of drug shortages was high, at 88%.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/r...
Photo: macwagen / Flickr cc
Reposted by Jim Wappes
Also, the Vaccine Integrity Project announced formation of a Board of Advisers composed of nationally recognized leaders in medicine, public health, research, policy, communications, and government to provide strategic guidance and independent expertise
vaxintegrity.cidrap.umn.edu/about-us/boa...
vaxintegrity.cidrap.umn.edu/about-us/boa...
Board of Advisers | Vaccine Integrity Project
CIDRAP provides advice, information and analysis on the prevention, control and treatment of targeted infectious diseases and in public health preparedness.
vaxintegrity.cidrap.umn.edu
January 8, 2026 at 9:04 PM
Also, the Vaccine Integrity Project announced formation of a Board of Advisers composed of nationally recognized leaders in medicine, public health, research, policy, communications, and government to provide strategic guidance and independent expertise
vaxintegrity.cidrap.umn.edu/about-us/boa...
vaxintegrity.cidrap.umn.edu/about-us/boa...
Reposted by Jim Wappes
Confusion surrounds CDC’s ‘shared clinical decision-making’ paradigm for childhood vaccines
Among polled adults, one in 10 were not sure what shared decision-making means.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
Among polled adults, one in 10 were not sure what shared decision-making means.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
January 6, 2026 at 9:28 PM
Confusion surrounds CDC’s ‘shared clinical decision-making’ paradigm for childhood vaccines
Among polled adults, one in 10 were not sure what shared decision-making means.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
Among polled adults, one in 10 were not sure what shared decision-making means.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
Reposted by Jim Wappes
HHS announces unprecedented overhaul of US childhood vaccine schedule
The new vaccination policy, which pares the number of universally recommended immunizations from 17 to 11, is modeled after the schedule used by Denmark.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
The new vaccination policy, which pares the number of universally recommended immunizations from 17 to 11, is modeled after the schedule used by Denmark.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
January 5, 2026 at 11:15 PM
HHS announces unprecedented overhaul of US childhood vaccine schedule
The new vaccination policy, which pares the number of universally recommended immunizations from 17 to 11, is modeled after the schedule used by Denmark.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
The new vaccination policy, which pares the number of universally recommended immunizations from 17 to 11, is modeled after the schedule used by Denmark.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
Reposted by Jim Wappes
CIDRAP Op-Ed: Quiet dismantling: How ‘shared decision-making’ weakens vaccine policy and harms kids
by @jakescottMD
The category sounds reasonable, even collaborative. It is neither. And it will put children’s health and lives at risk.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
by @jakescottMD
The category sounds reasonable, even collaborative. It is neither. And it will put children’s health and lives at risk.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
January 6, 2026 at 8:53 PM
CIDRAP Op-Ed: Quiet dismantling: How ‘shared decision-making’ weakens vaccine policy and harms kids
by @jakescottMD
The category sounds reasonable, even collaborative. It is neither. And it will put children’s health and lives at risk.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
by @jakescottMD
The category sounds reasonable, even collaborative. It is neither. And it will put children’s health and lives at risk.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...