UW Epidemiology’s Helen Chu warns that delaying hepatitis B vaccination leaves newborns vulnerable. As ACIP moves to end universal birth-dose guidance, experts stress what’s at stake for infant protection.

Don't miss Jessica Culhane's #EpiDissertation defense: "Mixed Neuropathology and Associations with Cognitive Impairment in Autopsied Older Adults." Come show your support tomorrow afternoon, and congratulations, Jessica! Event details: buff.ly/adVGMuQ

How bad will flu season be this year? While U.S. flu rates remain low, experts are keeping an eye on a new strain that’s been linked to unexpectedly early and severe seasons in several other countries.

New UW–Kaiser research shows virtual care soared during the 2025 LA wildfires, especially for respiratory, cardiovascular, injury, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. The study highlights how telehealth becomes essential during climate disasters.

REMINDER: We have two dissertation defenses going on today from Susana Lozano's Esparza and Linxuan Wu. See December 1 events for details: buff.ly/9kDhDLq

People at holiday gatherings often share bugs. Now volunteers are needed to help UW researchers figure out how viruses spread in households and communities. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of epidemiology and of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is interviewed. buff.ly/TDWjXd4

Another dissertation defense after the break! Linxuan Wu will be presenting on "Advancing PrEP Use among Pregnant Women in Sub-Saharan Africa." Best of luck, Linxuan! #EpiDissertation Event details: buff.ly/qjVJPgZ

Come join us after the Thanksgiving holiday on December 1 for Susana Lozano Esparza's dissertation defense: "Polycystic ovary syndrome in Mexico: From adolescence to adulthood. Best of luck, Susana #EpiDissertation Event details: buff.ly/edUZZtB

A new study in AJHG led by UW Epi professor Alison Fohner shows what students truly need in the AI era: critical thinking, data discernment & cross-disciplinary teamwork—plus 17 actionable competencies to help graduate programs future-proof training.

What’s that rotten egg smell in Seattle’s South Park neighborhood? Seattle Times reporting points to a drywall recycler and highlights broader air-quality concerns. UW Epi’s Anjum Hajat underscores the clear links between pollution and health risks and the need for faster action.

A new SeaPrep study, led by UW physician and epidemiologist Helen Chu, is enrolling participants across King, Snohomish, and Pierce counties to track how respiratory viruses spread. The study is compensated and completed from home.

The Seattle Times picked up earlier reporting on UW Epi’s Simon Sandh, who traveled Seattle to Portland using only buses and trains. His 11-hour trip shows how rural transit connects communities and supports access to work, services, and public health.

TOMORROW: Sophie Freije will defend her dissertation: "Correlates and Metabolic Health Outcomes of Adolescent Loneliness." All are welcome to attend. Good luck tomorrow, Sophie! Event details: buff.ly/l5QgjEA

Trying to get more protein? UW Epidemiology’s Adam Drewnowski found that dairy offers the most affordable source of complete, high quality protein, with milk costing less per 50 grams than eggs, chicken, or plant based options.

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer in women around the world, but it’s largely preventable. Now, a new low-tech, affordable intervention can help people get screened. UW Epi's Rachel Winer is quoted:

Marie Spiker at UW Epi warns: “Food insecurity is bad for health, both physical and mental health, at every stage of the life course.” SNAP delays raise serious concerns about increased rates of chronic disease when people rely on less healthy options.

Youth loneliness is rising worldwide. Led by UW Epidemiology’s Sophie Freije, a new UW-led study in the Journal of Adolescent Health analyzed data from 1M+ teens in 38 countries and emphasizes the importance of studying societal predictors of loneliness. buff.ly/DIVXXN6

Wildfire smoke is officially a maternal health issue. A new study shows pregnant people exposed to it face higher odds of preterm birth. UW Epi researchers say this reinforces the need for public health guidance to protect pregnancies during smoke events.

UW Epi’s Simon Sandh traveled from Seattle to Portland using only local public transit. His 12-hour trip revealed how access to transportation shapes equity and health across communities. “Every delay is a health disparity in motion.” Read more:

UW Epi affiliate professor Ramya Kumar delivered a keynote at the 2025 AHILA Congress in Lusaka: “Knowledge Without Borders.” Her talk explored how public health knowledge moves across borders and how libraries shape equitable access to evidence. Watch here:

A new study co-authored by UW Epi’s Ali Rowhani-Rahbar finds firearm deaths now surpass car crashes as the leading cause of death among U.S. high schoolers. The Injury Epidemiology study calls for age-specific strategies to prevent firearm violence.

New research finds wildfire smoke now kills 41,000 Americans a year. "Wildfire smoke may be more toxic than common forms of pollution,” says UW Epi’s Dr. Joel Kaufman, underscoring growing concern about air quality and climate-related health risks.

New CDC vaccine recommendations are stirring confusion among older adults and providers. Experts warn that unclear guidance could lower vaccination rates and drive up costs—just when public health can least afford it.

TOMORROW: Collrane Frivold will defend her dissertation: "Associations between influenza vaccination during pregnancy and outcomes related to maternal influenza disease, infant anthropometry/growth, and cost-effectiveness in Nepal." Good luck tomorrow, Collrane! Event details: buff.ly/6e269Ri

What’s a micro-pantry? Small, volunteer-run pantries & fridges that provide 24/7, local access to food. UW and partners are piloting smart sensors to reduce waste and improve access. UW Epi’s Marie Spiker is studying how communities use micro-pantries to guide this model forward.

The UW SPH undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs are now accepting applicants for the 2026-27 academic year. Join us in-person for the SPH Community Open House and meet with dept and program advisors! 📍 Hans Rosling Center 📅 October 1 | 11 am – 2:30pm 🔗 RSVP: forms.office.com/r/c1SgCxQ0Yr

To all our UW Epi alumni, new and seasoned, your journey continues with us. Reconnect, network, and stay informed by joining our alumni community! buff.ly/dIEhC3h

UW Epi's Helen Chu and Janet Baseman make up two of the School of Public Health's three leadership positions as Associate Dean for Research and Associate Dean for Public Health Practice!

“The risk of missing a case of hepatitis B is so significant that I just can’t imagine why we would delay a vaccine that is proven to be helpful and efficacious,” Dr. Brenna Hughes @acog.org & @idsog.bsky.social member. Important context for ACIP tomorrow. www.nytimes.com/2025/09/16/h...

All 17 voting members of the CDC’s ACIP were dismissed in June, including UW’s infectious disease Dr. Helen Chu. She warns that shifts in how vaccine evidence is reviewed could affect safety, access, and disease control. More from her Q&A:

Back-to-school season in WA brings higher risks of flu, RSV, COVID & other infections. UW’s Dr. Helen Chu reminds parents: vaccines protect not only your child but their classmates, teachers & community. Stay current this fall.

UW Epidemiology's Dr. Helen Chu speaks on the potential impact of COVID-19 supplies under the federal guidelines for this year's COVID vaccines.

Thousands of leading scientists including emeritus professor of UW Epidemiology Dr. Elizabeth Halloran are warning Congress: budget cuts to federal research threaten America’s health, economy & global leadership.

"The reason why we want to give you a vaccine is not just to protect you but to protect those around you." Dr. Helen Chu backs AAP guidance, stressing protection for young children and community health.

“We don’t routinely see interventions that work that well.” #UWEpi professor Jessica Jones-Smith co-authored a new study that shows Seattle’s Fresh Bucks program boosts fruit & vegetable intake and improves food security among low-income households. buff.ly/5mVrV7k

How does industrial air pollution impact community health? UW Epi professor Joel Kaufman's research highlights the need for better data on health risks from industrial emissions.

UW Epi professor Caleb Banta-Green was interviewed on @KUOW.org on Kratom and 7-OH, two controversial substances.

This Friday, Tanya Libby will be defending her dissertation: "Streptococcus pneumoniae carriage and antimicrobial resistance among Kenyan children discharged from hospital." Come out to show your support to Tanya! #EpiDissertation Event details: buff.ly/iZOdKyG

Tomorrow, you are invited to Mark Fajans' MPH dissertation defense: "Improving Detection of Tuberculosis Disease Among Children." Good luck tomorrow, Mark! Event details: buff.ly/GnkNLL1

Dengue fever is surging across the Pacific, the highest in a decade. UW Epidemiologist Joel Kaufman calls it "one of the first real disease-related phenomena we can lay at the foot of climate change." buff.ly/JqrCdYb

Don't miss Lola Arakaki's #EpiDissertation defense on: Investigations of Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness! Come show your support tomorrow, August 7 at 11 a.m., and congratulations, Lola! Event details: buff.ly/ILwfBsN

Tomorrow afternoon, Hiwot Zewdie will be presenting on "The urban environment and active living: the case of Bogota, Columbia." Best of luck, Hiwot! #EpiDissertation Event details: buff.ly/aZTWjVC

Celebrating Dr. Susan Heckbert’s career, legacy, and contributions to public health and University of Washington as she retires after more than three decades on faculty in UW Department of Epidemiology and University of Washington School of Pharmacy. buff.ly/04riem2

Celebrating Dr. Susan Heckbert’s career, legacy, and contributions to public health and the University of Washington as she retires after more than three decades on faculty in @uwepidemiology.bsky.social and @uwpharmacy.bsky.social Read more: bit.ly/4l0csw8

Good news: From 2013 to 2022, the portion of Washington adults who reported storing household firearms securely rose from 34.9% to 48.8%. @uwepidemiology.bsky.social @uwmedicine.bsky.social

Congratulations 🎉🎉 to Dr. Jerry Cangelosi on retiring after 13 years as a DEOHS professor and a recent term as associate dean for research in the @uofwa.bsky.social School of Public Health! He and his team developed a less invasive way to screen people for TB. deohs.washington.edu/hsm-blog/tak...

Join us tomorrow afternoon for Gregory Zane's dissertation defense. Gregory will be presenting on "Prevention of Chlamydia trachomatis infections: Evaluation of vaccination and post-exposure prophylactic antibiotic use as population-level strategies." #EpiDissertation Event details: buff.ly/Vwqu843

Whether you just crossed the stage or graduated years ago, you’re always part of the UW Epidemiology community. Stay connected with fellow alumni, get department news, and learn about upcoming events:

Celebrating when the odds are in our favor 😉, particularly due to our exceptional instructors like @jessieish.bsky.social and our @uwepidemiology.bsky.social students.

Know a person, team, or org in healthcare that's gone the extra mile to make a positive impact in Washington’s rural communities? Nominate them for the Rural Health Heroes Award! Nominations close Sept 4 at 5 pm. heyor.ca/XKE7CC