Today, on History of Vaccines, we tell you all about vaccine-preventable diseases in pets, and why you should talk to your veterinarian about getting your pets vaccinated. And no, there are no autistic dogs. historyofvaccines.org/blog/new-dan...

We haven't updated the HIV vaccine page on History of Vaccines in three years. It was time. So here is the latest of what we know about how closer (or not) we are to an HIV vaccine. historyofvaccines.org/vaccines-101...

Another death from Whooping Cough (aka "Pertussis") in Kentucky. We have a safe and effective vaccine to prevent these deaths. www.cidrap.umn.edu/pertussis/th...

South Africa has begun clinical trials for Africa’s first locally manufactured oral cholera vaccine, aiming to boost regional self-sufficiency as cholera outbreaks and vaccine shortages challenge the continent. apanews.net/south-africa...

A recent study found that flu vaccine effectiveness depends on both the type of vaccine and the recipient’s age, with high-dose vaccines working best for older adults and cell-based options outperforming standard flu shots in younger adults. Source: news.aai.org/2025/11/12/s...

Over 200 years ago, Jenner’s Hut became the world’s first vaccine clinic, shaping the fight against smallpox. Today, this historic landmark in England faces disrepair, reminding us of the roots of modern medicine. www.washingtonpost.com/history/2025...

Whooping cough cases in Texas have hit an 11-year high, with over 3,500 cases reported this year—ten times last year's total. Most cases are in children. Experts link the surge to declining vaccination rates. www.texastribune.org/2025/11/11/t...

Diphtheria is making a comeback in Europe, driven by missed diagnoses—especially of skin infections—and declining adult booster coverage, even as childhood vaccination rates remain strong. Doctors are urged to stay vigilant. Source: www.medscape.com/viewarticle/...

Canada has lost its measles-free status after over 5,000 cases this year, mostly in under-vaccinated communities. The U.S. could be next if outbreaks continue. MMR vaccination rates remain critical for protection. Source: www.bbc.com/news/article...

Earning and keeping “measles-free” status means stopping continuous measles transmission for a year, requiring high vaccination rates, strong surveillance, and quick outbreak responses. North America now faces its greatest challenge to this status. historyofvaccines.org/blog/how-reg...

The creation and use of fake vaccine cards and exemptions date back nearly 200 years, adapting from handwritten notes to digital fraud. This history reflects ongoing tension between individual rights and public health protections. historyofvaccines.org/blog/long-hi...

A measles outbreak investigation in Utah faces hurdles as a likely case refuses to cooperate, highlighting challenges for public health amid rising vaccine hesitancy and low immunization rates. The US is on the brink of losing measles elimination status. arstechnica.com/health/2025/...

A company is selling vaccine exemption notes for hundreds of dollars, leaving many parents with costly, confusing paperwork and legal uncertainty. Some exemptions work, but officials warn the approach may not hold up. arstechnica.com/health/2025/...

New research shows that two doses of the recombinant shingles vaccine (Shingrix) work well—even for those who previously received the live vaccine. Both healthy and immunocompromised older adults benefit. www.cidrap.umn.edu/varicella/da...

A new oral vaccine showed strong protection against paratyphoid fever in a recent human challenge study, reducing infection risk by 73%. This marks progress towards controlling enteric fevers globally. www.science.org/content/arti...

Experts at the UW Fearless Science Forum stress that vaccines only save lives when people actually get vaccinated.

Vaccine misinformation is reaching unprecedented levels, threatening the progress we've made in global health. Dr. Seth Berkley highlights the urgent need for better education, access, and global cooperation. www.livescience.com/health/medic...

Why do some people need high-dose influenza vaccine? Glad you asked… historyofvaccines.org/blog/why-som...

The Infectious Diseases Society of America now recommends COVID-19 vaccination for adults and children with weakened immune systems, noting it reduces risk of hospitalization and severe illness. Guidance was based on recent evidence. www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/ids...

A new review finds that the typhoid conjugate vaccine (TCV) is highly effective at preventing typhoid fever in countries where the disease is common, supporting its broader use in national immunization programs. www.cidrap.umn.edu/typhoid/typh...

Florida plans to end childhood vaccine mandates, raising concerns about the possible return of diseases. Experts warn the change could impact not just children but entire communities. abcnews.go.com/Health/desantis-moves-end-floridas-childhood-vaccination-mandates-doctors/story?id=126719452

Oral rabies vaccination baits have helped control rabies in wild animals, using creative science to protect both wildlife and humans. Programs in Europe and North America show the impact of vaccinating with nature, not against it. historyofvaccines.org/blog/feeding...

Flu season is underway, and a COVID uptick is likely as winter approaches. Experts say vaccination timing matters less than actually getting protected, especially before holiday season spikes. www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...

Cali refuerza la vacunación gratuita contra el VPH dirigida a menores de 9 a 17 años, protegiendo contra diversos tipos de cáncer y promoviendo la equidad en salud infantil y adolescente. Más info: www.cali.gov.co/boletines/pu...

Mississippi reports its first infant whooping cough death since 2012, with 115 cases recorded in 2025—more than double last year's total. Health officials link rising cases to falling adult vaccination rates. www.mississippifreepress.org/mississippi-...

Measles has surged in 2025, affecting people worldwide from remote villages to major cities. Preventable through vaccination, outbreaks highlight the risks when coverage drops. Global health requires vigilance to protect the most vulnerable. historyofvaccines.org/blog/return-...

Mongolia has reported 8 measles deaths in 2025, with 285 people hospitalized and 3 children critically ill. Measles remains highly contagious and severe for the unprotected. english.news.cn/20250718/bed...

Afghanistan faces a surge in measles, with one child dying every day in 2025. MSF reports a rise in hospital cases and urges targeted vaccination efforts as low immunization coverage puts vulnerable children at greater risk. www.msf.org/msf-records-...

A measles outbreak in Indonesia has led to 17 deaths and more than 2,000 infections in East Java. Low vaccination rates are cited as a key factor, prompting a new campaign to reach thousands of children. Source: www.pbs.org/newshour/wor...

Morocco has reported over 40,000 measles cases and 79 deaths so far in 2025. A nationwide vaccination campaign is underway, verifying millions of children's immunization records with broad community support. Read more: outbreaknewstoday.substack.com/p/morocco-me...

The UK will introduce the MMRV vaccine for young children in 2026, aiming to combine protection against measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox, while the US moves to restrict its use for under-fours due to policy changes. theconversation.com/chickenpox-w...

Delaying childhood vaccines increases risk for serious disease and outbreaks. Experts emphasize that the recommended schedule is designed to protect children when they're most vulnerable. Misinformation and lower vaccination rates threaten public health. www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...

Kenya’s new typhoid vaccine campaign brought protection directly to communities, reaching markets, churches, and homes. Over 16 million children were vaccinated, targeting those most at risk for drug-resistant typhoid. Source: www.gavi.org/vaccineswork...

A recent poll finds 70% of US adults support requiring the MMR vaccine for school entry, marking a rise from last year—even as some states move to end such mandates. Outbreaks highlight the risks to unvaccinated kids. Source: www.cidrap.umn.edu/measles/pare...

Australia has approved the first vaccine to protect koalas from chlamydia, a disease that can cause blindness, infertility, and death in these iconic animals. lufkindailynews.com/ap_video/aus...

The U.S. vaccine debate is straining public trust, with leadership changes and policy shifts at the CDC fueling confusion and risking both national and global health standards. www.cfr.org/expert-brief...

Debate grows over the hepatitis B vaccine for newborns as some political figures question its necessity, despite evidence showing it sharply reduced childhood infections. Experts warn stopping universal vaccination could risk preventable disease. www.nbcnews.com/health/kids-... wifi

West African health ministers just pledged to advance Lassa fever vaccine development, uniting for regional health security. The disease affects hundreds of thousands yearly—new commitments may turn the tide. More at cepi.net/west-african...

Mississippi’s State Health Officer stresses that vaccine mandates are key to public health, noting the state's high childhood vaccination rates have prevented serious outbreaks for decades. Recent changes in Florida spark fresh debate. magnoliatribune.com/2025/09/09/m...

Emma’s story highlights how congenital rubella syndrome can lead to profound challenges, showing the often-overlooked impact on daily life and families. Learn more about her experience: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pgz2...

Ian's story reveals the lifelong effects of congenital rubella syndrome, reminding us how rubella can seriously impact children and families. Watch his journey and learn more here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_aQ...

Getting rubella during pregnancy can have a life-changing impact, as seen in this personal story highlighting the importance of disease prevention for expecting mothers. Watch the full account here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhH2...

Vaccine pioneer Dr. Stanley Plotkin reflects on his groundbreaking work and the challenges facing vaccine science—from rubella elimination to the fight against misinformation and the importance of public trust. Read more: historyofvaccines.org/blog/rubella...

Stanley Plotkin shares insights from his legendary career in vaccine development, discussing breakthroughs in polio, rubella, and rabies vaccines, and reflecting on today’s challenges in public health and vaccine confidence. www.youtube.com/watch?v=HH9G...

Amid shifting policies and declining vaccine confidence, vaccination rates in the US are slipping near herd immunity thresholds, raising the risk for outbreaks, especially in areas with more exemptions. Details at www.medscape.com/viewarticle/...

The latest on our blog is a review of the recent presentation from the Vaccine Integrity Project from the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy. historyofvaccines.org/blog/data-de...

Top pediatricians are standing firm against RFK Jr.’s anti-vaccine push, supporting COVID-19 vaccine guidance based on science and public health priorities. Read more at Ars Technica: arstechnica.com/health/2025/...

A recent study in Herat, Afghanistan, found polio vaccine hesitancy is fueled by deep-rooted misconceptions, religious and cultural beliefs, economic concerns, and distrust in government. Tailored community engagement is key to improving acceptance. bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10....

Measles cases across North America have surged in 2025, with over 10,000 cases and 18 deaths reported, mostly among the unvaccinated. Low vaccination rates are driving this rise, says PAHO. www.medscape.com/s/viewarticl...

AstraZeneca now offers at-home delivery of the FluMist nasal spray, letting eligible adults and kids get flu protection without a shot or pharmacy visit. This FDA-approved, needle-free vaccine aims to boost convenience and coverage. abcnews.go.com/GMA/Wellness...