Photo of an infant with a measles rash.
Child Health, Infectious Disease, Measles, Vaccines

Canada loses its official ‘measles-free’ status – and the US will follow soon, as vaccination rates fall

The resurgence of measles in Canada after decades with very low numbers of cases is not an isolated problem. The U.S. has also had large outbreaks of measles this year, and it will likely soon lose its measles-free designation as well.

The loss of measles elimination status is a symptom of a deeper issue: declining trust in public messaging about science and health, which has led to decreased vaccination rates and growing vulnerability to vaccine-preventable diseases.

Olympus digital camera
Brain and Nervous System, Child Health, Drugs

What parents need to know about Tylenol, autism and the difference between finding a link and finding a cause in scientific research

As a father of a child with level 2 autism – meaning autism that requires substantial support – and a statistician who works with such tools as those used in the association studies cited by the White House, I find it useful to think about the nuances of association versus causation in observational studies. I hope that this explanation is helpful to parents and expecting parents who, like me, are deeply invested in the well-being of their children.

Vaccine 5897391
COVID, Politics, Vaccines

More states protect access to the COVID shot as feds restrict eligibility

For decades, states have followed the lead of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on which vaccines Americans should get, and when they should get them. Now, rejecting the antivaccine stance of U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., an increasing number of states say they will rely instead on their own public health experts and professional medical organizations for that advice.

Robert f. kennedy jr., official portrait (2025) (cropped 3 4)
Health Policy, Politics, University of Washington, Vaccines

How RFK Jr.’s misguided science on mRNA vaccines is shaping policy − a UW vaccine expert examines the false claims

As a vaccinologist who has studied and developed vaccines for over 35 years, I see that the science behind mRNA vaccine technology is being widely misstated. This incorrect information is shaping long-term health policy in the U.S. – which makes it urgent to correct the record. – Deborah Fuller, University of Washington