Osterholm Update Episode 195: We Can Make a Difference
Oct 30, 2025
Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall dive into the latest on measles outbreaks in the U.S., highlighting low vaccination rates and the urgency of public health efforts. They discuss the Vaccine Integrity Project's recent findings on COVID-19, RSV, and influenza vaccines, along with upcoming public health alerts. Concerns around avian flu surveillance and the impact of a government shutdown on public health data are raised. The episode emphasizes the importance of effective vaccine messaging and community engagement in health advocacy.
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Personal History With Food Insecurity
- Michael Osterholm shared childhood memories of food insecurity when his family sometimes lacked enough food for six children.
- He dedicated the episode to families facing hunger and urged listeners to support local food resources and policies.
Use Public Health Alerts For Timely Data
- CIDRAP and NEJM Evidence will publish Public Health Alerts with open access, timely outbreak and field data.
- Check those platforms regularly for trustworthy, up-to-date public health information.
Focus On How Messages Are Framed
- Disinformation can sound credible by cherry-picking data and omitting context, altering the 'how' rather than the 'what'.
- Understanding messaging tactics helps people evaluate and resist misleading public health claims.
