Vaccines, Cholesterol, and Other News

Mar 19, 2026

They break down the end of flu season and why vaccine effectiveness and public confidence matter. New 2026 cholesterol guidelines pushing earlier treatment and novel tests get attention. Rising measles activity, outbreaks, and threats to herd immunity are discussed. They also cover NIH funding tensions, a court pause on vaccine guidance changes, football-related brain injury studies, and Medicare Advantage overpayment concerns.

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INSIGHT

Flu Season Peaked Early Then Faded

The 2025–26 flu season peaked early but ended milder than feared with lower pediatric deaths (101 vs 134 last year).
Vaccine coverage was ~47% and effectiveness against hospitalization was ~30% for adults and 41% for children despite antigenic drift of the circulating subclade K.

ADVICE

Use Randomized Trials To Rebuild Vaccine Trust

Rebuild vaccine confidence using randomized trials rather than relying solely on observational studies.
Harlan recommends investing time and money in randomized vaccine studies to make evidence unimpeachable and restore public trust.

INSIGHT

Cholesterol Guidelines Shift To Younger Lifetime Risk

New 2026 cholesterol guidelines push earlier assessment and treatment, even as young as age 30, and emphasize lifetime risk.
They also recommend testing for Lp(a), ApoB, expanded coronary calcium use, and a return to LDL targets.

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