Osterholm Update
CIDRAP
A weekly report on the COVID-19 pandemic from infectious disease expert Michael Osterholm, PhD, MPH. Dr. Osterholm is the director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) at the University of Minnesota and has spent a career investigating outbreaks. Since 2005, he has emphasized supply chain and other vulnerabilities and a critical need for pandemic preparedness. In this podcast, Dr. Osterholm dissects the latest COVID-19 news, data, and guidance.
CIDRAP’s Chris Dall, MA, is the cohost of the Osterholm Update and a reporter for CIDRAP News. http://www.cidrap.umn.edu
CIDRAP’s Chris Dall, MA, is the cohost of the Osterholm Update and a reporter for CIDRAP News. http://www.cidrap.umn.edu
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 26, 2026 • 0sec
Episode 205: Disease Waits for No One
They unpack a court ruling that paused rollback of childhood vaccine guidance and debate whether public trust has already eroded. A controversial report on post-vaccine health problems is examined. They cover a meningitis outbreak in the UK, rising measles strains on pediatric care, and H5N1 in marine mammals. Also: current COVID, flu, and RSV trends plus a public health history segment honoring granny midwives.
Mar 12, 2026 • 0sec
Episode 204: Holding the Tools
They review current COVID, flu, and RSV activity and what testing trends are showing. They unpack a norovirus surge and how that virus spreads. They flag rising measles cases in the Americas and concerns about under-vaccinated communities. They highlight CIDRAP’s Vaccine Integrity Project and a series on antibiotic overuse linked to dental prescribing.
Feb 26, 2026 • 0sec
Episode 203: Somebody to Lean On
A dive into the FDA’s surprise handling of Moderna’s mRNA flu review and why regulators reversed course. A look at leadership upheaval at federal public health agencies and how that may weaken outbreak response. An update on measles hot spots and shifting case patterns. A roundup of current respiratory virus trends and vaccine guidance for COVID, flu, and RSV.
Feb 12, 2026 • 0sec
Episode 202: The Bells Still Ring
They dig into rising measles cases and outbreaks in immigration detention centers. They discuss plunging public trust in CDC vaccine guidance and a controversial hepatitis B trial in Africa. Funding for global health and current respiratory virus trends get coverage. A listener question about Nipah virus and a sentimental story about community bell ringing round out the conversation.
Jan 29, 2026 • 0sec
Episode 201: The Twilight Zone of Immunization
They debate recent CDC remarks about measles and rising gaps in vaccination. They examine the U.S. withdrawal from WHO and how it affects global health collaboration. They review this winter’s respiratory virus trends, including flu, COVID-19 wastewater signals, and RSV. They discuss mpox immunity, evolving strains, and barriers families face accessing healthcare amid immigration enforcement.
Jan 15, 2026 • 0sec
Episode 200: A Moment Among Moments
Sydney Redepenning, a dedicated producer and PhD candidate, and Elise Holmes, an insightful epidemiologist and podcast producer, join to celebrate a significant milestone. They discuss recent changes to childhood immunization schedules and their implications, including concerns about hepatitis B vaccination. The team also reflects on the podcast's evolution, highlights memorable moments, and emphasizes the importance of community action in public health. With a mix of data and personal stories, they encourage listeners to stay informed and engaged.
Jan 2, 2026 • 0sec
Episode 199: Flu Takes Charge
Dr. Osterholm dives into the pressing issues of the emerging flu season and its regional impacts. The discussion highlights concerns over vaccine effectiveness, especially regarding the MMR vaccine's declining public confidence. Urgency for vaccination is emphasized alongside the effectiveness of antiviral treatments. There’s a notable update on COVID activity and RSV trends, as well as a close look at the Vaccine Integrity Project’s recent video. The podcast wraps up with a reflection on public health history and the importance of community resilience.
Dec 18, 2025 • 0sec
Episode 198: Gaps in the Safety Net
The discussion highlights the complexities of comparing vaccine schedules between the US and other nations. Concerns arise over recent infant botulism cases linked to baby formula. There’s a critical overview of the FDA's handling of RSV medications and ongoing respiratory virus trends. The episode also touches on the resurgence of measles in communities with low vaccination rates. Finally, new antibiotics for gonorrhea signal hope in public health advancements.
Dec 8, 2025 • 0sec
Special Episode: ACIP's Hepatitis B Vaccine Decisions
A recent decision by the ACIP to end universal hepatitis B birth dose recommendations raises alarms about public health. Dr. Osterholm expresses concerns over the implications for trust in federal vaccine guidance. He reviews the effectiveness of historical strategies against hepatitis B and highlights critical gaps in prenatal screening. Without new safety data, he predicts a rise in infant infections. The discussion also touches on the ideological motivations behind the decision, suggesting future threats to other vaccine recommendations.
Dec 4, 2025 • 0sec
Episode 197: Fork in the Road
The discussion reveals shocking changes to the CDC's stance on vaccines and autism, eroding public trust. Dr. Osterholm highlights an alarming infant botulism outbreak linked to formula and criticizes potential bureaucratic changes affecting vaccine recommendations. He expresses concerns over the recent appointment of an anti-vaccine advocate to the CDC. Additionally, perspectives on the implications of stricter standards for vaccine approvals raise ethical questions. The latest updates on respiratory viruses and C. difficile vaccine candidates provide crucial insights.
