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Published: October 3, 2025
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Vaccine-Preventable Diseases: Protection, Policy, and the Path Forward
Vaccines remain one of the most powerful and cost-effective tools in public health. But the systems that support them—surveillance, communication, clinical access, and public trust—are under pressure. Rising rates of measles, pertussis, and other vaccine-preventable diseases signal deeper challenges in messaging, infrastructure, and national coordination.
This Hub organises Dr. Jay Varma’s vaccine-related reporting so readers can quickly find what to do now, what the data say, and why policy decisions matter. From outbreak detection and maternal immunisation to governance shifts and border health, these articles connect the science of vaccines to the systems that make them work—or not.
Sub-Clusters
Measles / MMR
Short, actionable explainers on the resurgence of measles and its broader implications for national immunisation strategy.
- Why I Keep Talking About Measles — Why measles keeps returning and why renewed focus on MMR matters.
- Where Is the CDC on Measles? — What’s driving confusion, and what CDC should do next.
- Why Measles Treatment Research Matters—Even If Vaccination Is the Priority — Why therapeutics research complements—not replaces—vaccination.
Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
Context for the current surge and guidance on protecting the most vulnerable, including newborns.
- Whooping Cough Is Back. Babies Are Dying. Why Is This Happening? — What’s behind the rise and how to reduce risk, including the role of maternal Tdap.
Polio
Understanding polio resurgence, IPV vs OPV, and what new detections mean for families and global coordination.
- Polio Vaccine: Two Vaccines, One Mission Against a Paralyzing Disease — Clear guidance on vaccine options and global context.
Influenza
Why timing, formulation, and uptake still matter each season—especially in a post-COVID risk landscape.
- Flu Season Is Ending in the U.S. Why That Matters. — What end-of-season trends mean for risk, testing, and vaccination.
COVID-19 (Variants & Vaccination)
Actionable, data-informed guidance when variants shift and vaccine recommendations evolve.
- COVID Variant NV.1.81 – Should You Be Worried? — Plain-language risk framing and what to do next about shots and precautions.
Travel & Special Vaccines
Guidance for travelers, clinicians, and those navigating destination-specific requirements and global outbreaks.
- Why Yellow Fever Is Back in the Headlines—And What Travelers Need to Know — Who needs yellow fever vaccine, documentation rules, and itinerary-based risk.
Vaccine Policy & Governance
How decisions get made, why public trust matters, and what policy shifts mean for clinicians and the public.
- Inside the ACIP Shake-Up: How Former CDC Experts Reacted to RFK Jr.’s New Vaccine Committee — Reactions from CDC advisors and what this signals for vaccine governance and trust.
Why This Hub Matters
Vaccines are not just a scientific achievement—they are a systems challenge. When uptake falters or public trust erodes, the consequences aren’t theoretical. They’re measured in missed school days, hospital admissions, and unnecessary deaths.
This Hub gathers the science, policy context, and real-world stories behind vaccine-preventable diseases—connecting what’s happening in the clinic to what’s happening in Washington, in communities, and in the media. The goal is to make those connections visible, accessible, and useful for those working to protect public health.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why are vaccine-preventable diseases rising again in the U.S.?
- What’s the difference between MMR and individual measles vaccines?
- Should adults get Tdap even if they were vaccinated as children?
- How do COVID-19 variant updates affect vaccine guidance?
- What is ACIP and how does it shape vaccine recommendations?
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