Amid unusually high flu activity in Georgia—going beyond the typical one-to-10 scale—local health authorities are providing no-cost flu shots for those without insurance. The initiative aims to contain the virus’s spread and ensure community-wide protection.
Health officials in North Carolina are reporting a rise in measles cases among children. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends vaccination for all unvaccinated individuals aged one year and older to help contain the spread.
Despite already low vaccination rates among kindergarteners, Oregon may see further declines now that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has ended its routine recommendation for the hepatitis B vaccine at birth. Parents’ growing reluctance to immunize their school-age children heightens public health concerns statewide.
This year could mark the first time in New Hampshire’s recorded history that more women die from overdoses than men. Although overall overdose deaths in the state continue to decline, the gender gap appears to be widening.
In a letter to the editor, a SUNY Upstate Medical University student warns that Syracuse’s aging lead pipes need immediate attention. Calling for prioritized replacement and heightened community awareness, the writer urges city leaders to act swiftly to protect public health.
Idaho’s trustees have rung the alarm about the growing epidemic of teen vaping, urging state legislators to take immediate action. The current tobacco tax law, written in 1974, does not address electronic cigarettes—leaving a vital public health gap unaddressed. Trustees believe updating this statute will be a crucial step in preventing further misuse of vaping products.
Texas is on track to reach a record number of whooping cough cases, with Bexar County already reporting over 200 infections among children. Officials and public health agencies emphasize preventative measures, particularly vaccination, to stem the growing tide of this respiratory disease.
Baja California has launched a “Clean Air” campaign to address rising concerns about seasonal pollution. The effort aims to protect public health and reduce environmental impacts in the winter months.
An audit of Pennsylvania’s Department of Health has raised questions about EMS fund management, prompting House Republicans to call for a new EMS Commissioner Office. Lawmakers believe a structure modeled on the Fire Commissioner’s Office could boost accountability and oversight.
A live Charlotte Talks recording event is set to revisit the 1944 polio epidemic in Catawba County, examining how a close-knit community rallied in record time. This swift collaboration became known across North Carolina as the “Miracle of Hickory,” a testament to the power of unity against a public health threat.
