Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP)

02/28/2026

WHO updates all 3 viral strains to be included in fall flu shots

The recommendation for vaccines for the next flu season includes a new influenza variant—subclade K—that started to increase last fall.

https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/influenza-vaccines/who-updates-all-3-viral-strains-be-included-fall-flu-shots

02/27/2026

Meningococcal B vaccine fails to prevent gonorrhea, trial finds

Among gay and bisexual men with a history of gonorrhea infection who received either the 4CMenB vaccine or placebo, gonorrhea incidence was essentially the same—roughly 48% in both arms.

https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/gonorrhea/meningococcal-b-vaccine-fails-prevent-gonorrhea-trial-finds

02/27/2026

European regulators recommend approval of combined mRNA vaccine for flu and COVID

If the recommendation is accepted by the European Commission, Moderna's mCombriax vaccine will be available for adults 50 and older throughout the European Union.

https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/european-regulators-recommend-approval-combined-mrna-vaccine-flu-and-covid

02/27/2026

US measles cases soar past 1,100

The number of infections reached 1,136, putting the US on pace to exceed last year’s 2,281 total by springtime

https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/measles/us-measles-cases-soar-past-1100

Photo: Heather Hazzan / Self Magazine

02/27/2026

US activity still high, with 8 more pediatric deaths

Levels of also remain high in many areas of the country, while -19 activity is waning in most of the country.

https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/influenza-general/us-flu-activity-still-high-8-more-pediatric-deaths

02/27/2026

Quick takes: Infant formula outbreak, AI in trace-back, US-DR Congo public health pact, in 5 nations

The CDC ends its investigation into the infant botulism outbreak traced to ByHeart formula and lowers the case number.

The CDC has ended its investigation into the recent multistate infant botulism outbreak traced to ByHeart powdered formula and lowered the total case number by three.

02/27/2026

Over 40% of health care workers had insomnia during, after pandemic peak

Both geographic location and work setting are tied to insomnia risk.

https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/over-40-health-care-workers-had-insomnia-during-after-covid-pandemic-peak

02/27/2026

CARB-X targets 4 product themes for new funding round

CARB-X is looking to fund projects focused on gram-negative bacteria, novel chemistry, and non-vaccine approaches for preventing neonatal sepsis.

CARB-X is looking to fund projects focused on gram-negative bacteria, novel chemistry, and non-vaccine approaches for preventing neonatal sepsis.

02/27/2026

Veterans in supported housing more likely to receive flu shot

A new study finds veterans in a Department of Veterans Affairs supported housing program were about 50% more likely to receive a flu shot compared with veterans not enrolled in the program.

https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/influenza-vaccines/veterans-supported-housing-more-likely-receive-flu-shot

02/26/2026

New analysis from the Common Health Coalition and researchers at the Yale School of Public Health highlights the widespread consequences of declining childhood vaccination coverage.

The report estimates that a 1% annual decline in MMR vaccination could result in more than 17,000 measles cases and ~$1.5 billion in additional annual costs by 2030. These costs will fall on families, health systems, public health departments, and employers.

These findings underscore how critical sustained investment in immunization infrastructure and cross-sector collaboration are to protecting children and maintaining health system stability.

Explore the full brief from Common Health Coalition and researchers at the Yale School of Public Health: https://ow.ly/Ox2450YmJtG

02/26/2026

2025 measles resurgence carries estimated $244 million price tag

Between 1994 and 2023, measles vaccination prevented an estimated 85,000 deaths in the US. https://ow.ly/tYEJ50YmIBa

02/26/2026

Tpoxx doesn’t improve on placebo in achieving key outcomes, phase 3 trial concludes

At 29 days, the estimated cumulative rate of clinical resolution was 83% in tecovirimat recipients and 84% in those given placebo.

https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/mpox/tpoxx-doesn-t-improve-placebo-achieving-key-mpox-outcomes-phase-3-trial-concludes