DENVER, CO — In a powerful effort to build trust around vaccines in a historically Black community, local parents and healthcare advocates in Denver came together to share their personal stories about flu shots. But after years of work, their voices were silenced before their impact could even be measured.

The federally funded project, backed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), was abruptly shut down by the Trump administration — cutting off a study that many hoped could be a model for tackling vaccine hesitancy.

A Grassroots Effort to Build Trust

The initiative was led by pediatrician Dr. Joshua Williams at Denver Health, who teamed up with the nonprofit Center for African American Health. Their goal was simple but powerful: use storytelling to encourage flu vaccinations by sharing real-life experiences from within the community.

Over two years, volunteers attended workshops, shared personal journeys, and worked with professionals to turn their stories into short, heartfelt videos. These stories were then sent as text messages to 200 families served by two local clinics.

In one video, a mother shared how getting her first flu shot with her daughter marked a step in reclaiming her independence. In another, a grandmother reflected on missing a vaccine appointment — a mistake that led to her grandson being hospitalized on his fourth birthday.

Chantyl Busby, a local mom and community adviser to the project, said the initiative made her feel seen. “For someone like me, from the Black community who income-wise is on the lower end, we don’t often have a voice,” she said. “Having this funding taken away sends a horrible, horrible message.”

Canceled Before Results Could Be Measured

The study’s cancellation means no one will ever know if the videos influenced vaccine decisions. Years of community engagement and NIH funding went down the drain — and the researchers’ careers may be impacted, too.

Dr. Williams, who regularly talks to hesitant parents, had hoped the project would offer a scalable solution for addressing vaccine doubts — especially as the U.S. faces its worst pediatric flu season in 15 years, with at least 216 children dead.

“We need to understand what is creating this challenge to vaccines and why,” said infectious disease expert Michael Osterholm. “We are entering a scientific dark age.”

More Urgency, Less Support

The need for vaccine trust-building has never been greater. Measles and whooping cough cases are on the rise, largely driven by unvaccinated children. Yet federal support for public health education is shrinking, and vaccine hesitancy research is being deprioritized.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has publicly cast doubt on vaccines despite overwhelming scientific evidence supporting their safety. On top of that, Trump administration policies have created uncertainty around COVID-19 vaccine availability this fall.

A Doctor’s Mission Continues

Despite the setback, Dr. Williams isn’t giving up. He’s asked for permission to use some of the community-made videos in his clinic — even if he can’t measure their broader impact.

He often tells parents that his own kids are vaccinated. He also shares stories from his 95-year-old grandmother, who still remembers the fear of polio before the vaccine era.

“We’ve lost the collective memory of what it’s like to live with these diseases,” Williams said. “It’s going to take a community-wide voice to remind those in power why infection prevention and vaccine education matter.”

Source: AP News – A community rallied to share flu shot experiences. Then the government stopped the study

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Seminole, Texas — U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited the heart of Texas’ growing measles outbreak on Sunday — the same day a funeral was held for a second young child who died from complications tied to the disease.

Kennedy, who was once known for his anti-vaccine stance, shared on social media that he traveled to Gaines County “to help control the outbreak” and offer comfort to grieving families. He was seen outside a local Mennonite church where the child’s funeral took place, but did not attend a nearby CDC press briefing.

The outbreak, centered in Seminole, began in late January and shows no sign of slowing. Texas now reports nearly 500 cases, with infections believed to have spread to New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, and even Mexico.

The most recent victim — a child with no underlying health conditions — died Thursday from measles pulmonary failure, according to state health officials. The child had been receiving treatment at UMC Health System in Lubbock.

This marks the third death linked to the outbreak:

• A young child in Texas
• An adult in New Mexico
• And now, another young child in Seminole

None of the individuals who died were vaccinated.

Kennedy, who took office earlier this year, had previously resisted calls to promote vaccinations. But in a shift, he acknowledged in a statement posted to X that vaccination is “the most effective way to prevent the spread of measles.”

The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine has been safely used for over 60 years and is 97% effective after two doses.

Still, Kennedy’s earlier vaccine skepticism, combined with mixed messaging from officials, has raised concerns among public health experts.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that a new team was sent to the region on Sunday, after a previous team departed April 1. Dr. Manisha Patel, leading the new response, urged families not to delay seeking care for children showing symptoms.

“Call your doctor,” Patel said. “A healthcare professional can guide you on the next steps.”

Despite the urgency, official CDC statements stopped short of urging the public to get vaccinated — instead calling it a “personal decision” while emphasizing the need to be informed about vaccine risks and benefits.

Between March 28 and April 4, Texas saw 81 new measles cases and 16 additional hospitalizations. Nationwide, the U.S. has already surpassed the total number of measles cases reported in all of 2024 — and it’s only April.

Senator Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican and liver specialist who voted to confirm Kennedy, sharply criticized the response, writing on X:

“Everyone should be vaccinated! There is no treatment for measles. No benefit to getting measles.”

Cassidy has asked Kennedy to testify before the Senate health committee this Thursday. It remains unclear whether Kennedy will appear.

Medical staff in Lubbock report treating children with vitamin A toxicity, linked to attempts by some families to treat measles with high doses of the supplement — a method unsupported by doctors.

Dr. Lara Johnson of Covenant Children’s Hospital said parents reported using vitamin A to prevent or treat measles. Doctors emphasize that such supplements should only be given under medical supervision.

Meanwhile, Dr. Peter Marks, the former FDA vaccine chief ousted after clashing with Kennedy, placed blame on current leadership.

“These are needless deaths,” Marks told the Associated Press. “Vaccination is how you prevent people from dying of measles.”

The CDC warns that if the outbreak continues, the U.S. could lose its measles elimination status, a designation it earned in 2000.

With declining childhood vaccination rates and cases spreading across state lines, experts predict this outbreak may last months — or even into next year.

Measles is highly contagious. It can live in the air for up to two hours, and 9 out of 10 unvaccinated people exposed to the virus will get infected. The CDC recommends the first MMR dose between 12–15 months, and the second between 4–6 years.

Source: AP News – RFK Jr. visits epicenter of Texas measles outbreak after death of second child who was infected

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Iron deficiency is one of the world’s leading causes of disability, yet experts remain divided on when it becomes a serious issue and the best approach to treating it.

When Megan Ryan, a single mother from upstate New York, first experienced constant fatigue, she attributed it to the challenges of balancing full-time work and raising a three-year-old. She dismissed her exhaustion as just part of motherhood—until a routine medical check-up in June 2023 revealed that she had iron deficiency anemia.

Looking back, there were other warning signs: breathlessness during routine hikes and an unusual craving for ice—an indicator of pica, a common symptom of iron deficiency.

Ryan’s experience reflects a broader global health issue. Iron deficiency is the most common micronutrient deficiency worldwide, affecting one in three people. The condition is particularly prevalent among children and women of reproductive age, including pregnant women.

Iron is essential for red blood cell production and oxygen transport throughout the body. Without enough of it, various health problems can arise:

• Pregnant Women: Increased risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and impaired fetal brain development.
• Infants & Toddlers: Long-term developmental delays, behavioral issues, and reduced cognitive abilities.
• Adults: Fatigue, weakness, and in severe cases, life-threatening complications.

“It’s a major global problem,” says Michael Zimmermann, a professor of human nutrition at the University of Oxford. “It’s very common, it’s not going away fast, and it’s associated with significant disability.”

Some populations are more susceptible to iron deficiency than others:

• Women: Menstruation and pregnancy increase vulnerability. One study found that 46% of UK women had anemia at some point during pregnancy.
• Athletes: Endurance sports increase iron needs, putting athletes at higher risk.
• Vegetarians & Vegans: Plant-based diets often contain less bioavailable iron than meat-based diets.
• Frequent Blood Donors: Repeated donations can deplete iron levels.
• Individuals with Certain Medical Conditions: Kidney disease and celiac disease can reduce iron absorption.

Children are especially vulnerable due to rapid growth. “Infancy is the most rapid period of growth in our entire lifespan,” explains Mark Corkins of the American Academy of Pediatrics. “Without enough iron, the body struggles to produce the red blood cells necessary for proper oxygen delivery.”

Studies in Africa show that up to 70% of babies aged 6–12 months suffer from iron-deficiency anemia. Even in wealthier nations, the condition persists—affecting up to 4% of toddlers in the U.S.

Iron deficiency and anemia are not the same thing, though they are closely related.

• Iron Deficiency: Occurs when the body lacks adequate iron stores but may not yet impact red blood cell production.
• Iron-Deficiency Anemia: The stage where iron levels are so low that they affect hemoglobin levels, leading to fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms.

Diagnosis is typically made through blood tests measuring ferritin (a protein that stores iron) and hemoglobin levels.

The role of iron supplements is a topic of ongoing debate. While supplementation is often recommended for those with diagnosed deficiency, some researchers question its necessity for individuals without symptoms.

A review co-authored by clinical hematologist Sant-Rayn Pasricha found that while iron supplementation improved fatigue in women who reported feeling exhausted, it had no effect on women with iron deficiency who did not feel fatigued.

“For those who are clinically unwell with iron deficiency, treatment is beneficial,” says Pasricha. “But for those without symptoms, it’s unclear if supplementation improves health.”

This uncertainty is particularly relevant for children. One large study in Bangladesh found that iron supplements improved iron levels but did not enhance neurodevelopment. Another study revealed that infants who received high-iron formula performed worse on cognitive tests years later compared to those on low-iron formula.

Some experts argue that supplementing iron unnecessarily could have downsides, including digestive issues and altered gut microbiomes. Zimmermann warns that excessive iron supplementation in infants could encourage harmful bacterial growth, such as E. coli.

Given these risks, many experts advise consulting a doctor before starting iron supplements.

A balanced diet remains the best way to maintain adequate iron levels.

• Heme Iron (Easily Absorbed): Found in red meat, liver, poultry, and fish.
• Non-Heme Iron (Less Absorbed): Present in beans, lentils, nuts, and iron-fortified cereals.
• Vitamin C Boosts Absorption: Pairing iron-rich foods with sources of vitamin C (such as citrus fruits or bell peppers) enhances absorption.

In the U.S., the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants aged 6–12 months consume 11 mg of iron daily, while toddlers need 7 mg per day. Many pediatricians advocate for breastfed babies to receive iron drops starting at four months, as breastmilk alone does not provide sufficient iron. However, some researchers question this approach, citing potential drawbacks.

For those diagnosed with iron deficiency, recovery takes time. Megan Ryan, for instance, required iron infusions every two weeks for five months before her energy levels improved.

“It wasn’t a quick fix,” she says, “but I finally started feeling normal again.”

While iron deficiency remains a significant global challenge, ongoing research aims to clarify when and how supplementation should be used—ensuring that people receive the right treatment at the right time.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional regarding any concerns about your health or nutrition.

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The United States is experiencing its most intense flu season in 15 years, with federal health officials investigating whether it has led to a rise in rare but life-threatening brain complications in children.

Flu Deaths and Rising Concerns

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 19,000 people have died from the flu this winter, including 86 children. Among those child deaths, at least nine experienced serious brain complications. The CDC has now asked state health departments to help determine if there are more such cases.

Flu Shot Effectiveness: Some Good News

Despite the severity of this flu season, flu shots have been effective in preventing hospitalizations. According to preliminary CDC data:

• Vaccinated children were 64% to 78% less likely to be hospitalized.
• Vaccinated adults were 41% to 55% less likely to be hospitalized.

Although flu shots do not always prevent infection, they play a crucial role in reducing severe illness and death. “The vaccine’s main role is to keep you out of the hospital and to keep you alive,” said Dr. William Schaffner, a vaccine expert at Vanderbilt University.

Still, it’s not too late to get vaccinated.
“If you haven’t gotten your flu shot yet, get it because we’re still seeing high flu circulation in most of the country,” urged Dr. Sean O’Leary of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Brain Complications in Children: What to Watch For

Health officials have warned doctors to be on alert for children with flu symptoms who also experience:

• Seizures
• Hallucinations
• Other neurological symptoms

These signs may indicate influenza-associated encephalopathy or encephalitis, including a more severe subtype called acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE). Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain and can lead to long-term neurological issues.

The CDC’s analysis of 1,840 child flu deaths since 2010 found that 166 cases involved neurological complications—most in unvaccinated children. However, it is still unclear whether this season’s cases represent an increase in frequency.

Dr. Keith Van Haren of Stanford Medicine Children’s Health has tracked about 15 severe flu-related encephalopathy cases across the country, with additional suspected cases under review.

What Parents Need to Know

While these complications are rare, parents should seek immediate medical attention if a child with the flu shows:

• Labored breathing
• Unusual behavior or confusion
• Seizures or persistent high fever

“Doctors typically see more neurological complications in severe flu seasons, possibly linked to specific influenza strains,” said Dr. O’Leary. Survivors of these complications may experience long-term seizures or other neurological issues.

Uncertainty Over Next Season’s Flu Vaccine

Meanwhile, vaccine manufacturers are already preparing next winter’s flu shots. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) abruptly canceled a key meeting scheduled for March 13, where experts were supposed to decide on the vaccine’s composition.

Dr. O’Leary emphasized the importance of transparency in vaccine decision-making:
“We have historically worked really hard to get transparency around all of these vaccine discussions.”

The FDA will still make its recommendations in time for manufacturers to produce updated vaccines for the 2025-2026 flu season, according to Andrew Nixon, communications director for the Department of Health and Human Services.

Takeaway: Stay Protected

• Flu vaccines remain the best defense against severe illness and complications.
• Parents should be aware of potential neurological symptoms in children with the flu.
• Despite the uncertainty, next season’s flu vaccine is still in development.

This flu season continues to be severe, but vaccination remains a key tool in protecting both children and adults.

Source

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