The hottest Health Politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Health Politics Topics

Outbreak Outlook - National - October 28

Force of Infection • 51 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Infectious Disease Public Health Vaccination Disease outbreaks Food Safety
  1. Currently, respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 and RSV are at low levels across the country, which is a relief.
  2. Food recalls are happening for various products due to contamination, so it’s important to check what you have at home.
  3. There's a recommendation for a second COVID-19 vaccine dose for older adults and those at high risk to help protect against severe illness.

Part 2: Answering reader questions on H5N1

Force of Infection • 38 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Infectious Diseases Public Health Food Safety Preventive measures
  1. H5N1 mostly spreads through close contact with infected animals, which means people who work with animals are at higher risk.
  2. The virus can survive on surfaces for varying amounts of time, which can affect how we control infection spread.
  3. Currently, there's no evidence that H5N1 spreads from person to person, but there's a concern it might someday gain that ability.

How Effective Are Vaccines Targeted To Respiratory Viruses?

Unmasked • 50 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccination Public Health Policy Debate Media influence Epidemiology
  1. The media and some leaders push a strong message that everyone should get vaccinated against respiratory viruses. This view has become widely accepted, even if it might not be entirely based on evidence.
  2. Many claims about the consequences of not getting vaccinated, like severe illness and death, turned out to be exaggerated. This raises questions about the truth behind the common vaccination messaging.
  3. There is a growing concern that the push for universal vaccination against all respiratory viruses may be an overreach, not fully supported by scientific evidence about their effectiveness.

$2,000 challenge: find a mistake in the KCOR algorithm

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 2 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology Vaccination Public Health Mortality
  1. A $2,000 public challenge asks someone to identify a material methodological flaw in the KCOR algorithm for Czech mortality data and to propose a better analysis with a reproducible test.
  2. KCOR defines fixed cohorts at a single enrollment date, excludes the first two weeks, prohibits censoring or switching, converts weekly deaths to continuous hazards, normalizes hazard shapes, and estimates effects as the ratio of cumulative hazards versus a non-COVID baseline.
  3. To win you must demonstrate a coding-independent conceptual error that makes KCOR produce a materially incorrect inference on a realistic control test and convince the organizer (via a ChatGPT vetting step); many common objections or limitations don’t qualify.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Nov 4

Force of Infection • 49 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Disease Control Vaccination Outbreak Management Food Safety
  1. Covid-19 cases are currently low across the country, but a slight rebound has been noted in the Midwest.
  2. Norovirus is on the rise, with about 12% positivity, and it spreads easily through contaminated surfaces and food, so hygiene is essential.
  3. Visits for flu-like symptoms are increasing in children under 5, indicating that flu season could be approaching soon.
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The end of lead

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 15 implied HN points • 03 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Environmental health Toxicology Regulation
  1. Lead exposure has serious health risks, especially for children, causing problems like high blood pressure and cognitive issues.
  2. Efforts to reduce lead in environments, like banning leaded gasoline and paint, have made significant progress but there are ongoing challenges in poorer countries.
  3. We already have solutions to eliminate lead exposure; we just need to implement them globally, especially by regulating sources like cosmetics and battery recycling.

Latest "Bird Flu" Psyop

Who is Robert Malone • 38 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Public Health Pharmaceuticals Infectious Diseases Government Policy
  1. The 'bird flu' situation is being used as a psychological operation to manipulate public perception. The reality is that current cases have no risk of spreading between humans and the death rate is much lower than reported.
  2. Vaccination schedules for diseases like tetanus might be overhyped. Research suggests that the immunity from these vaccines lasts much longer than what's currently recommended, meaning fewer shots could be needed.
  3. Public health strategies are becoming overly reliant on vaccination, ignoring other effective treatments. It may be worth considering older treatments and ways to handle infectious diseases without constant vaccination.

How to talk to mRNA fanatics

Unreported Truths • 43 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccination Public Health Epidemiology COVID-19
  1. Many people are starting to question the effectiveness of mRNA vaccines, as fewer are getting vaccinated this year compared to previous years. Some areas show a significant drop in vaccinations.
  2. Proponents of mRNA vaccines often rely on a chart that claims vaccinated people had lower death rates from COVID-19. However, this chart has flaws and doesn't tell the full story.
  3. It's important to address these discussions in a way that acknowledges some ground without giving up key points about vaccine safety and effectiveness.

Here is what you need to know in healthcare this week.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 119 implied HN points • 27 May 22
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Insurance Issues Pharmaceuticals Patient Advocacy Medicare
  1. Big Insurance companies have gotten very powerful and can make it hard for patients to get the care they need. They create many barriers, like high costs and complex approvals.
  2. Some healthcare organizations that once supported Big Insurance are now worried about its growing power and are asking the government to step in. They realize their previous choices contributed to the problem.
  3. Legislation is being introduced to limit the influence of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) and ensure patients have better access to medications. More people are speaking out about the negative impacts of PBMs on drug costs.

Behind the Curtain of the New CDC Panel on Vaccines

Who is Robert Malone • 14 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Public Health Policy Medical Ethics Regulation
  1. The new CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has been completely restructured with new members, who are experienced in vaccine development. This change aims to bring fresh perspectives and expertise to vaccine policies.
  2. There has been intense criticism of the new committee's decisions, indicating that no group involved was fully satisfied with the outcomes. This highlights how complex and contentious vaccine discussions can be.
  3. The upcoming interviews and discussions aim to clarify the committee’s decisions and show that they are dedicated to transparency and public health, rather than just following corporate interests.

Rep. Katie Porter's Patients Before Profit Act is exciting.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 139 implied HN points • 03 Mar 22
🏥 Health Politics Insurance Reform Public Health Legislation Patient rights Healthcare access
  1. The Patients Before Profits Act aims to protect patients by preventing insurance companies from cutting coverage during public health emergencies.
  2. This bill stops insurers from lowering payments to doctors and healthcare workers during crises like pandemics.
  3. It highlights how some insurance companies made huge profits while cutting reimbursements, hurting both doctors and patients.

Voices in Print

Force of Infection • 28 implied HN points • 06 Mar 25
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Patient rights Medical Research Public Health Healthcare policy
  1. Patients can offer valuable ideas to improve healthcare based on their personal experiences. It's important for these voices to be heard in medical discussions.
  2. The Voices in Print project connects patients with professional writers to share their suggestions in a clear way. This helps bring patient insights into medical literature.
  3. They are looking for new patient partners who have specific ideas on improving care, and participation in the project is free.

As big insurance announces record profits, skyrocketing out-of-pockets (finally) take center stage.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 99 implied HN points • 01 Aug 22
🏥 Health Politics Insurance Political Response Public Perception Healthcare Costs
  1. Insurance companies are making big profits, but many families can't afford their healthcare costs. This is making people push for change.
  2. High out-of-pocket expenses, like deductibles, are making it hard for people to use their health insurance. They often avoid seeking care because of these costs.
  3. Voters are worried about rising healthcare costs, especially out-of-pocket payments, and they want to see candidates make this a priority.

Answering reader questions on H5N1

Force of Infection • 35 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Disease Control Epidemiology Surveillance Animal health
  1. There are strong surveillance systems in place for detecting H5N1 and other influenza viruses, which helps identify outbreaks among humans quickly.
  2. While experts are confident about detecting severe H5N1 cases in hospitals, some mild cases may go unnoticed in outpatient settings.
  3. Global surveillance for H5N1 is uneven; some countries have great systems while others are less prepared, making it important to stay alert to potential cases everywhere.

Despite well-funded opposition, momentum for dental therapy continues (and Americans are already benefiting)

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 99 implied HN points • 27 Jul 22
🏥 Health Politics Dental care Healthcare policy Public Health Advocacy
  1. Dental therapists are similar to nurse practitioners and help with tasks like cleanings and fillings. They have been around for over 100 years in other countries.
  2. Many states in the U.S. are now allowing dental therapists to practice due to a shortage of dentists and the lack of access to dental care for many people.
  3. The movement for dental therapy started in Alaska and has grown across the country with support from various organizations, helping people get the dental care they need.

Wall Street investors punish Cigna for not promising them bigger profits.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 139 implied HN points • 04 Feb 22
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system Insurance Industry Wall Street Investor Relations Prescription drugs
  1. Cigna's stock dropped significantly because investors were unhappy with the company's profit expectations for the year. This shows how much pressure companies face to make big profits.
  2. Instead of using their money to help customers with lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs, Cigna preferred to buy back shares to boost profits just for shareholders.
  3. Overall, more people are feeling underinsured as healthcare costs rise, even with higher premiums, just so big companies like Cigna can keep investors satisfied.

Inconvenient History of Salk Inactivated Polio Vaccine

Who is Robert Malone • 37 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Public Health Pharmaceuticals Health Policy
  1. The Salk polio vaccine had serious safety issues, including live polio virus contamination which led to illness and deaths in children who received it. This was known as the Cutter Crisis.
  2. Bernice Eddy, a scientist who raised alarms about the vaccine's problems, faced backlash and was largely ignored for her warnings about its safety, including issues with a contaminating virus linked to cancer.
  3. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. aims to improve vaccine safety regulations and believes all medications, including vaccines, should undergo rigorous scrutiny to ensure they are safe for public use.

UnitedHealth Group has fewer private paying customers than in 2012, but its remaining customers are paying way more in premiums and deductibles

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 79 implied HN points • 18 Oct 22
🏥 Health Politics Health Policy Insurance Medicaid Medicare
  1. UnitedHealth Group has fewer private customers than it did ten years ago, but the ones it has are paying significantly more in premiums and deductibles.
  2. The average family plan has become much more expensive, and employees are shouldering more of the costs than they used to.
  3. As insurance companies keep raising prices while offering less coverage, people are essentially paying more for fewer benefits over time.

Free lecture in San Diego - How to read trials

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 40 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Medical Ethics Pharmaceuticals Healthcare policy Patient Advocacy
  1. There is a free lecture in San Diego about reading trials. It's a great opportunity for anyone wanting to learn how to understand trial results.
  2. The lecture is unique because it is not funded by pharmaceutical companies. This might give a more unbiased view on the information being discussed.
  3. Attending this lecture could help people become more knowledgeable about medical studies. It's a chance to ask questions and get clarity on trial data.

Covid 'experts' are killing evidence based medicine

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 184 implied HN points • 12 Feb 23
🏥 Health Politics Covid response Public Health Policy Impact
  1. Evidence based medicine is important, and it's crucial to generate evidence consistently.
  2. Observational research has limitations and may not accurately determine if medical interventions work.
  3. Misinterpretations and flawed studies by so-called 'experts' can harm evidence based medicine and public health.

VSRF LIVE TONIGHT: Episode 207 with Dr. Robert Redfield, MD.

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 2 implied HN points • 11 Dec 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccines Pandemic response Government Policy Epidemiology Bioethics Health Communication
  1. A former CDC director gives an insider perspective questioning key COVID-era decisions and calling for greater transparency in how those choices were made.
  2. The conversation will tackle controversial topics like vaccine safety, the origins of SARS-CoV-2, high‑risk research, and alleged ignored treatment protocols.
  3. The goal is to revisit past decisions to learn lessons and push for better data sharing and preparedness for future public‑health emergencies.

Draft Release Pamphlet for Comments

Gordian Knot News • 95 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Safety Medical care Regulation
  1. The Gordian Knot Group is seeking help from the community for feedback on a release package for radiation emergencies.
  2. The package includes safety items like dosimeters, N95 masks, and potassium-iodide pills, along with informational pamphlets.
  3. Feedback on the draft pamphlet and the need for an illustrator is requested, with incentive for compensation and recognition.

Analysis of the "Groundbreaking" Multiple Sclerosis Study

Tessa Fights Robots • 10 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Medical Research Neurology Public Health Healthcare policy
  1. Recent research on multiple sclerosis (MS) has generated interest but may not be as revolutionary as some claim. It's important to look at the details.
  2. The study connects MS to possible infectious triggers, which opens up new ways to think about neurological symptoms.
  3. Personal insights and discussions can help make sense of complex studies, and sharing perspectives can lead to better understanding.

VSRF LIVE TONIGHT: Episode 209 with Nicolas Hulscher, MPH.

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 1 implied HN point • 08 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Pandemic response Public Policy Epidemiology Vaccine Safety Preventive Health Health Outcomes
  1. The show questions whether the data truly justified major COVID-era policies like lockdowns, mandates, and testing strategies.
  2. It centers the experiences of vaccine‑injured people and frontline advocates to highlight real health harms and demand more transparent, evidence-based science.
  3. The discussion examines contested and under-studied topics—vitamin D’s role, differences in outcomes between vaccinated and unvaccinated people, and research on amyloid microclots and spike-related pathology—and considers what new CDC guidance and the Food Pyramid reveal about public-health priorities.

ACIP Debrief- June 2025

Who is Robert Malone • 13 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccines Policy Healthcare
  1. The ACIP recently approved a monoclonal antibody called Clesrovimab for infants who didn't get RSV protection from their mothers. This helps prevent severe RSV illness in newborns.
  2. They also decided to phase out thimerosal in flu vaccines for everyone, pushing for single-dose options. This move aims to enhance vaccine safety and promote public trust.
  3. The new committee emphasized transparency and patient-centered decisions as key priorities for public health. They want to base their recommendations on solid scientific data to keep everyone informed.

Impending Medical Doom—AGAIN—and What We Can Do to Stay Sane

Tessa Fights Robots • 35 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Infectious Diseases Health Policy Preventive Medicine Vaccination
  1. It's important to pay attention to fungal and parasitic infections as they can affect our health in many ways. Focusing on prevention through diet and natural remedies can help.
  2. The idea of looming medical crises often comes up, and we should think critically about the information presented to us. Staying informed allows us to make better decisions.
  3. Finding ways to manage stress and include humor in our lives is essential. Laughter can be a powerful tool for our mental and emotional well-being.

V-Safe Part 10: Federal Judge Orders CDC to Make Public 7.8 Million V-safe Free-Text Entries Within 12 Months

Injecting Freedom • 91 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health COVID-19 vaccines Government transparency Medical Research
  1. Federal Judge orders CDC to release 7.8 million V-safe free-text entries for public access.
  2. The decision aims to promote transparency, trust, and accountability in government health data.
  3. Releasing the V-safe data is crucial for independent research and evaluating the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines.

RSV Vaccine Safety Signals Raise Alarms

Who is Robert Malone • 12 implied HN points • 03 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination Safety Research Policy
  1. There are serious safety concerns about the RSV vaccines, especially linked to Guillain-Barré Syndrome, which can cause severe health issues.
  2. Some women who got the RSV vaccines during pregnancy faced complications like preterm births, suggesting that the vaccines might be risky for them.
  3. The monitoring system for vaccine safety revealed alarming reports, including deaths and serious allergic reactions, highlighting the need for careful oversight.

Reforming the NIH’s Intramural Program

The Good Science Project • 29 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Health Policy Biomedical Research Government oversight Public Health
  1. The NIH's Intramural Research Program (IRP) needs major changes to better support innovative research. It was meant for high-risk projects, but now resembles traditional university grant-funded research.
  2. There's a call for more transparency and less bureaucracy in the IRP to help scientists focus on their research. Right now, unnecessary paperwork and spending limits reduce their ability to innovate.
  3. To boost true high-risk research, the IRP should evaluate its ongoing projects compared to other research being done outside the NIH. This way, they can ensure they are doing unique work that couldn’t be done elsewhere.

Try This at Home: The World's Simplest Germ Killer

OK Doomer • 24 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccines Disease Prevention Health Policy Medical Ethics
  1. Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a natural germ killer that our bodies already produce to fight germs. It's similar to bleach but safe for use.
  2. There is a growing movement against vaccines in some states, with groups pushing for bans. This comes at a critical time for vaccine development.
  3. Using safe, effective germ-killing methods at home can be important, especially in light of public health concerns and vaccine hesitancy.

Who Needs RFK Jr. When We've Already Got a Corrupt CDC?

OK Doomer • 34 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Healthcare policy Misinformation
  1. The CDC has not recommended N95 respirators for healthcare, which many experts believe is a mistake. This decision could put people’s health at risk during airborne illness outbreaks.
  2. A key committee at the CDC seems to have ignored advice from experts in aerosols and has not been listening to public health concerns. This lack of attention to scientific evidence is worrying.
  3. Only one member from the committee stood up for N95 masks during the meeting, highlighting a lack of support for stronger protective measures. It's important for health decisions to be made based on science and safety.

Long COVID – a dystopian game of pinball

Independent SAGE continues • 1 HN point • 01 Aug 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Chronic Illness COVID-19 Medical Research Healthcare policy
  1. Long COVID can make people very sick for months or even years after they initially recover from COVID-19. Symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and breathing problems can really affect daily life.
  2. There isn't a simple test to diagnose Long COVID, which can lead to people doubting its seriousness. However, it's a complex condition that can affect many different parts of the body.
  3. To help prevent Long COVID, it's important to get vaccinated, avoid crowded places, and take care of yourself if you do get COVID-19. Rest and anti-viral medications can help with recovery.

Holiday on Omicron Ice

Ladyparts • 99 implied HN points • 22 Dec 21
🏥 Health Politics COVID-19 Response Healthcare system Affordability Insurance Coverage
  1. Being prepared for the Omicron variant is crucial as it can unpredictably impact families, communities, and healthcare systems.
  2. Disparities in access to Covid testing exist globally, with some countries offering free or affordable tests while others struggle with availability and cost.
  3. The financial strain of Covid testing can significantly impact individuals and families, especially with the rising costs of living and limited access to free tests in the U.S.

Why is Canada's healthcare system so bad?

The Primordial Startup • 19 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system Physicians
  1. Canada's healthcare system faces doctor shortages and long wait times compared to other countries.
  2. The problem lies in the low ratio of doctors to population, with Canada trailing behind countries like the US, Australia, and the UK in terms of doctors per capita.
  3. To improve healthcare, Canada needs to reallocate its existing spending to have more doctors and less administrative staff.

A flawed paper claims COVID19 vaccines prevent cardiovascular complications for a YEAR after the shot

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 67 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Medical Literature
  1. When reading medical papers, it's important to consider the methodology used by researchers and look beyond just the main data presented.
  2. It's crucial to be aware of negative control outcomes, which are endpoints that cannot possibly be linked to the exposure being studied.
  3. The flawed paper in question claims that COVID-19 vaccines prevent cardiovascular complications for up to a year after vaccination, but upon closer examination, the study's methodology and conclusions are highly questionable.