The hottest Child Health Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics

Top 5 questions about school vaccination requirements

Your Local Epidemiologist • 877 implied HN points • 11 Mar 26
🏥 Health Politics Child Health
  1. State school vaccination rules are shifting: some states are moving toward stricter medical-only exemptions while others are passing laws to weaken or block requirements, so this will remain a live policy battle, not a settled issue.
  2. School immunization requirements do more than boost vaccine rates — they create routine healthcare visits that catch other health problems and keep kids in school, so weakening them can reduce both vaccination coverage and important points of health access.
  3. When discussing policy, focus on shared values and practical arguments: emphasize keeping schools open, the high cost of outbreaks, and middle-ground fixes like making exemptions harder to obtain or tying them to education rather than eliminating requirements entirely.

A unilateral change to childhood vaccines: What it means for you

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1755 implied HN points • 06 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Child Health
  1. The federal government abruptly changed the routine childhood vaccine schedule to recommend protection against 11 instead of 17 diseases and moved many vaccines to a shared clinical decision-making approach without the usual advisory process.
  2. Because the U.S. health system is fragmented and uneven, that shift is likely to reduce vaccination rates and lead to more preventable infections — examples include risks for hepatitis B and flu when universal protections are removed.
  3. The American Academy of Pediatrics still recommends the previous schedule, vaccines are currently covered by major public and private insurers, and families should talk to their pediatrician and advocate with state officials to keep strong vaccine protections.

Documenting Hope - This Org's Research Helps us Understand and Improve Children's Health

Popular Rationalism • 297 implied HN points • 03 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Child Health
  1. There is a silent auction happening to raise funds for children's health, closing on October 4, 2024. It's a good chance to bid on some unique items and support a worthy cause.
  2. The auction features valuable items like health screenings and coaching packages, with some starting bids as low as $50. You might find something great while helping kids!
  3. All proceeds from the auction will benefit the Documenting Hope organization, which focuses on improving children's health. It's a way to contribute to important research and initiatives for children.

Mass shootings outnumber annual days in U.S., children are missing school due to measles, Covid-19 is peeping around the corner, and some hope

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1633 implied HN points • 15 Dec 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Child Health
  1. Mass shootings in the U.S. are happening more than once per day and represent a widespread, preventable public‑health crisis that evidence shows can be reduced with stricter firearm policies.
  2. Respiratory illnesses are surging: flu is rising among children (with low vaccination rates and early pediatric deaths reported) and Covid‑19 is increasing in parts of the country, so masking in crowded indoor spaces, testing when appropriate, staying home while sick, and staying up to date on vaccines can help protect others.
  3. Measles outbreaks are growing, causing many cases and hundreds of children to miss school, and vaccination plus following local public‑health guidance is the key way to stop these outbreaks.

ScienceVs: Trans Kids Health Care: Are We Getting It Wrong? (II)

Carolina Curmudgeon • 39 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Child Health
  1. The podcast only featured experts who support gender-affirming care, not those who might question its effectiveness. This creates a one-sided view of a complicated issue.
  2. The discussion did not challenge any ideas about gender identity or question the idea that being trans is just as normal as being cisgender. This could limit understanding of the topic.
  3. A study noted that using a preferred name can significantly reduce suicidal thoughts in gender dysphoric kids. However, instead of pushing for medical treatments, maybe simple name changes and support could be a better first step.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Health Insurers Increasingly Prevent Care for Children, New Congressional Report Finds

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 599 implied HN points • 13 Jun 24
🏥 Health Politics Child Health
  1. Health insurers are making it harder for children to get necessary medical care. This often happens through a process called prior authorization, where doctors need approval from insurers before treating patients.
  2. A recent government report found that private insurers have inconsistent rules about approving basic health screenings and treatments for kids, which is crucial for their long-term health.
  3. The report suggests the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services should check if insurers can really ask for prior approval for care that doesn't need it according to regulations. This is important to ensure all children get the preventative care they need.

The Sky Did Not Fall After CDC Ended Routine Recommendation for Five Vaccines

Injecting Freedom • 93 implied HN points • 09 Feb 26
🏥 Health Politics Child Health
  1. CDC removed five childhood vaccines (Hep B, rotavirus, MenACWY, Hep A, and influenza) from its routine schedule and shifted them into "high risk" or "shared clinical decision‑making" categories.
  2. HHS emphasized personal autonomy and informed consent, warned against coercion, and called for better, more transparent science—including placebo‑controlled trials—while acknowledging that vaccine adverse events can occur months or years later.
  3. The vaccines remain available and are generally still covered by insurance, and some advocates are urging further changes to classify other vaccines (like DTaP, Tdap, and IPV) as non‑routine because they don’t fully stop transmission.

Technology and Grieving

Margins by Ranjan Roy and Can Duruk • 5203 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Child Health
  1. Technology can help us understand and communicate health issues better. Tools like generative AI can make complex medical information easier to grasp for everyone.
  2. Grieving is a personal journey that everyone experiences differently. It's important to remember that your feelings of loss and sorrow are valid, and sharing your story can help others feel less alone.
  3. Creating memories with loved ones is crucial. Spending time with family, sharing experiences, and cherishing little moments can make a lasting impact, even after they've gone.

Does Pharma Still Have Immunity for Vaccine Injuries?

Injecting Freedom • 70 implied HN points • 02 Feb 26
🏥 Health Politics Child Health
  1. The 1986 National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act bars civil lawsuits against vaccine makers and administrators, but only for injuries tied to vaccines listed on the Vaccine Injury Table.
  2. Only vaccines that are recommended for routine use in children or pregnant women are placed on that table, so changes to the routine schedule affect which vaccines are covered.
  3. The Department of Health and Human Services must amend the Vaccine Injury Table when recommendations change, meaning removing a vaccine from routine recommendation could strip manufacturers of that statutory immunity.

ScienceVs revisits the issue of gender affirming care for children with gender dysphoria.

Carolina Curmudgeon • 19 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Child Health
  1. ScienceVs has both criticized and supported gender affirming care for children with gender dysphoria. They seem to have a bias in how they present the evidence surrounding this care.
  2. A recent study found that many teens who initially identified as trans ended up identifying as cis later. This suggests that some may not need medical intervention.
  3. The effects of hormone treatments can lead to serious and permanent health issues. Critics argue that children should not be put on these treatments if there’s a chance they might change their identity later.

ACIP at a Historic Turning Point

Injecting Freedom • 72 implied HN points • 11 Dec 25
🏥 Health Politics Child Health
  1. Clinical trials used to license childhood vaccines matter a lot because ACIP often recommends those vaccines soon after licensure.
  2. There is a lack of post-licensure safety data and current safety monitoring isn't adequate, so more thorough follow-up is needed after vaccines are approved.
  3. ACIP has a historic opportunity to recommit to vaccine safety and to more carefully weigh efficacy issues when making its vaccine schedule recommendations.

New Zealand’s shamefully high use of puberty blockers for kids gets exposed.

A B’Old Woman • 499 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23
🏥 Health Politics Child Health
  1. New Zealand has a very high rate of puberty blocker use in kids, much higher than in England, and this raises concerns.
  2. Many young people who use puberty blockers end up regretting it, but there isn't enough proper mental health support to help them before transitioning.
  3. Parents feel worried and confused because they want to support their kids but often get mixed messages about the safety of puberty blockers.

Dangerous USPSTF Guidelines for Higher-Weight Children Are Open for Public Comment - Part 1

Weight and Healthcare • 299 implied HN points • 16 Dec 23
🏥 Health Politics Child Health
  1. The US Preventive Services Task Force draft recommendation for higher-weight children is open for public comment until January 16.
  2. Good news: They aren't suggesting intensive dieting for toddlers and recognize the need for research on weight-neutral interventions.
  3. Bad news: They recommend intensive diet programs for children aged 6 or older based on outdated charts, using predominantly fair quality studies with limited long-term follow-up.

BREAKING/EXCLUSIVE: The FDA may add a strict "black box" warning on mRNA Covid shots for kids and teens.

Unreported Truths • 42 implied HN points • 01 Dec 25
🏥 Health Politics Child Health
  1. The FDA might add a serious warning to mRNA Covid vaccines for kids and teens due to a report linking the shots to deaths. This warning informs parents and doctors about the risks.
  2. The report claims that at least 10 children and teens died after receiving the vaccines. This raises questions about whether the shots are worth the potential dangers.
  3. There is a possibility that the FDA could completely stop the use of these vaccines for young people, reflecting growing concerns among parents and health officials.

A Revolution in Vaccine Regulation and Approval

Who is Robert Malone • 35 implied HN points • 29 Nov 25
🏥 Health Politics Child Health
  1. The FDA has found that at least 10 children died after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, which raises serious safety concerns. This suggests that vaccine mandates may have caused more harm than good for young children.
  2. There is little reliable data showing that COVID-19 vaccines save lives in children, and the risks of vaccination may outweigh the benefits for this age group. The current situation calls for a reevaluation of vaccine approval processes and safety measures.
  3. The overall approach to vaccine regulation needs to change to prioritize evidence-based medicine. This includes better studies on vaccine safety and effectiveness, especially for young people, and being honest about the potential dangers of vaccines.

Hawaii "Keep Vaccines Optional" Rally

Who is Robert Malone • 13 implied HN points • 10 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Child Health
  1. The West Coast Health Alliance continues to endorse, promote, and even mandate widespread childhood COVID-19 vaccination despite claims of risk of death and disability in children.
  2. A "Keep Vaccines Optional" rally took place in Hilo (Big Island) on January 9, 2026, and a video of the address is available.
  3. Coverage of the rally is published publicly as part of a reader-supported newsletter that encourages sharing and subscriptions.

No evidence that the US childhood vaccine schedule saves lives

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 8 implied HN points • 17 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Child Health
  1. There is a claim that no credible study shows the US childhood vaccine schedule, or any vaccine schedule worldwide, provides an overall net mortality or morbidity benefit.
  2. Real-world examples are cited saying unvaccinated children in some pediatric practices and communities like the Amish appear healthier and have lower rates of conditions such as autism.
  3. The argument insists vaccine mandates and mainstream messaging rest on belief rather than solid evidence, and that media and health authorities are ignoring or suppressing this lack of proof.

Are the Changes to the Vax Schedule Finished?

Who is Robert Malone • 9 implied HN points • 10 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Child Health
  1. HHS revised the childhood and adolescent vaccine schedule on January 5, 2026, cutting routine recommendations from about 17–18 to 11 vaccines and moving others (like flu, COVID‑19, hepatitis, rotavirus, RSV) to high‑risk or shared clinical decision‑making, while keeping all vaccines available and covered by insurance.
  2. The administration ordered more rigorous research—double‑blind, placebo‑controlled trials when ethical and expanded long‑term observational studies—and said advisory committees and agencies will continuously reassess recommendations, so more schedule changes are likely as data emerge.
  3. The move is highly controversial: some medical groups warn it could risk disease resurgence and call placebo trials unethical when effective vaccines exist, while supporters praise greater scientific rigor and parental choice; there are also concerns that CDC management of many trials could introduce bias or face capacity limits.

Prasad FDA Memo: Regulatory Implications

Who is Robert Malone • 18 implied HN points • 01 Dec 25
🏥 Health Politics Child Health
  1. The memo discusses serious concerns about COVID vaccines, suggesting they may have caused more harm to children than saved lives. This recognition challenges previous beliefs about vaccine safety.
  2. Dr. Prasad's guidance could lead to major changes in how vaccines are regulated, including stricter requirements for showing safety and effectiveness. This might slow down the approval process for new vaccines in the future.
  3. There are implications for the entire vaccine market, including potential changes in how vaccines are mandated for children and pregnant women. These changes could affect vaccine companies and public health policies.

The State of Children's Health

Splattern • 19 implied HN points • 04 Jun 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Child Health
  1. Children's health has improved over the years, but many are still facing serious issues like poor nutrition and mental health problems. There's a need for better support in different areas to help them thrive.
  2. In the US, reducing greenhouse gas emissions could lead to better health for children by improving air quality and nutrition. It’s also important for kids to feel a sense of purpose amidst challenges.
  3. In places like Tanzania, children's health problems are more about basic needs like food and medical resources. Building hospitals and providing proper care is essential to help those kids succeed.

The difference between the US childhood vaccination schedule and Denmark's

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 195 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Child Health
  1. There are big differences between the childhood vaccination schedules in the US and Denmark. Studying these differences could help us understand which method works better for kids.
  2. A cluster randomized trial could test the effectiveness of the US vaccination schedule compared to Denmark's. This means grouping areas to follow one schedule or the other and then measuring health outcomes.
  3. There's a lot of uncertainty about which vaccination approach is best. By collecting better data, we can start to settle these important questions instead of just accepting existing beliefs.

A huge new Danish study finds no link between aluminum in vaccines and childhood injury, including autism

Unreported Truths • 25 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Child Health
  1. A large Danish study looked at data from 1.2 million children and found no link between aluminum in vaccines and childhood injuries or autism.
  2. The research suggests that children who received more aluminum from vaccines didn't have a higher chance of getting diagnosed with any disorders before the age of five.
  3. Despite some criticisms, this study helps reassure parents about the safety of traditional vaccines, especially at a time when many are questioning vaccine safety.

Sec. Kennedy's Statement on the ACIP and Vaccine Trials

Who is Robert Malone • 26 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Child Health
  1. Children in some states need to get a lot of vaccines to attend school, but many of these vaccines haven't been tested properly for safety. This can be seen as a serious concern.
  2. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has members who will now be more aligned with evidence-based decisions and will focus on the safety of vaccines for children.
  3. There are claims that many vaccines were studied in controlled trials, but many of those studies may not have used true placebos that would help show if the vaccines are safe or effective. This raises questions about the safety of the vaccines on the childhood schedule.