The hottest Public Health Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Health & Wellness Topics

RFK Jr.’s War on mRNA Vaccines. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 704 implied HN points • 21 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is opposing mRNA vaccine research and the government is cutting $500 million in funding for related projects. This has raised concerns about the balance between politics and science.
  2. A group of doctors wants to change the definition of death to potentially increase organ availability, but this could risk the lives of patients who might regain consciousness.
  3. There are discussions around the Broadway hit 'Hamilton', questioning if it could be made today due to political and societal changes affecting its content and reception.

Big news: California here we come!

Your Local Epidemiologist • 819 implied HN points • 07 Aug 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. There's a new newsletter launching in California called Your Local Epidemiologist. It aims to provide tailored public health insights for Californians.
  2. The newsletter is created based on feedback from local readers, making it more relevant to community needs and concerns.
  3. As the newsletter grows, there are plans to expand to more states and cities, reconnecting communities with trustworthy health information.

Foundational Steps Vital on the Road to Universal Health Care

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 379 implied HN points • 09 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Incremental changes in health care shouldn't be viewed negatively. They can be seen as essential steps that help us get closer to universal health care.
  2. The pandemic showed how unprepared many health systems were, revealing deep flaws that need fixing for better care in the future.
  3. Fighting for universal health care means understanding the complex ties between health care and finance, as both sectors are deeply connected and affect each other's success.

Whose Experts?

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1118 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. RFK Jr. removed the entire vaccine advisory committee to try to restore public trust in vaccines. This move sparked debate about whether it truly addresses the underlying issues of trust.
  2. Public trust in health institutions has been declining, especially along party lines. Democrats and Republicans view vaccine safety and the credibility of health agencies differently.
  3. Political influence on scientific advice can be harmful. Experts should be chosen for their competency, not their political ties, to ensure credible and trusted public health guidance.
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Why should you care about an indirect cost?

Your Local Epidemiologist • 2155 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Indirect costs are essential for research. They cover things like rent and internet, helping researchers do their work effectively.
  2. A proposed cut in indirect costs could greatly harm universities and their communities. This could lead to job losses and less innovation, affecting everyone.
  3. Researchers need to do a better job of connecting with the public. If people understand the importance of research funding, they may be more likely to support it.

A big discovery, Medicaid cuts, states removing fluoride, drug price questions, and more.

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1287 implied HN points • 19 May 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. A recent breakthrough in genetics used new tools to fix a baby's rare disease by editing their DNA. This could lead to treatments for many other genetic disorders.
  2. Florida is removing fluoride from drinking water, which could affect many people's dental health. This decision might inspire other states to follow suit.
  3. Proposed cuts to Medicaid could leave 8.6 million people without health coverage, highlighting the importance of contacting lawmakers about healthcare access.

It's All-Out War On the Vulnerable

¡Do Not Panic! • 1159 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. The British government eliminated the position of minister for disabled people, impacting the representation of disabled individuals.
  2. The US government aims to change the definition of disability to reduce the number of people classified as disabled.
  3. Governments are implementing policies that underreport disabilities, showing a lack of responsibility towards vulnerable populations.

Here's what we're getting ourselves into

Your Local Epidemiologist • 2286 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Many people think natural things are always good, but that's not true. Some natural things can be harmful, like germs that cause diseases.
  2. It's important to rely on science rather than just the appeal of nature. Some human-made medicines save lives, even when natural solutions sound better.
  3. We need policies that look at the real issues affecting health, not just ones that follow popular but incorrect ideas about nature. Ignoring the complexities can lead to more health problems.

Remember When Experts Said ‘Science Isn’t Political? They Were Lying

Unmasked • 33 implied HN points • 13 Feb 26
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. The slogan "science isn't political" was misleading, because political considerations ended up shaping scientific decisions.
  2. Major health institutions, especially the NIH, pushed to mix politics into science and public-health policy.
  3. The COVID response is presented as an example where governments abandoned evidence-based decision-making and relied on politicized expert advice to justify measures like lockdowns.

Scott Adams and Intellectual Courage

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 78 implied HN points • 17 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. Speaking truth to power in elite circles can cost you your career, income, and reputation, but it preserves personal integrity and can inspire others.
  2. Media and institutional opinion cartels enforce conformity through cancellation, humiliation, and economic pressure, which can suppress dissenting views but often backfires by drawing more attention to them.
  3. Dissenters can still be wrong and should be willing to revise their views, and building alternative platforms lets them keep speaking after mainstream rejection.

Trump Team Taps Dr. Matthew J. Memoli as Acting NIH Director, to Control Political Games and Push Aside Lawrence Tabak

The DisInformation Chronicle • 2075 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. Dr. Matthew J. Memoli has been appointed as the acting NIH director to help ease tensions within the agency during the transition.
  2. There are concerns about the previous NIH leadership, particularly Lawrence Tabak, who some claim has been dishonest and evasive regarding the origins of the COVID pandemic.
  3. Memoli's leadership could lead to changes within NIH, as the Trump transition team aims to remove other officials linked to past controversies and restore transparency.

The PBM-insurer mafia comes for community pharmacies

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 579 implied HN points • 20 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Big Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) like UnitedHealth and Cigna are pushing independent pharmacies out of business. They drop reimbursement rates, making it harder for these smaller pharmacies to survive.
  2. The financial troubles for independent pharmacies are linked to complex fees and lack of transparency from PBMs. Many pharmacies are struggling with fees that keep rising unexpectedly.
  3. Without independent pharmacies, people might face longer waits for medications and less personalized care. It's important for lawmakers to step in and make changes to support these community pharmacies.

Book Review- 3/11: Viral Takeover

Who is Robert Malone • 12 implied HN points • 28 Feb 26
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. A tight network of scientists, funders, regulators, and media shaped and enforced a single pandemic narrative, steering policy toward biosecurity measures that weakened democratic oversight. Science was often used to justify control rather than to guide open inquiry.
  2. Key scientific and regulatory processes were rushed or compromised — flawed PCR protocols, suppression of dissent, and accelerated mRNA approvals with questionable data and quality control. These shortcuts led to contamination concerns, inconsistent batches, and missed safety signals.
  3. Lockdowns, censorship, and pandemic profiteering produced widespread human and social harms like mental-health crises, untreated illnesses, wasted public funds, and silenced critics. The episode eroded public trust and risked normalizing permanent surveillance and emergency powers unless transparency is demanded.

mRNA: Deliverance, Dud, or Danger?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 621 implied HN points • 20 Aug 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. mRNA technology was once seen as a breakthrough for fighting diseases with vaccines, especially during the Covid pandemic. Now, it's facing skepticism and challenges.
  2. Due to growing criticism, including claims that the Covid vaccine is harmful, funding for mRNA research has been significantly cut. This has hurt companies that develop mRNA-based treatments.
  3. Many supporters of mRNA believe attacks on it prevent progress in medicine, much like historical events where new scientific ideas were initially rejected. The situation is complex and evolving.

The Short Arm of Trump’s Diplomacy. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2049 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. Trump's approach to foreign policy focuses mainly on the Americas, which could leave the U.S. vulnerable in other parts of the world. It's important for the U.S. to stay influential globally as it affects everyone back home.
  2. The release of DeepSeek, an AI model from China, could push the U.S. to enhance its technology efforts. This represents a big moment for innovation, similar to the space race.
  3. San Francisco is reconsidering its harm reduction strategies for drug addiction as overdose rates rise. Some leaders are looking for stricter laws, including mass arrests to get users into treatment.

NO, Bill Gates didn't fund genetically altered mosquitoes to stop malaria--it's far worse than that.

Break Free with Karen Hunt • 1611 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Genetically altered mosquitoes released in Florida and California are not linked to the recent malaria cases in the US.
  2. It is essential to seek the truth and not fall for misinformation, especially when it aligns with preconceived beliefs.
  3. Experimental interventions like genetically modified mosquitoes and vaccines raise concerns about unintended consequences and the manipulation of nature.

Climate Change Did Not Cause the L.A. Fires

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2160 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Public Health
  1. Climate change isn't the main cause of the L.A. fires; rather, the amount of flammable material and infrastructure choices play a bigger role. Clearing brush and using fireproof materials in construction can help save areas from fires.
  2. Steven Koonin argues that focusing solely on reducing carbon emissions won't address the immediate fire risks. He believes there are more direct and practical solutions to prevent such disasters.
  3. The discussion highlights differing opinions on climate issues, especially in relation to immediate environmental disasters like wildfires. It's important to consider various factors rather than attributing everything to climate change.

RFK Jr. Hearings

Your Local Epidemiologist • 2058 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. RFK Jr. showed he wasn't well-prepared for the hearings, struggling with basic healthcare facts and confusing important programs like Medicaid and Medicare.
  2. He often ignored solid scientific evidence, calling for more data on topics like vaccine safety, despite clear proof already available.
  3. RFK Jr. made controversial statements that could harm specific groups, like suggesting different vaccine schedules based on race and downplaying mental illness stigma.

Widespread flu activity overshadows holiday season

Force of Infection • 124 implied HN points • 28 Dec 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. Flu is surging across many states with emergency visits, test positivity, and hospitalizations doubling or tripling in places and in some areas already exceeding last year’s peaks.
  2. Other respiratory viruses — RSV, rhinoviruses/enteroviruses, adenovirus and metapneumovirus — are also on the rise, while COVID-19 is increasing in some states but remains generally low.
  3. Multiple food recalls and non-respiratory outbreaks (growing measles clusters, a salmonella outbreak tied to raw oysters, and rising norovirus wastewater signals) add extra public health risks, so check recalled items and follow basic hygiene steps.

The Pandemic That Broke Our Faith in Modeling

The DisInformation Chronicle • 220 implied HN points • 11 Nov 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. The pandemic caused many people to lose trust in models and predictions about health. People started to question the accuracy and reliability of these forecasts.
  2. David Zweig's book shares stories and experiences that highlight the confusion and misinformation that emerged during the pandemic. These stories help readers understand the challenges faced during that time.
  3. The review emphasizes that the pandemic brought about significant changes in how we view information and rely on expert advice. Many now seek more transparency and honesty from sources we once trusted.

Now what for public health?

Your Local Epidemiologist • 2790 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. We need to adapt to a new public health world because of unreliable leadership and misinformation. This means being more thoughtful in how we communicate and make decisions.
  2. Building bridges and finding common ground is essential for effective public health. Listening and showing empathy can help people trust the information provided.
  3. Fighting for the truth against falsehoods will be a major challenge. It's important to promote reliable sources of information to help individuals make informed health choices.

The FDA Policy that Kills Animals

Who is Robert Malone • 20 implied HN points • 19 Feb 26
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. New FDA rules now require veterinarians' prescriptions for many livestock antibiotics, making basic treatments more expensive and harder to obtain.
  2. There is a widespread shortage of large-animal and avian veterinarians in rural areas, so the prescription requirement often leaves farmers unable to get timely care for sick animals.
  3. Farmers are being forced into greater self-reliance and community support—using human medicines, alternative remedies, or stockpiling—because regulations have outpaced rural veterinary infrastructure and increase preventable animal suffering.

Some 2026 Predictions

The Future, Now and Then • 126 implied HN points • 22 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. Trump’s governing coalition looks brittle and likely to fracture from internal infighting, which will reduce their capacity to attack opponents and could help Democrats win narrow congressional majorities, though authoritarian moves may still intensify.
  2. The AI boom will keep inflating but trigger a strong cultural backlash as low-quality AI output becomes ubiquitous; the government may prop up AI finance to avoid a crash while crypto likely slips into another winter as investors pull back.
  3. Broader systems are worsening: billionaires will consolidate media, platforms and public agencies may fail to handle disasters or health crises, and rising emissions and preventable deaths could cause long-term harm even if political power shifts.

Covid Situation Report: May 9, 2024

Independent SAGE continues • 319 implied HN points • 09 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Covid cases are going up, especially for older people. It's important for them to stay safe and monitor their health.
  2. A new variant called KP.2 is spreading but doesn't seem to be much stronger than previous strains. We should keep an eye on it.
  3. The Spring 2024 booster shots are being given out quickly, which is good for protecting vulnerable groups as Covid levels rise.

MIT and the non-existent I-129 problem

Gordian Knot News • 256 implied HN points • 09 Nov 25
🔬 Science Public Health
  1. The author feels disappointed in MIT's response to criticisms of their nuclear studies, specifically regarding a controversial analysis by a faculty member. They believe the school once encouraged rigorous debate and fact-based reasoning.
  2. Iodine-129, a radioactive element, is discussed as posing minimal health risk, but the author argues that the recent study on it fails to address its real impact on thyroid cancer risk. They highlight that the dangers may not be as significant as some suggest.
  3. The author criticizes the approach to radioactive waste management, suggesting that the focus should be on dilution rather than concentration. They believe this would significantly reduce health risks from contamination.

Covid Situation Report: Jun 6, 2024

Independent SAGE continues • 219 implied HN points • 07 Jun 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Covid positivity rates are rising, especially among older people, but hospital admissions remain stable and low. It’s important to stay cautious.
  2. Older individuals face a higher risk of being hospitalized or dying from Covid. It's crucial to get vaccinated, especially for those over 75 and immunocompromised.
  3. The Spring 2024 booster campaign is ongoing, but vaccination rates are slowing. People should check their eligibility and consider getting their booster before the end of June.

Covid vaccines for pregnancy and babies: Sorting fact from chaos

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1023 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Pregnant women and children can still get the Covid-19 vaccine, which is both safe and effective. This helps protect the mother and child from the virus.
  2. Vaccination during pregnancy can pass important antibodies to the baby, offering short-term protection after birth. But as these antibodies fade, it's crucial for babies to get their own vaccinations starting at 6 months.
  3. There has been some confusion about vaccine eligibility lately due to changing recommendations, but speaking with a healthcare provider can help clarify options for parents.

Remember The Silence

Marginally Compelling • 30 implied HN points • 05 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Public Health
  1. Being at the bedside of someone who is dying is a profound, sacred act, and denying that presence does real harm.
  2. Pandemic-era isolation policies kept families away from dying loved ones, stealing final moments and silencing many stories.
  3. Death is terrible but transformative; we should meet it with courage, dignity, and love, and let grief be witnessed rather than hidden.

Medical Roundup #4

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1747 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Medical news has slowed down as other topics grab our attention, but real developments are happening quickly due to advancements in AI.
  2. Life expectancy is on the rise in many countries, and we are seeing breakthroughs in preventative healthcare and treatment options, like effective ways to prevent HIV.
  3. It is important to be cautious and proactive about your health. Sometimes doctors may not give the full picture, so getting a second opinion can make a difference.

Long Covid Can Be Both Psychosomatic And Real

Singal-Minded • 607 implied HN points • 07 Aug 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Long Covid can be both a real illness and influenced by the mind. This means some people might feel real symptoms even if there isn't a clear medical cause.
  2. A lot of people with Long Covid were healthy before getting sick, and some symptoms are very common and vague. This makes it tough to pinpoint exactly what Long Covid is.
  3. Understanding Long Covid requires both medical knowledge and attention to the patient's experiences. It shows the need for a balance between science and understanding individual stories.

Reiner Fuellmich, Therapeutic Choice and the Price of Speech

Who is Robert Malone • 21 implied HN points • 17 Feb 26
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Supporters say Reiner Fuellmich was detained not for routine financial wrongdoing but because he challenged pandemic policies and defended therapeutic choice, and they view his communication limits as political persecution.
  2. Therapeutic choice is tied to free speech: if doctors cannot speak openly about observations, risks, or alternative treatments, patients cannot make real informed decisions.
  3. The case has become a symbol for a broader movement (MAHA/MEHA) that links prevention, metabolic health, and protection of dissenting speech as essential to resilient public health and democracy.

It's not getting better

Disaffected Newsletter • 1678 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. Many people still believe that Covid itself caused the problems we faced during the pandemic, ignoring the role of government actions and societal reactions.
  2. This strong belief in the pandemic has become normal, creating a disconnect from reality for many who hold these views.
  3. The feeling of distrust towards normal people around us persists, as the delusion surrounding Covid has not improved over the years.

CDC Now Refusing New COVID Vaccine Adverse Event Reports in Its V-Safe Program

COVID Reason • 2002 implied HN points • 24 Aug 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. CDC has stopped collecting adverse event reports for COVID vaccines on its V-safe website, directing users to the FDA's VAERS website instead.
  2. CDC not accepting new safety reports on potentially risky mRNA Covid-19 injections, raising concerns about monitoring safety of a new technology.
  3. Contrastingly, NHTSA continues to accept safety reports for a 30-year-old vehicle, highlighting the importance of ongoing safety data collection.

February 7, 2026

Letters from an American • 31 implied HN points • 08 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. The administration has adopted a rule allowing mass detention of noncitizens without bond, greatly expanding who can be held and prompting widespread legal challenges.
  2. Detentions have risen from roughly 40,000 to over 70,000 people and rely on private contractors and new large facilities, with reported deaths and a breakdown in medical care after ICE stopped paying providers and the VA ended its role.
  3. The government is buying huge warehouse-style and 'mega' detention sites—often without local notice—which has spurred strong community protests and moral and legal alarm as officials treat deportation logistics like a business.

The 'linguistic abomination' of the NZ Midwifery Council's revised Scope of Practice.

A B’Old Woman • 459 implied HN points • 31 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. The New Zealand Midwifery Council removed the words 'mother' and 'baby' from their Scope of Practice, which many people found problematic.
  2. There was significant pushback against this change, leading to a petition with nearly 7,500 signatures.
  3. The petition will be presented to Parliament, showing that many people care about how language is used in important areas like midwifery.