Hello from the Common Health Coalition! The 2-4-2 Digest is a weekly snapshot for health leaders - 4 key insights in 2 minutes or with 2 swipes on your phone. 

Weekly Health Insights

Flu: Yesterday, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended flu vaccination for all children 6 months and older and advised not to delay immunization to obtain a specific product, including a thimerosal-free product. The guidance follows HHS’s plans to phase out thimerosal from all flu vaccines, with manufacturers indicating they can supply preservative‑free replacements.

Hepatitis C: SAMHSA has launched a $100 million Hepatitis C pilot funding up to 40 projects to prevent, test, and treat the disease in people with substance use disorders or severe mental illness, with emphasis on communities affected by homelessness. The initiative comes amid broader public health funding reductions.

Antidepressants: An FDA-convened panel reviewed whether to add a black box warning to SSRIs used during pregnancy. Some maternal health experts noted that overstating risks may discourage treatment and worsen outcomes, as untreated depression is a leading contributor to pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S.

Health Data: Top federal health officials are expected to announce a new plan this week alongside major tech companies to improve interoperability and data sharing across the U.S. health-care system. The voluntary framework, developed by HHS and CMS, will set principles for patient and provider access to health information and standardize data exchange. 

Colleague Corner

In a recent Planet Detroit feature, Michigan advocates highlight the role of community health workers in connecting residents to care and social supports as federal Medicaid cuts loom.

“Community health workers are on the frontlines, serving as the bridge between Michigan families and the care they need. Weakening Medicaid not only severs that bridge but also erodes decades of progress toward health equity, access, and economic stability.”

– Kareem J. Baig, Executive Director, Michigan Community Health Worker Alliance

Data Watch

A recent MMWR report described a Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak linked to commercially distributed raw milk and heavy cream from a California dairy, with 171 cases reported across five states. Most cases occurred in children and adolescents.

FIGURE. Outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium linked to consumption of raw milk products, by reported or estimated illness onset date (N = 171) – California and four other states, September 2023–March 2024

Measles reports: In the U.S., there have been 1,319 confirmed measles cases in 40 jurisdictions. To continue following Measles updates, visit our Resources page for the latest Measles Briefs from Yale School of Public Health (under Situational Awareness Briefs). Read the latest deep-dive here.

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