Hello from the Common Health Coalition! The 2-4-2 Digest is a weekly snapshot for health leaders that highlights four key things to know and can be read in less than two minutes or with two swipes on your phone.

Weekly Health Insights

COVID: A new COVID variant, NB.1.8.1, is contributing to rising global cases, though WHO assesses the current risk as low. In the U.S., HHS had withdrawn vaccine recommendations for healthy children and pregnant women, but has since updated the recommendation that healthy children ages 6 months to 17 remain eligible under “shared decision-making” with a provider.

Measles: As U.S. measles cases continue to climb, states like Texas are advancing bills to weaken school vaccine requirements. Research indicates requirements are a key driver of childhood vaccine uptake and help curb disease spread. Read the latest measles report here.

Prior Authorizations: More than a dozen states have advanced prior authorization reforms aimed at reducing administrative burdens, but their reach is limited by federal control over Medicare Advantage and self-insured employer plans.

New Tobacco Products: Heated tobacco products (HTPs), such as IQOS, are entering the U.S. market amid ongoing debates over their health impacts and regulatory oversight. While marketed as safer alternatives to traditional cigarettes, HTPs still emit harmful chemicals and may pose greater health risks than e-cigarettes.

Colleague Corner

In a recent STAT commentary, Josh Gryniewicz and Sandy Tibke outline a five-step approach that the Foundation for a Healthy North Dakota used to engage communities and build coalitions during recent vaccine policy debates. Their strategy emphasizes listening, validating concerns, and supporting local voices to foster constructive dialogue, particularly in rural areas.

“If you want to defeat disinformation, begin by listening harder, not talking louder.”

– Josh Gryniewicz, Founder and Chief Narrative Strategist, Odd Duck, and Sandy Tibke, Executive Director, Foundation for a Healthy North Dakota

Datawatch

A new Pain in the Nation report from Trust for America’s Health shows that deaths due to alcohol, drugs, and suicide are down nationally, though progress varies across populations and may be affected by reductions to federal health programs and workforce capacity.

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