On Monday, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the removal of all members of the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee, ACIP. ACIP, which had been composed of doctors, scientists, and public health experts, reviews vaccine data to make recommendations about who should receive certain vaccines.
On Wednesday, Kennedy announced eight new members, including some who have spoken out against vaccination previously and some without expertise in immunology or vaccines.
The group was set to meet at the end of June to discuss COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for this fall. While the Department of Health and Human Services has announced it will still hold this meeting, it is unclear what the agenda is and what this means for fall vaccines. Changing COVID-19 vaccine guidance had already been generating confusion nationwide, so community members may have additional questions about what this news means. Expect more information on COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and messaging from us soon.
Read this month’s newsletter to see the latest local conversations about…
Vaccines: In response to Michigan measles cases, social media users wondered who can receive an MMR vaccine.
STIs/STDs: A social media post about Michigan’s HIV disclosure laws was met with false claims about who can spread the virus.
Mental health: Local and national stories about apparent suicides showed a need for mental health resources.
Scroll down to read more.
Vaccines
New measles cases in Michigan reignite conversations about the MMR vaccine
What’s happening:
In late May and early June, new cases of measles were detected in the Upper Peninsula and Kent and Oakland counties. Michigan has seen 12 confirmed measles cases this year as of June 12.
While some social media users falsely suggested that measles is not dangerous, others encouraged parents to vaccinate their children against the disease.
Several asked if unvaccinated adults need an MMR vaccine.
Why this matters:
While measles cases in Michigan remain relatively low, major outbreaks are happening across the U.S. Encouraging vaccination is critical to prevent further disease spread. Plus, MMR vaccine recommendations for travelers have changed just before summer vacation season.
Share this infographic from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for what community members should know about measles.
Helpful messaging to share right now:
The CDC recommends that children receive one dose of the MMR vaccine at 12 to 15 months and a second dose at 4 to 6 years.
Adults born in 1957 or later who have not received any MMR vaccines or aren’t sure if they have immunity should talk to their health care provider about getting vaccinated. One or two doses are recommended depending on the adult’s risk level.
If traveling internationally, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recommends that adults who have no evidence of immunity and unvaccinated children 12 months and older receive two doses of the MMR vaccine at least four weeks apart before departure.
Infants ages 6 to 11 months should receive one dose before international travel, but this does not count toward their two-dose series.
MMR vaccines are available through some health care providers, local health departments, and many pharmacies.
Measles can cause serious health problems like lung infection, brain damage, and even death in kids. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are the best way to prevent it. Kids should get their first dose at 12-15 months and the second at 4-6 years. Find MMR vaccines at doctor’s offices, local health departments, and many pharmacies.
Post about Michigan HIV disclosure laws sparks debate about who can spread the virus
What’s happening:
On May 26, a popular Facebook post highlighted Michigan’s HIV disclosure laws, which state that HIV-positive people who are receiving treatment, can no longer transmit the virus, and have no intent to spread the virus do not have to disclose their HIV status to sexual partners. However, those who know they are HIV positive and can still transmit the virus must inform partners of their status before having sex.
Many commenters falsely suggested that antiretroviral therapy (ART) is ineffective at stopping the spread of HIV and suggested that HIV-positive people should not have sex, even if they are receiving treatment.
Why this matters:
These posts reveal persistent stigma against people with HIV and provide an opportunity to educate the public about treatment.
Helpful messaging to share right now:
HIV spreads when an infected person’s body fluids—including blood, vaginal fluids, semen, and breast milk—enter the body through the mouth, genitals, anus, or broken skin. You can’t get HIV from touching, kissing, or sharing utensils with someone who has the virus.
There is no cure for HIV. However, people with HIV can take medication (called antiretroviral therapy or ART) to reduce the amount of HIV in their bodies, prevent the virus from progressing, and live healthy lives.
Over time, ART medication can reduce the amount of HIV in an infected person’s body to a point that’s “undetectable” by a blood test.
When HIV-positive people maintain an “undetectable” amount of HIV for six months or longer, there is effectively no risk that they’ll spread the virus to others.
Share this in response
Suggested caption:
There’s no cure for HIV, but HIV-positive people can take medication to reduce the amount of HIV in their bodies, prevent them from spreading HIV to others, and live healthy lives. If you’re unsure of your HIV status, learn where to get tested by calling the Michigan HIV/STI Hotline at 1-800-872-2437 on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Michigan residents call for mental health resources amid reports of apparent suicides
What’s happening:
Last month, news stories about two Michigan residents who died by apparent suicide generated online discussion about mental health, with many commenters calling for more suicide prevention resources.
Plus, a national news story about a transgender teen in Oregon who is believed to have died by suicide fueled further conversation about suicide prevention and the mental health impacts of discrimination and bullying.
Why this matters:
These conversations show a need for ongoing suicide prevention messaging. Conversations about trans mental health during Pride Month also provide an opportunity to circulate LGBTQ+ mental health resources.
Helpful messaging to share right now:
Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline any time to speak with a crisis counselor.
Measles is a highly contagious and potentially life-threatening disease, and the MMR vaccine is the best way to prevent it. Share this story to inform your community about how this vaccine keeps families healthy and saves lives.
Public Good News is a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to community health. We partner with trusted local voices throughout the U.S. to distribute accurate, accessible, and inclusive health news in English and Spanish.
