Tag: Health Communication
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Under RFK Jr., the CDC Faces Scrutiny of the Childhood Vaccine Schedule
Raising Questions About a Long-Standing Schedule For decades, the U.S. childhood vaccine schedule has guided countless families through a series of immunizations starting shortly after birth. The schedule, coordinated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and approved by advisory panels of pediatric experts, aims to protect children from a range of diseases.…
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A Stiff Upper Lip: Why Men Skip Prostate Cancer Screening
Introduction: The Quiet Barrier Behind many men’s reluctance to undergo prostate cancer screening lies a familiar obstacle: a stiff upper lip. The phrase, often used to describe stoicism in the face of discomfort, has real consequences when it comes to health. For some men, admitting vulnerability feels like a risk to identity or independence. For…
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How Functional Neurological Disorder Is Discussed on X (Twitter): A Mixed-Methods Look at Narratives, Influencers, and Network Structures
Introduction: FND in the Social Media Era Functional neurological disorder (FND) sits at the intersection of neurology and psychiatry, challenging both clinicians and patients with its diverse presentations. In recent years, social media has emerged as a crucial arena for information, support, and debate around FND. This article summarizes a mixed-methods study that examined how…
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Measles Outbreaks Across the U.S.: Why Vaccination Gaps Are Driving Transmission
The U.S. Faces a Growing Measles Challenge Measles, once declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, is making a troubling resurgence. The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show 1,563 confirmed cases this year, the highest annual total in more than three decades. Experts caution that the real figure could…
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Testing Theory-Enhanced Messaging to Promote COVID-19 Vaccination Among Adults: Key Findings from a Randomized Trial
Overview Public health campaigns continually seek effective ways to increase COVID-19 vaccination among adults. A 3-arm randomized controlled trial evaluated two theory-informed messaging approaches — attitudinal inoculation and CBT kernel messaging — against standard public health messaging to determine their impact on actual vaccine uptake and willingness. The study focused on adults in the United…
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Testing Theory-Enhanced Messaging to Promote COVID-19 Vaccination Among Adults: An RCT Analysis
Overview Public health campaigns continue to seek effective ways to increase COVID-19 vaccination among adults. A recent randomized controlled trial tested two theory-informed messaging approaches—attitudinal inoculation and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) kernel messaging—against standard public health messaging to see which could elevate vaccine uptake or readiness. The study focused on adults in the United States…
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Portuguese Pharmacists Confront Rising Vaccine Hesitancy
Rising Vaccine Hesitancy Among Portuguese Communities The Associação de Farmácias de Portugal (AFP) has publicly acknowledged a growing hesitancy around vaccines in recent years. Based on feedback from community pharmacies and patient consultations across the country, more people express doubts about vaccine safety, efficacy, and necessity. The trend spans multiple age groups, with particular concerns…
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Exploring Attitudes and Obstacles Around Digital Public Health Tools: WA Verify Survey Insights
Background: WA Verify and the Technology Acceptance Lens Public health has increasingly turned to digital tools to protect communities, especially during the COVID-19 era. Washington State’s WA Verify system used the SMART Health Card framework to provide a mobile, paperless way to display vaccination status. Understanding how the public perceives such tools—and why some embrace…
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Vaccine Hesitancy Rising, Says Pharmacists’ Association
Rising vaccine hesitancy: what the new concern means The Portuguese Association of Pharmacies has highlighted a growing concern: more people are hesitant about vaccines in recent years. Vaccine hesitancy, defined by the World Health Organization as a delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccines despite availability, can undermine efforts to protect communities from preventable diseases.…
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Exploring Attitudes and Barriers to Digital Public Health Tools: WA Verify Survey Insights
Introduction: The Rise of Digital Public Health Tools Digital health tools surged during the COVID-19 era, accelerating the shift toward electronic records, telemedicine, and digital vaccination verification. Washington State’s WA Verify, built on the SMART Health Card framework, became a widely used method for sharing vaccination status via mobile devices. As public health systems increasingly…