National Updates
CDC Ends Broad COVID-19 Promotion; Adopts Shared Decision Model
The CDC announced it will no longer broadly recommend COVID-19 vaccination for all. Instead, vaccines should be offered via shared decision making between patients and providers, following guidance from HHS Secretary Kennedy’s advisory panel.
Reuters
Six Former U.S. Surgeons General Warn of Public Health Crisis
In a joint statement, six ex-Surgeons General criticized Secretary Kennedy’s policy direction, citing risks around vaccine policy changes, cuts to mRNA research, and destabilization of public health institutions.
The Guardian
UnitedHealth Exits Medicare Advantage in 109 Counties
UnitedHealth will discontinue its Medicare Advantage offerings in 109 U.S. counties by 2026, affecting about 180,000 members. This move is driven by rising costs, reimbursement cuts, and financial pressures on the insurer.
Reuters
Texas Updates
Texas Measles Outbreak’s Lessons in Vaccine Coverage
The 2025 West Texas measles outbreak sickened over 760 individuals and caused two child deaths. A recent analysis shows that although statewide kindergarten vaccination rates are high, county-level and school-level coverage gaps correlated with outbreak clusters.
STAT
Local Honor for Preventive Cardiologist in Texas
UT Southwestern’s Dr. Amit Khera, director of preventive cardiology, will receive the 2025 Chairman’s Award from the American Heart Association at the upcoming Scientific Sessions.
American Heart Association
Global Health Alerts
Dengue Alerts in Pacific Region: DENV-1 & DENV-2 Active
ReliefWeb’s mapping of epidemic alerts shows ongoing risk of dengue virus (serotypes 1 and 2) in parts of the Pacific region. Travelers and clinicians in affected areas should watch for fever and rash symptoms.
ReliefWeb
Clinical Tips for Providers
Use the shift in CDC policy to emphasize shared decision making in vaccine discussions—tailor conversations to patient risk profiles
Reinforce the importance of high, consistent vaccination coverage in schools and communities to prevent localized outbreaks
Recognize Dr. Khera’s recognition as a reminder: preventive cardiology and chronic disease risk reduction remain key pillars of care.
In patients returning from Pacific or tropical regions with undifferentiated fever or rash, include dengue in differential diagnosis.
