Podcast
Osterholm Update
Hosted by CIDRAP · EN
A weekly report on the COVID-19 pandemic from infectious disease expert Michael Osterholm, PhD, MPH. Dr. Osterholm is the director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) at the University of Minnesota and has spent a career investigating outbreaks. Since 2005, he has emphasized supply chain and other vulnerabilities and a critical need for pandemic preparedness. In this podcast, Dr. Osterholm dissects the latest COVID-19 news, data, and guidance.
CIDRAP’s Chris Dall, MA, is the cohost of the Osterholm Update and a reporter for CIDRAP News. http://www.cidrap.umn.edu
35episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Episode 196: Flu Shifts: Why Vaccines Still Matter
Nov 20Tap to summarize<p>In "Flu Shifts: Why Vaccines Still Matter," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall review the latest trends and flu and how this year's vaccine compares to the circulating strains. Dr. Osterholm also discusses H5N1 impact on mammals in Antarctica and answers an ID Query about infant botulism.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Resources for vaccine and public health advocacy:</p> <p><a href="https://www.voicesforvaccines.org/get-involved/"><strong>Voices for Vaccines</strong></a></p> <p><a href="https://familiesfightingflu.org/take-action/"><strong>Families Fighting Flu</strong></a></p> <p><a href="https://vaccinateyourfamily.org/get-involved/"><strong>Vaccinate Your Family</strong></a></p> <p><a href="https://shotatlife.org/take-action/"><strong>Shot@Life</strong></a></p> <p><a href="https://aspr.hhs.gov/MRC/Pages/index.aspx"><strong>Medical Reserve Corps</strong></a></p> <p>Learn more about the <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/vaccine-integrity-project"><strong>Vaccine Integrity Project</strong></a></p> <p><a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/osterholm-update-covid-19"><strong>MORE EPISODES</strong></a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/support-cidrap"><strong>SUPPORT THIS PODCAST</strong></a></p>
Transcribe →Episode 195: We Can Make a Difference
Oct 30Tap to summarize<p>NOTE: In order to align our schedule with the holidays, we will not be releasing an episode on 11/13. We'll be back with our next episode on 11/20 and will resume our biweekly release schedule.</p> <p>In "We Can Make a Difference," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the recent publication from CIDRAP's Vaccine Integrity Project, an upcoming collaboration between CIDRAP and NEJM Evidence, and the latest measles and respiratory virus data. Dr. Osterholm also answers an ID Query about how the government shutdown is impacting public health surveillance and shares another "This Week in Public Health History" segment.</p> <p><a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMsa2514268">Updated Evidence for Covid-19, RSV, and Influenza Vaccines for 2025–2026</a> (Scott et al., New England Journal of Medicine)</p> <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lh5hP6zcVrs"><strong>Vaccine Integrity Project - Response to HHS claims about vaccines (Oct 2025)</strong></a></p> <p>Resources for vaccine and public health advocacy:</p> <p><a href="https://www.voicesforvaccines.org/get-involved/"><strong>Voices for Vaccines</strong></a></p> <p><a href="https://familiesfightingflu.org/take-action/"><strong>Families Fighting Flu</strong></a></p> <p><a href="https://vaccinateyourfamily.org/get-involved/"><strong>Vaccinate Your Family</strong></a></p> <p><a href="https://shotatlife.org/take-action/"><strong>Shot@Life</strong></a></p> <p><a href="https://aspr.hhs.gov/MRC/Pages/index.aspx"><strong>Medical Reserve Corps</strong></a></p> <p>Learn more about the <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/vaccine-integrity-project"><strong>Vaccine Integrity Project</strong></a></p> <p><a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/osterholm-update-covid-19"><strong>MORE EPISODES</strong></a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/support-cidrap"><strong>SUPPORT THIS PODCAST</strong></a></p>
Transcribe →Episode 192: Ice Cream and Shark Attacks
Sep 18Tap to summarize<p>In "Ice Cream and Shark Attacks," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the FDA’s recent decision to authorize updated COVID-19 vaccines for limited groups, the confusion around access for those under 65, and the uncertain outcomes of this week’s ACIP meeting. They also cover ongoing upheaval at the CDC, provide updates on COVID-19 and measles, answer an ID Query on Chagas disease, and share the latest installment of This Week in Public Health History.</p> <p><a href="https://Vaccine Integrity Project Viewpoint: Four tips for understanding this week’s ACIP meeting">Vaccine Integrity Project Viewpoint: Four tips for understanding this week’s ACIP meeting</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/vaccine-integrity-project/immunization-info">Vaccine Integrity Project - Fall Immunization Information</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Resources for vaccine and public health advocacy:</strong></p> <p><a href="https://www.voicesforvaccines.org/get-involved/"><strong>Voices for Vaccines</strong></a></p> <p><a href="https://familiesfightingflu.org/take-action/"><strong>Families Fighting Flu</strong></a></p> <p><a href="https://vaccinateyourfamily.org/get-involved/"><strong>Vaccinate Your Family</strong></a></p> <p><a href="https://shotatlife.org/take-action/"><strong>Shot@Life</strong></a></p> <p><a href="https://aspr.hhs.gov/MRC/Pages/index.aspx"><strong>Medical Reserve Corps</strong></a></p> <p>Learn more about the <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/vaccine-integrity-project"><strong>Vaccine Integrity Project</strong></a></p> <p><a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/osterholm-update-covid-19"><strong>MORE EPISODES</strong></a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/support-cidrap"><strong>SUPPORT THIS PODCAST</strong></a></p>
Transcribe →Episode 191: 'The Big One' with Mark Olshaker, Ann Hennigan Grace, & Dr. Sydney Redepenning
Sep 3Tap to summarize<p>In this week's special episode, Chris Dall interviews Dr. Osterholm and his coauthor Mark Olshaker on their new book <em>The Big One: How We Must Prepare for Future Deadly Pandemics</em>. They are also joined by Ann Hennigan Grace and CIDRAP's Dr. Sydney Redepenning who both conducted research and fact-checking for the book.</p> <p>The Big One is available for purchase <a href="https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/michael-t-osterholm-phd-mph/the-big-one/9780316258340/?lens=little-brown-spark">online</a> and at your local bookseller!</p> <p><a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/osterholm-update-covid-19"><strong>MORE EPISODES</strong></a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/support-cidrap"><strong>SUPPORT THIS PODCAST</strong></a></p>
Transcribe →Episode 190: Courage Over Fear
Aug 21Tap to summarize<p>In "Courage Over Fear," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the critical Vaccine Integrity Project respiratory virus immunization meeting, recent federal actions to sow disinformation on vaccines, and encourage public servants, including those at CDC, who are facing fear amidst violence. Dr. Osterholm also covers the latest COVID data and reviews a new pre-print study on H5N1 avian influenza transmission.&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/vaccine-integrity-project/immunization-info">CIDRAP Vaccine Integrity Project Respiratory Virus Vaccine Meeting</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/public-health/statement-cidrap-stands-behind-public-health-officials-after-attack-cdc">Statement: CIDRAP stands behind public health officials after attack on CDC</a> (CIDRAP)</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Resources for vaccine and public health advocacy:</strong></p> <p><a href="https://www.voicesforvaccines.org/get-involved/"><strong>Voices for Vaccines</strong></a></p> <p><a href="https://familiesfightingflu.org/take-action/"><strong>Families Fighting Flu</strong></a></p> <p><a href="https://vaccinateyourfamily.org/get-involved/"><strong>Vaccinate Your Family</strong></a></p> <p><a href="https://shotatlife.org/take-action/"><strong>Shot@Life</strong></a></p> <p><a href="https://aspr.hhs.gov/MRC/Pages/index.aspx"><strong>Medical Reserve Corps</strong></a></p> <p>Learn more about the <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/vaccine-integrity-project"><strong>Vaccine Integrity Project</strong></a></p> <p><a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/osterholm-update-covid-19"><strong>MORE EPISODES</strong></a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/support-cidrap"><strong>SUPPORT THIS PODCAST</strong></a></p>
Transcribe →Episode 189: Are We at Risk of Losing Our Vaccines?
Aug 7, 2025Tap to summarize<p>In "Are We At Risk of Losing Our Vaccines?", Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss declining childhood vaccination rates, a statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics on non-medical exemptions for mandated vaccines, and the recent termination of $500 million in mRNA vaccine research contracts. Dr. Osterholm also covers the latest COVID data and shares another "This Week in Public Health History" segment.&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2025-072714">Medical vs nonmedical immunization exemptions for child care and school attendance: policy statement</a> (Hackell et al., <em>Pediatrics</em>)</p> <p>Resources for vaccine and public health advocacy:</p> <p><a href="https://www.voicesforvaccines.org/get-involved/"><strong>Voices for Vaccines</strong></a></p> <p><a href="https://familiesfightingflu.org/take-action/"><strong>Families Fighting Flu</strong></a></p> <p><a href="https://vaccinateyourfamily.org/get-involved/"><strong>Vaccinate Your Family</strong></a></p> <p><a href="https://shotatlife.org/take-action/"><strong>Shot@Life</strong></a></p> <p><a href="https://aspr.hhs.gov/MRC/Pages/index.aspx"><strong>Medical Reserve Corps</strong></a></p> <p>Learn more about the <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/vaccine-integrity-project"><strong>Vaccine Integrity Project</strong></a></p> <p><a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/osterholm-update-covid-19"><strong>MORE EPISODES</strong></a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/support-cidrap"><strong>SUPPORT THIS PODCAST</strong></a></p>
Transcribe →Episode 188: Finding the Light
Jul 24, 2025Tap to summarize<p>In "Finding the Light," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss a recent study on aluminum in childhood vaccines, the latest COVID variant data, and the recent approval of the Moderna COVID vaccine for children at risk of severe disease. Dr. Osterholm also provides an update on CIDRAP's Vaccine Integrity Project and shares the latest "This Week in Public History" segment.</p> <p><a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/childhood-vaccines/report-no-link-between-aluminum-adjuvanted-childhood-vaccines-conditions-such">Report: No link between aluminum-adjuvanted childhood vaccines, conditions such as autism</a> (Van Beusekom, <em>CIDRAP News</em>)</p> <p><a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/public-health/state-local-public-health-officials-grapple-fallout-funding-job-cuts">State, local public health officials grapple with fallout from funding, job cuts</a> (Dall, <em>CIDRAP News</em>)</p> <p>Resources for vaccine and public health advocacy:</p> <p><a href="https://www.voicesforvaccines.org/get-involved/">Voices for Vaccines</a></p> <p><a href="https://familiesfightingflu.org/take-action/">Families Fighting Flu</a></p> <p><a href="https://vaccinateyourfamily.org/get-involved/">Vaccinate Your Family</a></p> <p><a href="https://shotatlife.org/take-action/">Shot@Life</a></p> <p><a href="https://aspr.hhs.gov/MRC/Pages/index.aspx">Medical Reserve Corps</a></p> <p>Learn more about the <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/vaccine-integrity-project"><strong>Vaccine Integrity Project</strong></a></p> <p><a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/osterholm-update-covid-19"><strong>MORE EPISODES</strong></a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/support-cidrap"><strong>SUPPORT THIS PODCAST</strong></a></p>
Transcribe →Episode 187: Stay the Course
Jul 11, 2025Tap to summarize<p>In "Stay the Course," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall review the outcomes of the June ACIP meeting and shares updates on the Vaccine Integrity Project. Dr. Osterholm also covers the latest trends in COVID-19, H5N1, and measles, and answers an ID query about RSV vaccines.</p> <p><a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/measles/us-measles-cases-top-1200-uk-loses-measles-free-status">US measles cases top 1,200 as UK loses 'measles free' status</a> (CIDRAP News)</p> <p><a href="https://www.statnews.com/2025/07/03/vaccine-integrity-project-michael-osterholm-cidrap-rsv-flu-covid/">The U.S. government is failing on vaccine policy. The Vaccine Integrity Project is here to help</a> (STAT, paywall)</p> <p><a href="https://www.statnews.com/2025/06/24/too-many-too-soon-vaccine-schedule-children-antigens-immune-system-aluminum/">‘Too many, too soon’? Debunking a common fear about kids’ vaccines</a> (STAT, paywall)</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Resources for vaccine and public health advocacy:</strong></p> <p><a href="https://www.voicesforvaccines.org/get-involved/">Voices for Vaccines</a></p> <p><a href="https://familiesfightingflu.org/take-action/">Families Fighting Flu</a></p> <p><a href="https://vaccinateyourfamily.org/get-involved/">Vaccinate Your Family</a></p> <p><a href="https://shotatlife.org/take-action/">Shot@Life</a></p> <p><a href="https://aspr.hhs.gov/MRC/Pages/index.aspx">Medical Reserve Corps</a></p> <p>Learn more about the <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/vaccine-integrity-project">Vaccine Integrity Project</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/osterholm-update-covid-19"><strong>MORE EPISODES</strong></a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/support-cidrap"><strong>SUPPORT THIS PODCAST</strong></a></p>
Transcribe →Episode 186: Chaos Reigns
Jun 26, 2025Tap to summarize<p>In "Chaos Reigns," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss this week's ACIP meeting, the latest COVID variant data, and the current measles trends in the United States and Canada. Dr. Osterholm covers some good news about federal health agencies and answers an ID query about autism.</p> <p><a href="https://www.voicesforvaccines.org/get-involved/"><strong>Voices for Vaccines</strong></a></p> <p><a href="https://familiesfightingflu.org/take-action/"><strong>Families Fighting Flu</strong></a></p> <p><a href="https://vaccinateyourfamily.org/get-involved/"><strong>Vaccinate Your Family</strong></a></p> <p><a href="https://shotatlife.org/take-action/"><strong>Shot@Life</strong></a></p> <p><a href="https://aspr.hhs.gov/MRC/Pages/index.aspx"><strong>Medical Reserve Corps</strong></a></p> <p>Learn more about the <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/vaccine-integrity-project"><strong>Vaccine Integrity Project</strong></a></p> <p><a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/osterholm-update-covid-19"><strong>MORE EPISODES</strong></a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/support-cidrap"><strong>SUPPORT THIS PODCAST</strong></a></p>
Transcribe →Episode 185: Our Light, Our Fight
Jun 12, 2025Tap to summarize<p>In "Our Light, Our Fight," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the remaking of the CDC's vaccine advisory group, ACIP, provide a updates on measles, H5N1, COVID-19, and mpox. Dr. Osterholm also shares a list of resources on how to get involved and "organize" around vaccine policy.</p> <p><a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/viewpoint-rfks-reckless-firing-cdc-vaccine-advisors-not-supported-evidence">Viewpoint: RFK's reckless firing of CDC vaccine advisors not supported by evidence</a> (Vaccine Integrity Project Staff and Advisers)</p> <p><a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/mpox">CIDRAP mpox news updates</a> (CIDRAP)</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Resources to take action:</strong></p> <p><a href="https://www.voicesforvaccines.org/get-involved/">Voices for Vaccines</a></p> <p><a href="https://familiesfightingflu.org/take-action/">Families Fighting Flu</a></p> <p><a href="https://vaccinateyourfamily.org/get-involved/">Vaccinate Your Family</a></p> <p><a href="https://shotatlife.org/take-action/">Shot@Life</a></p> <p><a href="https://aspr.hhs.gov/MRC/Pages/index.aspx">Medical Reserve Corps</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Learn more about the <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/vaccine-integrity-project">Vaccine Integrity Project</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/osterholm-update-covid-19"><strong>MORE EPISODES</strong></a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/support-cidrap"><strong>SUPPORT THIS PODCAST</strong></a></p>
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