President Trump’s new executive order on childhood vaccines has created fresh questions about what is changing, what is not, and what families should do now.

In this episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark breaks down the order’s major provisions, including proposals to reduce the number of universally recommended vaccines, space out vaccinations, and eventually separate the MMR vaccine into individual measles, mumps, and rubella shots.

He also explains the limits of the executive order, including the fact that states still control school vaccination requirements and that many of the proposed changes would require additional federal action, new products, or further implementation.

The episode also examines the scientific evidence behind the existing vaccine schedule, the risks of delaying vaccination, and why changing recommendations could create particular concerns for people living with chronic illness or weakened immune systems.

Most importantly, Steven offers practical guidance for parents trying to navigate conflicting recommendations and increasing confusion around vaccine policy.

Contact Our Host

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Amelia Violet Prouse, Associate Podcast & Video Producer at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org

Listen to all episodes of The Health Advocates on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Public health threats often seem unrelated until we examine the systems that connect them. In this episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark discusses the record-breaking rise in U.S. measles cases, recent foodborne illness outbreaks, changing COVID-19 activity, and the health risks associated with wildfire smoke.

Steven explains what these developments mean for patients, caregivers, and people living with chronic illness, including practical steps related to vaccination, food recalls, testing, treatment planning, and air quality. He also examines the larger forces shaping these stories, including declining vaccine confidence, gaps in public health communication, and the importance of strong disease surveillance.

The episode also highlights encouraging news, including progress toward a new Ebola vaccine and El Salvador’s elimination of trachoma as a public health problem.

Together, these stories show what happens when public health protections weaken, and what communities can achieve when science, communication, and sustained investment work together.

FDA Egg Sell-by Recall Dates: July 20th - August 17th, 2026

Contact Our Host

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Amelia Violet Prouse, Associate Podcast & Video Producer at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org

Listen to all episodes of The Health Advocates on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The COVID-19 public health emergency may be over, but for millions of Americans with weakened immune systems, the virus remains a serious concern.

In this episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark breaks down a recent announcement from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to phase out COVID-19 Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) and explains why the decision matters for people who are immunocompromised. The transition will require the FDA to establish new regulatory pathways for certain COVID-19 drugs and biologics over the coming year, raising important questions about how patients will continue to access preventive therapies during that process.

Steven explains what an EUA is, why some immunocompromised patients need additional protection beyond vaccination, and why patient voices are essential as the FDA considers its next steps. Most importantly, he discusses how thoughtful patient advocacy can help ensure that regulatory decisions remain focused on science, continuity of care, and the needs of those who remain most vulnerable to COVID-19.

Whether you're living with a chronic illness, caring for someone who is immunocompromised, or simply interested in how health policy affects patient care, this episode offers an accessible look at an important issue that could shape COVID-19 prevention for years to come.

Contact Our Host

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Amelia Violet Prouse, Associate Podcast & Video Producer at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org

Listen to all episodes of The Health Advocates on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.