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Good morning. The news of Dolly Parton’s passing struck people pretty hard across the STAT newsroom. She was an incredible musician and humanitarian, but most relevant to this newsletter, she was an ardent supporter of science, including research behind the Moderna Covid vaccine.
Two measles deaths in Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported two measles-related fatalities, marking the state's first deaths from the disease in over 30 years. Both individuals were unvaccinated, making these the first measles deaths in the U.S. for 2026. It's a stark reminder that vaccine hesitancy continues to pose serious risks. In a trend that could indicate wider issues, Helen Branswell highlighted earlier that adults are increasingly vulnerable to measles, potentially leading to more outbreaks in the future. This vulnerability isn't just an abstract statistic — it echoes a growing public health challenge. With measles being highly contagious, we could see a resurgence reminiscent of outbreaks in the past, especially if vaccination rates do not improve.
Even at big companies, health care $$$ is increasing
A recent survey by the Business Group on Health underscores the rising challenges related to employer-sponsored health care, even among large organizations known for their resources. Responses from 127 major employers revealed that health care expenditures exceeded previous predictions, with expected increases of 8.5% in 2026 and 9.2% in 2027. As large companies grapple with these steep hikes, the financial burden on both employers and employees becomes increasingly clear. Ellen Kelsay, CEO of the Business Group on Health, indicated that this unpredictability in health care costs reflects deeper systemic issues within the overall structure of the industry.
While smaller businesses are increasingly opting out of providing health insurance, larger employers may need to rethink their approaches to insurance providers and consultants. The troubling trend here is that as costs rise, some firms might resort to slashing benefits to maintain profitability. Kelsay emphasized that the “volatility” in costs should prompt a reassessment of the value derived from these partnerships. The implication? There’s a critical dialogue needed surrounding health care's role in employee satisfaction and retention, especially in a job market that is constantly shifting.
A ‘natural experiment’ on the shingles vaccine
Two years prior, researchers at Oxford identified a correlation between the shingles vaccine and decreased dementia rates. Their latest work suggests a similar relationship with heart disease risk, comparing health records of individuals vaccinated before and after the vaccine’s approval. This brings forth exciting possibilities for preventive health strategies, especially for aging populations. Study co-author Maxime Taquet expressed excitement about the ongoing research and the potential for Shingrix to significantly impact cardiovascular health in the U.S.
If you're working in this space, consider how such findings could shift public health initiatives. The combination of vaccination and prevention could reshape how we think about heart health. Yet, it’s essential to maintain cautious optimism; correlation doesn't equal causation, and further exploration is needed to solidify these claims.
The profit motive for women’s health
In a compelling article, Liz Cooney discussed women's health disparities, including illnesses that uniquely affect women or impact them differently. Shifts in federal funding policies have disproportionately affected research in this field, leading to a newfound focus on investments in women's health. Historical neglect of women's health issues has stunted progress and funding, which is now starting to attract attention from investors who see both social value and financial opportunity in addressing these gaps.
Elizabeth Bailey of Foreground Capital described this moment as an unprecedented opportunity for growth and investment in this area, signaling a shift in industry perceptions. Some may argue that monetary incentives should never drive health initiatives, but the reality of funding often requires such motivations. The challenge will be to ensure that profit motives align with the genuine improvement of health outcomes for women.
Expectations vs. reality post-Dobbs
After the overturning of Roe v. Wade, reproductive biologist David N. Hackney had predicted negative outcomes, including declines in abortion rates and rises in maternal and infant mortality. However, many assumptions about these consequences have not materialized, which may serve as a wake-up call to the health community and policymakers alike. In a recent essay, Hackney urged advocates to focus on the ethical implications of abortion bans rather than solely emphasizing data, which could dilute the fundamental fight for reproductive freedom.
What this means for you is a growing need for advocacy that transcends numbers. Emotional narratives might be as persuasive, if not more so, to sway public opinion and policy. There’s a fine line between utilizing empirical data and potentially obfuscating the personal stories that these bans disrupt.
What we’re reading
New Mexico to continue funding gender-affirming care for minors after federal cuts, The Guardian
Study’s alarming finding: At least 1 in 4 NFL players gets brain disease, New York Times
- Opinion: Medical aid in dying and the burden of choosing to live, STAT
- What your calf muscles can reveal about your heart health, BBC Science Focus
- After a years-long slump, Massachusetts biopharma sector has come roaring back in 2026, Boston Globe
Implications and Future Outlook
As we observe these trending health topics, it’s clear that the implications extend beyond immediate statistics. The deaths due to measles in Pennsylvania remind us that public health messaging must enhance and adapt to counter misinformation, particularly surrounding vaccines. The increasing healthcare costs challenge both large and small employers to rethink their strategies, which could lead to significant industry changes in insurance models.
On a broader scale, research opportunities relating to women's health and preventive measures like the shingles vaccine may be promising but also pose risks of commodification. As the landscape shifts towards recognizing the importance of women's healthcare, stakeholders must balance profit motives with ethical practices to foster genuine advancements.
This all points to a more complex future in healthcare ethics and economics. The evolving narrative post-Dobbs also shows that societal challenges require advocacy beyond mere numbers. All eyes are watching how these trends develop; the future of health policy could very well be influenced by grassroots movements combined with emerging scientific research.