Top CDC vaccine adviser questions need for polio shot

The chair of ACIP charted a new course for the committee in a podcast released Thursday, questioning longstanding recommendations. ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­  

January 22, 2026 Check out STAT+

Sponsored By

Brynn Anderson/AP Top CDC vaccine adviser questions need for polio shot, other longstanding recommendations Federal vaccine advisory panel chief, in a podcast released Thursday, casts doubt on the polio vaccine, reiterates claim children died from the Covid shot. By Chelsea Cirruzzo, Helen Branswell, and Daniel Payne STAT+ | Health insurance execs shift blame for costly, confusing health care system Health insurance CEOs appear before Congress, blame high cost of health care on hospitals, doctors, and prescription drugs. By Bob Herman and Daniel Payne STAT+ | Anthony Letai says NCI is more stable than perceived and is heading for a big year NCI Director Anthony Letai says agency is on firm ground despite layoffs and grant disruptions, ready to prioritize immuno-oncology and precision medicine. By Angus Chen Illustration: Camille MacMillin/STAT, photo: AP What RFK Jr.'s milk mustache says about the historic power of dairy in the U.S.  U.S. dairy consumption has dropped sharply in recent decades, but experts see more than just industry promotion in a new "Drink Whole Milk" campaign. By Sarah Todd STAT+ | Alabama hospital system would gain monopoly with proposed $450 million deal A $450 million acquisition would leave Huntsville, Ala., with a single hospital system, testing the FTC's resolve on health care consolidation. By Bob Herman U.S. makes exit from the WHO complete Insiders look to keep channels open, information flowing as U.S. divorce from World Health Organization leaves countries less prepared for emergencies. By Helen Branswell JEFF PACHOUD/AFP via Getty Images Opinion: I ask my patients what they're grateful for. Recently, three of them cried A doctor's simple question sparked unexpected tears — revealing fears about preventable illness, shrinking safety nets, and what gratitude really means now. By Joseph Tucker STAT+ | The number of new drug shortages in U.S. hits lowest level in 20 years, but myriad problems remain Still, there are more than 200 shortages and the supply chain remains "fragile," an official at the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists says. By Ed Silverman

More around STAT

Check out more exclusive coverage with a STAT+ subscription Read premium in-depth biotech, pharma, policy, and life science coverage and analysis with all of our STAT+ articles.

---

Enjoying Daily Recap? Tell us about your experience Continue reading the latest health & science news with the STAT app Download on the App Store or get it on Google Play

STAT, 1 Exchange Place, Boston, MA ©2026, All Rights Reserved. I no longer wish to receive STAT emails

Update Newsletter Preferences     •    Contact Us     •    Advertise with Us     •    View in Browser