Osterholm Update

Episode 207: Asking the Right Questions

23 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

<p dir="ltr">This week Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall talk about Erica Schwartz, the Trump's administration's most recent nomination for the CDC D...

Episode 206: What we know about long COVID

09 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

<p dir="ltr">This week Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall focus on long COVID, tackling some listener questions and providing context about what long ...

Episode 205: Disease Waits for No One

26 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

<p dir="ltr">In "Disease Waits for No One," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss how a federal judge temporarily blocked Health Secretary RFK Jr...

Episode 204: Holding the Tools

12 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

<p dir="ltr">In "Holding the Tools" Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall dive into the latest COVID, flu and RSV activity, discuss the surge in noroviru...

Episode 203: Somebody to Lean On

26 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

<p dir="ltr">In "Somebody to Lean On," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss vaccine updates including the FDA’s back-and-forth on the Moderna ...

Episode 202: The Bells Still Ring

12 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

<p dir="ltr">In "The Bells Still Ring," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss a recent poll on Americans’ trust in vaccine information from the...

Episode 201: The Twilight Zone of Immunization

29 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "The Twilight Zone of Immunization," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss recent comments from CDC officials about measles, the US withdra...

Episode 200: A Moment Among Moments

15 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In the 200th episode of the Osterholm Update, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss recent changes to the childhood immunization schedule, the...

Episode 199: Flu Takes Charge

02 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "Flu Takes Charge" Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall give us an update on the emerging flu season, Dr. Osterholm covers a new poll that shows f...

Episode 198: Gaps in the Safety Net

18 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "Gaps in the Safety Net" Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss why we shouldn’t compare other countries’ vaccine schedules to the US sc...

Episode 198: Gaps in the Safety Net

18 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "Gaps in the Safety Net" Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss why we shouldn’t compare other countries’ vaccine schedules to the US sc...

Special Episode: ACIP's Hepatitis B Vaccine Decisions

08 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In this special episode of the podcast, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the ACIP's recent decision to end universal hepatitis B...

Episode 197: Fork in the Road

04 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "Fork in the Road" Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the changes to the CDC's vaccines and autism page and this week's meeting of the C...

Episode 196: Flu Shifts: Why Vaccines Still Matter

20 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

<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 compare...

Episode 195: We Can Make a Difference

30 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

<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 ...

Episode 194: Bending Not Breaking

16 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "Bending Not Breaking," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss recent layoffs and layoff reversals at the CDC, comments from the administrat...

Episode 193: Fevers, Furloughs, and Falsehoods

02 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "Fevers, Furloughs, and Falsehoods," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall break down the CDC’s recent ACIP meeting and the ongoing uncertainty a...

Special Update: Dysfunction at ACIP

22 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In this special update, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall recap the events of last week's ACIP meeting and what it means for COVID, MMRV, and hepa...

Episode 192: Ice Cream and Shark Attacks

18 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

<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...

Episode 191: 'The Big One' with Mark Olshaker, Ann Hennigan Grace, & Dr. Sydney Redepenning

03 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

<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: H...

Episode 190: Courage Over Fear

21 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "Courage Over Fear," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the critical Vaccine Integrity Project respiratory virus immunization meeting, r...

Episode 189: Are We at Risk of Losing Our Vaccines?

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "Are We At Risk of Losing Our Vaccines?", Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss declining childhood vaccination rates, a statement from the...

Episode 188: Finding the Light

24 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "Finding the Light," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss a recent study on aluminum in childhood vaccines, the latest COVID variant data,...

Episode 187: Stay the Course

11 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

<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 P...

Episode 186: Chaos Reigns

26 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "Chaos Reigns," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss this week's ACIP meeting, the latest COVID variant data, and the current measles tren...

Episode 185: Our Light, Our Fight

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

<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 ...

Episode 184: Fool's Gold: Reframing the Science

29 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "Fool's Gold: Reframing the Science," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the latest federal actions surrounding vaccine policy, report o...

Episode 183: Time to Organize

15 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "Time to Organize," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss HHS Secretary Kennedy's proposed changes to vaccine policy, the latest measles ne...

Episode 182: The Vaccine Confidence Crisis

01 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "The Vaccine Confidence Crisis," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss measles cases in the United States, the latest COVID vaccine news, a...

Episode 181: Public Health Policy Is Political

17 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "Public Health Policy is Political," Chris Dall and Dr. Osterholm discuss the ongoing measles outbreak, the latest round of job cuts in th...

Episode 180: The April Fool's Tragedy

03 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "The April Fool's Tragedy," Dr. Osterholm and guest host Dr. Cory Anderson discuss the devastating layoffs and funding cuts in public heal...

Episode 179: Remembering Darkness, Sharing Light: Five Years Later

20 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "Remembering Darkness, Sharing Light: Five Years Later" Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall reflect on the COVID-19 pandemic's 5-year anniversary...

Episode 178: Mixed Messages: Navigating the Unfolding Confusion

06 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "Mixed Messages: Navigating the Unfolding Confusion" Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the expected impact of recent cuts to USAID prog...

Episode 177: We Cannot Give Up or Give In

20 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "We Cannot Give Up or Give In" Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the confirmation of RFK Jr. as HHS Secretary, recent layoffs at the CD...

Episode 176: Responding to Shock, Awe, and Censorship

06 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "Responding to Shock, Awe, and Censorship" Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall provide updates on the latest news in the federal government and h...

Episode 175: Drinking From a Fire Hose: Are We Drowning?

23 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "Drinking From a Fire Hose: Are We Drowning?" Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss recent actions taken by the Trump administration, most ...

Episode 174: The H5N1 Pandemic Cliff: Are We at the Edge?

09 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "The H5N1 Pandemic Cliff: Are We at the Edge?," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the ongoing challenge of H5N1 influenza, cover increa...

Episode 173: What Is Safe and Effective?

19 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "What Is Safe and Effective?," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall cover the evolving situation with H5N1 influenza, discuss the mystery outbreak...

Episode 172: A Tunnel of Uncertainty

05 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "A Tunnel of Uncertainty," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss several of Trump's recent HHS nominations, the latest respiratory virus da...

Episode 171: Serious Challenges Ahead: RFK Jr and a New HHS

21 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "Serious Challenges Ahead: RFK Jr and a New HHS," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the recent nomination of RFK Jr. as Secretary of He...

Episode 170: What Happens Now? Public Health in Uncertain Times

14 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "What Now? Public Health in Uncertain TImes", Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall revisit their discussion on the consequences of the US presiden...

Episode 169: The Most Important Episode I'll Ever Record

31 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "The Most Important Episode I'll Ever Record," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the latest respiratory virus trends, two human cases o...

Episode 168: Better Times

17 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "Better Times," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the latest COVID, H5N1, and seasonal influenza data. Dr. Osterholm also answers an ID...

Episode 167: A Coronavirus Dance

03 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "A Coronavirus Dance," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the latest COVId trends, the upcoming winter respiratory virus season, and a U...

Episode 166: Infectious Diseases Roulette

19 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In this episode, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall cover the latest infectious disease news on topics including H5N1, mpox, measles, and polio. Dr...

Episode 165: Frustrating Times: H5N1, Mpox, & Vectorborne Disease

05 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In this episode, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss H5N1 in cattle, mpox in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the risk of different vec...

Episode 164 Addendum: COVID Vaccine Update

23 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In this addendum to Episode 164, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the approval of the 2024-2025 mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. </p&g...

Episode 164: Only the Beginning

22 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

<p dir="ltr">In "Only the Beginning," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the mpox public health emergency and the latest COVID-19 and H5N1 tre...

Episode 163: COVID-19 & H5N1: What's Going On?

08 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In this episode, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the current COVID-19 and H5N1 trends, answer a COVID query about influenza vaccination,...

Episode 162: Class is Not Dismissed

25 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "Class is Not Dismissed," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall review the latest trends in COVID-19 and discuss new human cases of H5N1 influenza....

Episode 161: What's Going On and Why Does it Matter?

11 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "What's Going On and Why Does it Matter?," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the SARS-CoV-2 wastewater surveillance data, the H5N1 infl...

Episode 160: The H5N1 Response

27 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In this episode, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the U.S. response to H5N1 cases in dairy cattle, the latest long COVID research, and a ...

Episode 159: Uncharted Territory

13 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "Uncharted Territory," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall cover the latest H5N1 news and updates to the COVID-19 vaccine formulation. Dr. Osterh...

Episode 158: An Unfolding Saga

30 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "An Unfolding Saga," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the latest H5N1, COVID-19, and measles news. Dr. Osterholm also answers an ID qu...

Episode 157: Lungs & Udders

16 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "Lungs & Udders," Dr. Osterholm provides updates on H5N1 influenza, COVID-19, and mpox. He also shares his thoughts on a recent WH...

Episode 156: H5N1: An Impending Crisis?

02 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "H5N1: An Impending Crisis," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the spread of H5N1 avian influenza in US<br>dairy cows, cover the ...

Episode 155: Brighter Days Ahead

18 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "Brighter Days Ahead," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the latest national and international COVID trends, recent research on long CO...

Episode 154: H5N1 Uncertainty

04 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "H5N1 Uncertainty," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the latest national COVID trends, a recent study on Paxlovid, and H5N1 avian flu ...

Episode 153: Good News in a COVID-Indifferent World

21 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "Good News in a COVID-Indifferent World," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the national and international COVID trends, the latest res...

Episode 152: A Tough Conversation

07 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "A Tough Conversation," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the new CDC COVID isolation guidelines, a measles outbreak in Florida, and th...

Episode 151: Harm Reduction

22 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In this episode, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss COVID isolation guidelines, the BA.2.87.1 variant, and the importance of measles and ot...

Episode 150: A Family Discussion

08 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "A Family Discussion," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the latest SARS-CoV-2 variant, consider the current and future challenges acce...

Episode 149: A Period of Transition

25 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "A Period of Transition," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the latest COVID-19 trends in the U.S. and around the world, a recent study...

Episode 148: No Time to Quit

11 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "No Time to Quit," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the JN.1 variant, Paxlovid uptake, and COVID-19 vaccine disinformation. Dr. Osterh...

Episode 147: JN.1, Hospital Capacity, & Vaccine Uptake

28 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In this episode, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the JN.1 variant, the rising levels of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater, and the low uptake of ...

Episode 146: A Seasonless Virus

14 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "A Seasonless Virus," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the latest COVID-19 trends in the U.S. and around the world, provide an update ...

Episode 145: The Hospital Capacity Crisis

30 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "The Hospital Capacity Crisis," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the state of the pandemic in the U.S. and around the world, the recla...

Episode 144: A Slow Motion Tsunami

16 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "A Slow Motion Tsunami," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the state of the pandemic in the U.S. and around the world, the latest data ...

Episode 143: Immunological Chess Match

02 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In this episode, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss national and international COVID trends, the low uptake in the latest COVID vaccine, an...

Episode 142: Long COVID, Intranasal Vaccines, & Booster Dose Timing

19 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In this episode, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the latest national and international COVID trends, an intranasal COVID vaccine candida...

Episode 141: One Huge Puzzle

05 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "One Huge Puzzle," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the state of the pandemic in the U.S. and around the world, the rollout of the upd...

Episode 140: Challenges of the Past, Present, and Future

21 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In this episode, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the state of the pandemic in the U.S. and around the world as they reflect on infectiou...

Episode 139: Time for a Mindset Change

07 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "Time for a Mindset Change," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the rise in COVID activity in the U.S. and around the world, a recent st...

Episode 138: More Confusing Times

24 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In this episode, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the state of the pandemic in the U.S. and around the world, the latest research on long...

Episode 137: Variant Soup

10 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In this episode, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss national and international COVID trends, record dengue outbreaks around the world, and ...

Episode 136: Perspective and Humility

27 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "Perspective and Humility," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the state of the pandemic in the U.S. and internationally, a recent study...

Episode 135: More to Learn

13 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In this episode, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss recent studies on the neurologic effects of COVID-19, the newly approved RSV vaccine, a...

Episode 134: Good News

29 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "Good News," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the state of the pandemic in the U.S. and internationally, a recent report on the origin...

Episode 133: No Simple Answers

15 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In this episode, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss national and international COVID trends, a study on metformin and long COVID incidence,...

Episode 132: Looking in the Windows

01 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In this episode, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the latest data on long COVID, bivalent boosters, and mpox. Dr. Osterholm also...

Episode 131: A COVID Fog

18 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In this episode, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the state of the pandemic in the U.S. and around the world, the end of the COVID Public...

Episode 130: A Better Place

04 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "A Better Place," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the state of the pandemic in the U.S. and around the world, the latest booster shot...

Episode 129: Not Out of the Woods Yet

20 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In this episode, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the state of the pandemic in the U.S. and around the world, the end of the Public Healt...

Episode 128: A Light at the End of a Tough Two Weeks

06 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In this episode, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the state of the pandemic in the U.S. and around the world, the latest news on vaccines...

Episode 127: A Tough Two Weeks

23 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "A Tough Two Weeks," Dr. Osterholm shares why the past two weeks have been among the most challenging of the pandemic for him. He also pro...

Episode 126: Truth in the Midst of Political Theater

09 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In this episode, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the state of the pandemic in the U.S. and around the world, the role of booster doses a...

Episode 125: Masks, Memories, & Middle Ground

23 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "Masks, Memories, & Middle Ground," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the state of the pandemic in the US and around the world,...

Episode 124: Taking Long COVID Seriously

09 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "Taking Long COVID Seriously," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the trajectory of the COVID-19 pandemic in the US and around the world...

Episode 123: Nowhere Land

26 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "Nowhere Land," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the state of the pandemic in the U.S. and around the world, the latest data on the XB...

Episode 122: Shutting Down Misinformation

12 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "Shutting Down Misinformation," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the state of the pandemic in the US and around the world, China’s s...

Episode 121: Thank You, Dr. Jena: Part 2

29 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "Thank You, Dr. Jena: Part 2," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the crisis that China is currently facing, the latest influen...

Episode 120: Entering Phase 5

15 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In this episode, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss China's new COVID mitigation strategy, a COVID query about KN95s, and the fifth phase o...

Episode 119: COVID in the Driver's Seat

01 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In this episode, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the challenges that China is facing with its COVID response, analyze a study that was r...

A Time to Be Thankful but Alert

17 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In this episode, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the trajectory of the pandemic in the United States and around the world, a recent stud...

A Positive Note

10 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In this episode, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the state of the pandemic in the U.S. and around the world, some positive news about CO...

Subvariants, Long COVID, and Influenza

27 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In this episode, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the impact of the many subvariants that are currently circulating in the U.S. and aroun...

A New Phase

13 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "A New Phase," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the many new subvariants that are competing with BA.5, the Ebola outbreak in Uganda, a...

A Three Act Play

29 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "A Three Act Play," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the trajectory of the pandemic in the U.S. and around the world, President Biden'...

Time for Learning, Not Forgetting

15 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In this episode, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the state of the pandemic in the U.S. and around the world, the impact of COVID on the ...

A Reason for Hope

01 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

<p>In "A Reason for Hope," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the state of the pandemic in the U.S. and around the world, the trajectory of th...