Originally broadcast on October 19, 2023

Dr. Mandy Cohen, the new CDC director, is facing big hurdles as she tries to explain to Americans the benefits of three vaccines now available at the same time: the updated COVID and the flu vaccine (for everyone 6 months and older) and the RSV vaccine (for eligible older adults). There’s vaccine skepticism and have been some issues with insurance payments. At the same time, she’s trying to rebuild trust in the CDC when polls show that has been eroding.

Dr. Cohen is committed to improving the agency’s data collection and explains that models for the flu season indicate it will not be an early flu season, despite earlier reports from the Southern Hemisphere that it could be. She also talks about how the government’s investment in Long COVID research could also provide insights into other viral illnesses with extended symptoms.

Hosts Mark Masselli and Margaret Flinter also ask her about the looming federal government shutdown and budget pressures she’s facing after only three months in the job.

Conversations on Health Care features in-depth discussions on health policy and innovation with industry newsmakers from around the globe. https://www.chcradio.com

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