Welcome to our new column exploring the rapidly shifting landscape of public health in the United States—and how it affects you.
This week, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified before the Senate Finance Committee about the recent upheaval at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including multiple firings and resignations of senior staff.
Kennedy faced tough questions from a bipartisan panel of senators regarding his administration’s vaccine policies. He repeatedly contradicted himself and doubled down on his dangerous and inaccurate anti-vaccine rhetoric.
When asked how many Americans died during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kennedy couldn’t provide a direct answer—but had no trouble promoting debunked claims about mRNA vaccines.
As confusion swirls within HHS and the CDC, and with Kennedy’s new COVID-19 vaccine guidelines in place, many residents in the tri-state area (and nationally) are concerned about their access to boosters just as we enter peak respiratory virus season—also known as cold and flu season.
So, What Are the New COVID-19 Vaccine Guidelines?
Because the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel has yet to convene, the FDA currently recommends the newest booster only for people aged 65 and older or those at high risk of complications.
Meanwhile, Florida has taken a boldly reckless step by eliminating its vaccine mandate for all federally recommended childhood vaccines for school-aged children. This sets a dangerous precedent for how government interacts with science and peer-reviewed evidence. Florida is about to become a real-time experiment in what happens when herd immunity breaks down.
In contrast, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey responded with a firm “Bet,” signing executive orders to ensure COVID-19 vaccines—and many other commonly required vaccines—are covered by insurers for anyone who wants one. Her administration is also working to form the region’s first vaccine recommendation alliance, coordinating with other Northeastern states on disease testing, epidemic response, and emergency preparedness.
How Does This Affect You?
Breakdowns in public health guidance can be confusing—and scary. If herd immunity for vaccine-preventable diseases is disrupted, we could see the return of illnesses like measles and polio. As we learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, disease affects everyone, even if you don’t get sick yourself.
Get Vaccinated!
Partner with your primary care provider to check your titers—a blood test that shows whether you’re still immune to common vaccine-preventable diseases. Get vaccinated for what you need, and encourage your loved ones to do the same.
Even if you had measles in the past, you might still be vulnerable. Immunity can fade over time. A simple blood test will tell you if you need a booster.
Dispel Quackery and Anti-Vaccine Misinformation
It’s hard to speak up sometimes, but your voice matters. The time for politeness is over—our communities need truth and science.
Think Twice Before Visiting Florida
It’s unsettling to think of a U.S. state as a public health hazard, but Florida’s lax vaccine policies and virulent anti-LBGTQ+ rhetoric make it a risky destination. Sure, Disney is a draw—and many of us have family there—but California has theme parks, Disney, plus better weather and hotter people (editor's note). No midday thunderstorms or swamp ass in Anaheim!
Wear a Mask When You’re Sick and Wash Your Damn Hands
Be considerate. It’s not hard.
Follow Knowledgeable Creators
Physicians like Dr. Zachary Rubin, MD, regularly share entertaining and factual public health content, including updates on medication recalls, vaccine recommendations, and debunking internet nonsense.
Get Involved!
Call your representatives. Call your governor. Ask them to follow Governor Maura Healey’s (and NJ Governor Phil Murphy’s) lead.
Contact your city’s public health office and ask about local plans.
And of course, follow us at Sprawlism.com. Subscribe to our newsletter and check out our podcast, Auto Asphyxiation, on YouTube.
Thanks for reading—and please take care of yourselves. We only have each other.
In warmest solidarity, Kimberly
References:
https://www.wbur.org/news/2025/09/05/massachusetts-covid-vaccine-insurance-guidelines-
rfk-cdc
https://apnews.com/article/florida-childhood-vaccines-mandate-eliminate-
desantis-363323dcdd3811ca9ad7def5f9a30fb2
https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a65969383/covid-vaccine-access-eligibility-new-
variant/
https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/delayed-vaccine-meeting-shifting-policies-
make-difficult-people-get-co-rcna228055
https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/09/04/nx-s1-5525885/rfk-cdc-hhs-
senate-finance
