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Osterholm Update

CIDRAP
Covid-19
Public Health
Measles
Vaccination
H5N1 Avian Flu
Influenza
Long COVID
H5N1 Avian Influenza
Vaccines
H5N1
Advisory Committee On Immunization Practices
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
Public Health Policy
MPOX
Vaccine Efficacy
FDA
CIDRAP
2024 U.S. Presidential Election
CDC

A weekly report on the COVID-19 pandemic from infectious disease expert Michael Osterholm, PhD, MPH. Dr. Osterholm is the director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) at the University of Minnesota and has spent a career investigating outbreaks. Since 2005, he has emphasized supply chain and other vulnerabilities and a critical need for pandemic preparedness. In this ... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes228Founded7 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Science

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Artwork for Osterholm Update

Latest Episodes

<p dir="ltr">Before 2025, we didn't spend too much time talking about measles on this podcast, and that's because there wasn't much of a need to. But ever since the measles outbreak in West Texas began in January 2025, it's become a regular topic of ... more

<p dir="ltr">This past August, Pennsylvania announced two measles-associated deaths in unvaccinated residents, marking the first measles deaths in the state in thirty-five years. This week, hosts Chris Dall and Dr. Micheal Osterholm discuss the two d... more

<p dir="ltr"> As summer comes to a close, another chapter begins: back to school. But with that comes a lot of different public health challenges and some muddled guidance for parents. Like how do we deal with measles in schools? When's the best time... more

<p dir="ltr">It’s been a whirlwind week of public health news from Washington, but hosts Chris Dall and Dr. Michael Osterholm are here to make sense of it all. This week they answer your questions about the White House's executive order on childhood ... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Michael Osterholm
Director, Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP)
CIDRAP, University of Minnesota
Episode: Episode 212: Major Roadblocks
Mark Olshaker
Co-author of 'The Big One' and expert in infectious diseases
Episode: Episode 191: 'The Big One' with Mark Olshaker, Ann Hennigan Grace, & Dr. Sydney Redepenning
Ann Hennigan Grace
Researcher and fact-checker for 'The Big One'
CIDRAP
Episode: Episode 191: 'The Big One' with Mark Olshaker, Ann Hennigan Grace, & Dr. Sydney Redepenning
Sydney Redepenning
Researcher who contributed to fact-checking for 'The Big One'
CIDRAP
Episode: Episode 191: 'The Big One' with Mark Olshaker, Ann Hennigan Grace, & Dr. Sydney Redepenning

Hosts

Michael Osterholm
Director of CIDRAP and infectious disease expert featured as primary host.
Chris Dall
CIDRAP News reporter and cohost, central to episode discussions.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 3.6k ratings
  • Factual information

    Excellent evidence based updates in public health and infectious disease. He calls the balls and strikes accurately on the media and government.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ragweedd
    United States2 months ago
  • Okeystrokey

    Very rational and logically presented Chris Dall as host has a very soothing voice

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    jake85main
    United States2 months ago
  • First listen today and hooked!

    Really appreciated the most recent conversation about Ebola transmission and risks, and the warm thoughts sent to providers caring for the sick. Really fantastic information transmitted in a digestible way!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    jenbalvmo
    United States3 months ago
  • Only three stars

    Dr Osterholm has some good information, but he takes himself way too seriously. He also defends the WHO and China; rather distasteful, given what has unfolded in the last year. He is very earnest — in measure, that can be useful. He misses no opportunity to trash the current administration. A real pearl clutcher.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    seesaw70
    United States4 months ago
  • Grateful

    As a primary care pediatrician, I face many challenges, but recently my work has become simply daunting and discouraging. This podcast helps to keep me grounded, and is truly useful to me both professionally and personally. Thank you so much for being beacons of hope during these dark times!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    *Brig*
    United States8 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Fans value the host team's clear explanations of complex outbreaks and policy shifts.
Listeners praise the evidence-based, calm delivery and practical public health guidance.
Some critique perceived bias or political framing around certain health policy topics.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#54
United States/Science
Apple Podcasts
#135
Canada/Science
Apple Podcasts
#205
Australia/Science
Apple Podcasts
#236
Ireland/Science

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Making Sense of Measles Misinformation
Q: Why is the timing of flu and COVID vaccines treated differently?
COVID and flu behave differently seasonally; flu has a more predictable fall/winter pattern, while COVID waves can occur multiple times a year with varying timing; waning immunity also affects optimal timing.
Making Sense of Measles Misinformation
Q: Mike, what does the national picture look like right now with measles and school re-openings?
Pennsylvania leads in cases but measles is spreading across multiple states; risk is driven by pockets of under-vaccinated communities, and school re-openings can accelerate transmission depending on local coverage.
Back to School: What You Need to Know
Q: Is COVID still a concern for families, and how should they protect themselves going into the school year?
Yes, it remains a threat but not at pandemic levels; stay up to date with vaccination, test if symptomatic, and use updated vaccines when available to reduce severity and hospitalizations.
Back to School: What You Need to Know
Q: What advice do you have for parents heading back to school given the measles outbreaks?
Focus on local data and vaccination status at the school or district level, talk with pediatricians, and ensure your children are up to date with vaccines to reduce vulnerability in specific clusters where outbreaks can surge.
Cyclospora: Then and Now
Q: Where do you think things have gone wrong in the outbreak response, and what lessons should public health take away?
Key points include the lack of timely leadership, premature or misinformed fruit/vegetable associations, the necessity of coordinated data gathering across states, and the importance of avoiding sensational or incorrect guidance about disinfection and handling of greens.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About Osterholm Update

What is Osterholm Update about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A weekly briefing on infectious disease science and public health policy led by a senior infectious disease scientist and CIDRAP News reporters. Episodes cover current outbreaks (Ebola, measles, cyclosporiasis, hantavirus), vaccine policy and messaging, and the evolving landscape of COVID-19, flu, and RSV. The cadence blends data-driven explanations, policy analysis, and historical context, with thoughtful critiques of leadership and communications in public health. Notable strengths include clear, evidence-based updates that connect outbreak dynamics to real-world preparedness, long-term vaccine strategy, and public trust. The show stands out for its consistent emphasis on preparedness, surveillance, and practical public-health takeaways, ... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Osterholm Update?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Osterholm Update:

1. This Week in Virology
2. Stay Tuned with Preet
3. Public Health On Call
4. Letters from an American
5. Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick | Law, justice, and the courts

How many episodes of Osterholm Update are there?

Osterholm Update launched 7 years ago and published 228 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Osterholm Update?

Recent guests on Osterholm Update include:

1. Michael Osterholm
2. Mark Olshaker
3. Ann Hennigan Grace
4. Sydney Redepenning

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