Recommendations

• University of Cambridge researchers conducted a systematic review of over 3,000 scientific papers focused on climate change mitigation. • The analysis revealed that policy recommendations are often an "afterthought," frequently being non-existent, ignoring uncertainty, or presenting "wish lists" unrelated to the actual study findings. • This gap is critical because it hinders the effective translation of scientific evidence into actionable government policies needed to combat climate change.

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is seeking public comment and recommendations on a continuing information collection request. • The agency is requesting approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for an estimated 583 annual burden hours. • This process is part of a broader federal effort to maximize the utility of government information while reducing the overall burden on the public.

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is seeking public and agency comments on a proposed continuing information collection project. • The project focuses on the "Use of the Cyclosporiasis National Hypothesis Generating Questionnaire (CNHGQ)" during investigations of foodborne disease clusters and outbreaks. • This request is part of a broader effort to maximize government information utility and reduce public burden, as mandated by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

• Medical specialty societies are increasing their outreach and evidence-based guidance to fill communication gaps left by federal public health officials. • The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) is collaborating with the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases and over a dozen other organizations to address public health needs. • This partnership is specifically focused on developing a comprehensive toolkit for clinicians and local health authorities to manage measles prevention and outbreak responses.

• On March 20, 2026, the White House issued the National Policy Framework for AI, urging Congress to preempt state laws and promote innovation. • Framework emphasizes five principles: child safety, communities, creators, censorship prevention, and U.S. competitiveness, building on December 2025 executive order. • Recommendations include protections against AI scams, workforce training via land-grant institutions, and free speech safeguards for AI outputs.

• A federal judge blocked sweeping changes to U.S. vaccine recommendations, including reductions in childhood immunizations and removal of COVID-19 guidance for certain groups, in a lawsuit brought by the American Academy of Pediatrics and other medical groups. • The ruling paused a reconstituted vaccine advisory committee and signals a forthcoming decision on broader legal questions, with the case expected to reach the U.S. Supreme Court soon. • Changes were driven by RFK's authority over federal vaccine policy, which critics argue lack scientific basis and threaten public health.

• Trump 2.0 policies terminated or overhauled HHS advisory committees, including ACIP with all members replaced in January 2026 by RFK Jr., leading to weakened hepatitis B and COVID-19 vaccine recommendations. • NIH advisory councils have not met, with the director's committee disbanded for over a year; USPSTF has not met since March 2025. • Senator Murray criticized leadership for prohibiting NIH grant processes; new ACIP includes controversial figures like an Alzheimer's patient from the withdrawn aducanumab trial.