Increase funding for public health campaigns to combat vaccine misinformation and promote vaccination.
Pandemics
Pandemics Risk
Assessment for this date
The current pandemic risk is moderate due to rising cases of respiratory viruses, vaccine hesitancy, and multiple infectious disease outbreaks.
February 12, 2026
Trend
Viewing the record for February 12, 2026 within the full trend.
Risk Drivers
What is pushing the current reading.
The threat level is elevated by the resurgence of flu and RSV cases in the US, ongoing measles outbreaks, and the persistence of long COVID symptoms. Vaccine hesitancy is exacerbated by misinformation and political factors, affecting uptake and potentially leading to higher transmission rates. Despite the availability of effective vaccines, gaps in vaccination coverage, especially among older adults, and the influence of misinformation on public perception pose significant challenges. Additionally, the emergence of new pathogens and the ongoing threat of avian flu highlight the need for vigilant surveillance and response strategies.
Risk Reduction Actions
Priority actions generated from the current analysis.
Enhance outreach efforts to ensure vulnerable populations receive timely vaccinations.
Strengthen surveillance systems for early detection of emerging pathogens and outbreaks.
Collaborate with communities to address vaccine hesitancy and improve health literacy.
Continue developing and testing vaccines for emerging infectious diseases and improve existing vaccine efficacy.
Sources Monitored
Visible feeds used in this category's nightly run.
Selected Articles
Supporting articles referenced in the latest score.
- Annenberg poll shows drop in perceived safety of vaccines
- Large share of older US adults haven’t had a recent flu or COVID vaccine, poll finds
- After 3-week decline, flu cases rise across the US; RSV, COVID activity high in certain states
- US respiratory virus activity reaches high levels as flu, RSV spread
- Measles outbreak in South Carolina hits 933, undetected spread in Sumter, Lancaster suspected Publisher: WLTX