Vaccinations
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
California health officials urge COVID-19 vaccinations as Central California test positivity hits 15.53%.
The push comes as measles outbreaks in Bangladesh and the U.S. test routine immunization.
Background
Multiple vaccination-related stories surfaced in early September 2026. California's COVID-19 test positivity rate in Central California reached 15.53%, about 2 percentage points below last summer's peak of 17.7%. Meanwhile, Bangladesh's measles outbreak continued with over 57,561 cases from January to June, and U.S. measles cases exceeded 2,900 this year, prompting new vaccination clinics and awareness efforts.
How it unfolded
- Sep 4, 2026Researchers at North Carolina State University explore a new vaccine delivery method using dental floss to address needle fear.
- Sep 8, 2026California health officials report a COVID-19 test positivity rate of 15.53% in Central California and urge residents to stay up to date on vaccinations.
- Sep 8, 2026University of Indianapolis announces free vaccination clinics amid renewed awareness of preventable disease outbreaks, citing five U.S. measles deaths in two years.
- Sep 9, 2026VA Providence expands flu vaccination availability for Veterans, with walk-in clinics starting September 14 and CBOC clinics through November.
- Sep 9, 2026NPR reports Bangladesh's measles outbreak continues despite 18.4 million vaccinations, with experts saying 22.6 million is the true target.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- California Department of Public Health encourages residents to stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations as infections increase statewide.
- Expert
- Health experts in Bangladesh say the immunization gap persists, as 18 million vaccinations was not enough to reach all unvaccinated children.
- Public
- Fear of needles still keeps many from getting important vaccinations, according to researchers exploring alternative delivery methods.
Still unverified
The effectiveness of the dental floss vaccine delivery method is still under research and not yet approved for use.