New initiative will answer the public’s most common vaccine questions with clear, evidence-based responses
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 12, 2026
MINNEAPOLIS — The University of Minnesota's Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) and Unbiased Science have launched on their social media channels a new vaccine question-and-answer series that will provide clear, evidence-based responses to the questions people are asking most about vaccines.
Rather than anticipating what people want to know, the series is designed to respond directly to the questions communities are already asking. In June, Unbiased Science began soliciting vaccine-related questions from the public and received a flood of responses.
"People have genuine questions about vaccines, and they deserve answers that are respectful, understandable, and grounded in evidence," said Dr. Jess Steier, CEO of Unbiased Science. "This series starts with listening. By responding to the questions people are actually asking, we hope to create a trusted resource that grows alongside the public conversation."
Each month, the organizations will identify common themes from the submitted questions and publish answers in plain language across their social media channels. The initial rounds of questions will focus on vaccines for respiratory viruses, including flu, COVID and RSV.
In preparation for previous respiratory virus seasons, CDC and the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) would increase outreach efforts to identify key issues that might discourage immunization and provide answers to questions driving vaccine hesitancy that might stand in the way of someone getting vaccinated to protect themselves against serious illness. Under HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., however, those activities have largely stopped and been replaced by efforts to sow doubt in the safety and effectiveness of vaccination, including this week’s White House Executive Order on immunization, which included numerous misstatements and inaccuracies.
"We know that trust begins with listening," said Dr. Michael Osterholm, director of CIDRAP. "People are looking for straightforward answers from credible sources. This partnership allows us to meet people where they are with information that is transparent, evidence-based, and responsive to the questions they care about most."
The Q&A series is intended to serve the public while also providing healthcare professionals, educators, and public health communicators with a growing library of shareable resources addressing common vaccine questions.
The effort builds on the ongoing partnership between CIDRAP and Unbiased Science, which combines CIDRAP's expertise in infectious disease research and response, independent evidence reviews and vaccine policy with Unbiased Science's experience translating complex science into accessible information that reaches millions of people each month.
New questions and answers will be published at least monthly beginning today on the CIDRAP and Unbiased Science social media platforms, which you can access here, here and here (among other channels). Questions may be submitted through social media or by email at vaccines@unbiasedscience.com.
About CIDRAP
The Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) at the University of Minnesota is a global leader in addressing public health preparedness and emerging infectious disease response.
CIDRAP works to prevent illness and death from targeted infectious disease threats through research and the translation of scientific information into real-world, practical applications, policies, and solutions.
About Unbiased Science
Unbiased Science is a science communication organization that reaches up to 30 million people each month through social media, podcasts, videos, and other digital platforms. Its interdisciplinary team of clinicians, epidemiologists, immunologists, toxicologists, and public health experts translates complex health science into engaging, accessible information for the public.
Media Contact:
Kevin Griffis
Director of Media Relations and Public Affairs
Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy
University of Minnesota
kgriffis@umn.edu
202-412-8377