In our “Coffee with the Expert” section, we had the pleasure of featuring Dr. Gabriela Paz-Bailey, MD, PhD, MSc, DTM&H, Head of the Dengue Branch at the CDC’s National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Dr. Paz-Bailey earned her medical degree from the University of San Carlos in Guatemala and completed postgraduate training at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, where she obtained both an MSc in Tropical Medicine and International Health and a PhD in Clinical Epidemiology. She joined the CDC in 2000 as an Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) officer. With over 20 years of experience in public health across the United States, Central America, Africa, and Asia, she has led research on the natural history, acquisition, and treatment response of infections such as tuberculosis, Chagas disease, HIV, hepatitis B and C, herpes viruses, and arboviral diseases including dengue and Zika. Her recent work includes establishing dengue research cohorts, strengthening surveillance, and supporting ACIP recommendations for the first dengue vaccine approved in the U.S. During our conversation, Dr. Paz-Bailey offered valuable insights into global dengue-control strategies, the usefulness of predictive outbreak models, Wolbachia-based vector interventions, and, very important, her perspectives on currently available dengue vaccines— with emphasis on Qdenga, and the Butantan-DV.
In this edition’s Editor’s Corner, we address a critical public-health issue shaped largely by misinformation. Our goal is to clarify, demystify, and accurately communicate what the evidence shows regarding the effectiveness and safety of COVID-19 vaccines. The feature article, “COVID-19 Vaccines: Debunking Myths, Understanding Risks, and Reinforcing the Reality of Protection,” provides a clear and balanced analysis to help readers separate facts from misconceptions and strengthen confidence in scientifically grounded information.
Our Best Practice section highlights the importance of maintaining strong vaccination practices against rotavirus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, respiratory syncytial virus, and meningococcal disease in the United States. In light of the recent adjustments made by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to routine childhood immunization recommendations, it is essential to continue reinforcing the proven value of these vaccines. Each of these pathogens remains a significant cause of preventable illness, and sustained immunization efforts are critical to protecting children, reducing disease burden, and ensuring equitable access to effective prevention strategies.
Finally, in our Guest Contributor section, Dr. Arturo Perea Martínez—an internationally recognized Pediatric Internal Medicine Specialist from the Nutrition Unit of the National Institute of Pediatrics in Mexico City—and his collaborators provide a detailed analysis of how a child’s nutritional status is fundamental to an optimal immune response. They also explain how undernutrition, as well as overweight and obesity, can each disrupt immune function and potentially lead to altered vaccine responses.
As always, this issue features carefully curated and up-to-date information on the ‘Latest Scientific Publications’ along with the most recent and important ‘News and Alerts’.
We hope you find this December issue both informative and engaging, and we look forward to continuing this shared commitment to advancing global health and building a healthier planet.
