Public Health Updates as of August 19, 2026

To keep the community updated on public health developments, the Cambridge Public Health Department (CPHD) will provide regular updates on its website and in a dedicated space in the city’s daily email. Look for a recap of important public health information every other week.

Childhood Vaccines

On August 10, President Trump gave an executive order to dramatically change the nation’s childhood vaccine schedule. Governor Healy responded by stating in Massachusetts we will continue to “make sure that vaccines remain available to people in the state including our young people.” 

“It’s important to note that this executive order was not based on any new scientific information,” states CPHD’s Medical Director Linda Shipton, MD. “This order creates confusion for parents who are trying to keep their children healthy. At CPHD, we encourage parents to find vaccine guidance with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MA DPH) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).” Read the AAP’s response to the executive order, which states that these changes would, “not be feasible or safe and that they come as measles cases reach a 35-year high.” 

Creating the Future We Want 

MA DPH is inviting residents to help shape future public health decisions by participating in the 2026 Community Health Equity Survey. The survey is available in 11 languages, anonymous, and only takes 10-15 minutes to complete. Take the survey now at mass.gov/HealthSurvey.

CPHD uses the results of this survey to inform public health activities, so we encourage all community members to participate!

Kratom Regulation

On August 13, Governor Healey announced new actions to protect residents from dangerous and largely unregulated kratom products. Kratom, a plant-based product, can produce stimulant-like or opioid-like effects and carries an overdose risk. While uncommon, kratom-related deaths have been reported, particularly when kratom is used with other substances or by people with underlying health conditions. 

MA DPH Commissioner Goldstein has issued an emergency order temporarily placing all forms of kratom into Schedule I under state law, which will give local boards of health and other municipal officials additional authority to take enforcement action against retailers selling kratom products. MA PH has also launched new resources at mass.gov/kratom.

New Massachusetts Abortion Law

On August 10, Governor Healey signed legislation that strengthens abortion protections in Massachusetts. The new law ensures patients facing serious pregnancy complications can receive medically appropriate care from trusted providers in Massachusetts. 

Recall on Some Outshine Fruit Bars

Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream, Inc. is voluntarily recalling a limited number of select flavors of Outshine Fruit Bars due to possible foreign material contamination with glass. See the list of recalled products on the FDA’s website.