Public Health Updates as of October 28, 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.

New Chief

CPHD is happy to announce our new Chief Public Health Officer, Kathryn Hall, PhD, MPH. She brings more than two decades of progressive leadership spanning public health, academic medicine, research, and biotechnology. Learn more. 

You Can Help Inform Public Health Decisions in Massachusetts

Help CPHD by filling out the Community Health Equity Survey. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is inviting residents over 12 years old to help shape future public health decisions through this survey. The survey is available in 11 languages, anonymous, and only takes 10-15 minutes to complete. Take the survey at mass.gov/HealthSurvey. CPHD uses the results of this survey to inform public health activities, so we encourage the Cambridge community to participate!

Time to Get the Flu Vaccine

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reports that from October 11 to October 17, 2026, the number of hospital emergency department visits increased for flu and acute respiratory disease. CPHD recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine. Flu vaccines are covered by most Massachusetts health insurance plans. Most primary care offices and pharmacies offer flu vaccination. You can find a location near you using vaccinefinder.org. FluMist is also available to order to your home.  

Recalls

• Family Farmstead is recalling certain lots of raw mild cheddar cheese because it may be contaminated with E. coli.
• Kayem Foods Inc., is recalling ready-to-eat meat and poultry products because they may have experienced temperature abuse during storage.