Influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 Vaccines: Effectiveness, Safety, and Trust in 2026

Childhood obesity affects approximately 15% of children aged 2 to 12 and is associated with adverse health outcomes in adulthood. Author Claudia K. Fox, MD, MPH, of the University of Minnesota Medical School joins JAMA Deputy Editor Mary M. McDermott, MD, to discuss epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of childhood obesity. Related Content: Obesity in Children Aged 2 to 12 Years

Heart transplant for patients with advanced heart failure can lead to improved survival and quality of life. Author JoAnne Lindenfeld, MD, of Vanderbilt University joins JAMA Associate Editor David Simel, MD, MHS, to discuss indications, transplant evaluation, management after transplant, long-term complications, and survival. Related Content: Heart Transplant for Advanced Heart Failure

Narcolepsy is a chronic neurologic disorder that causes severe daytime sleepiness and impaired quality of life. Author Tom Scammell, MD, of Harvard Medical School joins JAMA Deputy Editor Karen Lasser, MD, MPH, to discuss the etiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment of narcolepsy. Related Content: Narcolepsy The Orexin System—A Key Component of Sleep Regulatory Networks and Involvement in Narcolepsy

Respiratory virus vaccine effectiveness and safety for influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 are reviewed, including new evidence, risks, and recommendations. JAMA Deputy Editor Preeti Malani, MD, MSJ, speaks with Rochelle Walensky, MD, MPH, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and former CDC Director, about vaccine data, public trust, and the 2026 respiratory virus season. Related Content: Respiratory Season Virus Vaccines RSV Immunization Effectiveness and Safety for the 2026-2027 Respiratory Season Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness and Safety for the 2026-2027 Respiratory Season COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness and Safety for the 2026-2027 Respiratory Season

Cancer vaccines stimulate immune cells to recognize proteins or mutations found on or within cancer cells, facilitating destruction of cancer cells. Several vaccines are approved and others are in development for cancer treatment. Author Nora Disis, MD, JAMA Deputy Editor and Editor in Chief of JAMA Oncology, discusses cancer vaccines and more with JAMA Deputy Editor Mary McDermott, MD. Related Content: Vaccines for Cancer

Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) affects approximately 1% to 4% of adults aged 65 years and older and is associated with gait impairment, cognitive decline, and urinary dysfunction. Author Mark G. Luciano, MD, PhD, from Johns Hopkins University, discusses this and more with JAMA Deputy Editor Kristin Walter, MD, MS. Related Content: Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus

Rheumatoid arthritis can affect any synovial joint and cause irreversible damage, but early diagnosis and treatment with DMARDs can reduce inflammation and lower the risk of joint destruction. JAMA Associate Editor David Simel, MD, MHS, is joined by review coauthor Josef Smolen, MD, to discuss this topic. Related Content: Rheumatoid Arthritis in Adults

POTS is a chronic autonomic disorder characterized by excessive orthostatic tachycardia and multisystem symptoms that affects an estimated 0.1% to 1% of the US population. Author Satish Raj, MD, MSCI, of University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine joins JAMA Deputy Editor Kristin Walter, MD, MS, to discuss current evidence about the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of POTS. Related Content: Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

Naltrexone, acamprosate, disulfiram, and topiramate are effective but underused medications for treatment of alcohol use disorder. Author Stephen Holt, MD, MS, of Yale School of Medicine joins JAMA Deputy Editor Kristin Walter, MD, MS, to discuss first-line pharmacotherapy for alcohol use disorder and important safety, efficacy, and hospital initiation considerations. Related Content: Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)(liquid biopsies) can help monitor cancer progression, detect residual cancer after treatment, and identify genetic changes within cancer cells that could affect treatment response. Author Ben Ho Park, MD, PhD, of the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center discusses current evidence regarding use of liquid biopsies in management of cancer with JAMA Deputy Editor Mary McGrae McDermott, MD. Related Content: Liquid Biopsies for Cancer Applications of Liquid Biopsy for Surgical Patients With Cancer