79% of Americans support school vaccine requirements amid measles outbreak; disposable e-cigarettes may be worse than traditional cigarettes; female and minority veterans face higher risk of opioid overdose – Morning Medical Update

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79% of Americans support school vaccine requirements amid measles outbreak

As the nationwide measles outbreak continues, a new Harvard and de Beaumont Foundation poll finds that 79% of U.S. adults support requiring childhood vaccines for school entry — including minorities across political lines. Among the 21% opposed, most cite parental rights over safety concerns. The poll also shows high confidence in vaccine safety, with 91% of adults — 88% of parents — believing childhood vaccines are safe.

Disposable e-cigarettes may be more toxic than traditional cigarettes

A new UC Davis study warns that some popular disposable e-cigarettes — often used by teens — emit higher levels of toxic metals like lead, nickel and antimony than even traditional cigarettes. Researchers found one device released more lead in a day than 20 packs of cigarettes. The study, published in ACS Central Science, highlights urgent safety concerns, as these metals are linked to cancer, respiratory disease and nerve damage.

Female and minority veterans face higher risk of opioid overdose

A new study from Boston University and the VA reveals that female veterans and veterans from racial and ethnic minority groups are at greater risk of dying from opioid overdose than their white male peers. Analyzing data from over 200,000 veterans with opioid use disorder (2016–2021), researchers found the highest overdose death rates among younger, female, and minoritized veterans — especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings highlight the urgent need for more personalized, equitable and targeted overdose prevention and treatment strategies.