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Episode 1: Navigating New Vaccination Guidelines with Dr. Rosemarie Roque Gordon

In this episode, Chris and Pat sit down with Dr. Rosemarie Roque Gordon, MD, MPH, a local pediatrician and Vice Chair of Brookline’s Advisory Council on Public Health (ACPH). We dive into the recent January 5, 2026 changes to the childhood immunization schedule.

Specifically, we discuss the shift of six immunizations from the “recommended” list into a new category of “shared clinical decision-making” between parents and providers.

Key Takeaways from Dr. Gordon:
The Big Three: Dr. Gordon breaks down why three of these vaccines—Hepatitis B, Rotavirus, and the Flu shot—remain critical for protecting our children.
Trusted Guidance: While federal lists have shifted, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) continue to support the full schedule of all 17 childhood vaccinations.
No Change in Access: Dr. Gordon reassures Brookline families that your access to these life-saving vaccines has not changed. They are available and recommended by your local health experts.
Local Support: We identify the resources available right here at the Brookline Health Department to help you stay informed and protected.
Public health is truly about community care. In this episode, we share a powerful analogy: vaccines are like a blanket you throw down to put out a fire before it can spread. You’ll want to listen to the full conversation to learn exactly what we mean by that and how it applies to keeping Brookline safe.

Resources Mentioned:
HealthyChildren.org (American Academy of Pediatrics)
Brookline Department of Public Health

Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or other professional advice. The content is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified professional who can consider your individual needs and circumstances. Listeners should consult a qualified professional regarding their specific situation and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you hear on this podcast. The views expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Friends of Brookline Public Health, the Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services, Brookline Interactive Group (BIG), or any affiliated institutions. Use of this content is at your own risk.

Introduction Episode: All about the Friends of Brookline Public Health

Inside Brookline Health is your go-to podcast for bite-sized, practical, and science-based guidance tailored specifically for our Brookline community.
Hosted by Dr. Chris Chanyasulkit, PhD, MPH, and Pat Maher, MS, RNP, this series is a collaborative effort sponsored by the Friends of Brookline Public Health, in partnership with the Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services and Brookline Interactive Group (BIG).
Introduction Episode: All about the Friends of Brookline Public Health

What’s Happening?
In this introductory episode, co-hosts and co-presidents Dr. Chris Chanyasulkit and Pat Maher discuss the launch of this new podcast series and dive into the mission of the Friends of Brookline Public Health (FBPH). They explain how the organization serves as a vital partner to the town, bridging the gap between municipal budgets and the evolving health needs of our neighbors.
Key Takeaways:
A 30-Year Legacy: The Friends of Brookline Public Health has been a vital part of the community for nearly 30 years, raising funds to support local health efforts beyond what the town budget can cover.
Filling the Gaps: The organization steps in to fund critical programs that keep Brookline healthy, especially as federal investments in public health face challenges and misinformation grows.
Impactful Local Programs:
Brookline Thrives: Provides free, shelf-stable weekend food bags to any Brookline student in need, ensuring no child goes hungry when school is not in session.
Brookline Food Pantry: FBPH supports this essential resource, which serves over 700 families in town each week.
Equity and Dignity: Recent efforts include a successful drive for diapers and incontinence products, as these are critical yet often overlooked determinants of family and senior health.
Community Advocacy: From providing turkeys for Thanksgiving to co-sponsoring educational programs on climate change and vaccination hesitancy, the Friends serve to bridge gaps in knowledge and resources to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to lead their healthiest lives.
Resources Mentioned:
Friends of Brookline Public Health Website: brooklinefph.wixsite.com/brooklinefph
Make a Donation: Visit brooklinecommunity.org and select “Friends of Brookline Public Health Fund” from the dropdown menu.
Brookline Thrives: brooklinethrives.org
Brookline Food Pantry: https://brooklinefoodpantry.org/
Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or other professional advice. The content is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified professional who can consider your individual needs and circumstances. Listeners should consult a qualified professional regarding their specific situation and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you hear on this podcast. The views expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Friends of Brookline Public Health, the Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services, Brookline Interactive Group (BIG), or any affiliated institutions. Use of this content is at your own risk.

Dr. King and the Power of Education: A Blueprint for Freedom | MLK Day 2026

Join together at Brookline’s annual MLK Day celebration to honor the life and values of Martin Luther King, Jr. This year’s one-hour event features:

Keynote Speaker Dr. Noliwe Rooks. Dr. Rooks is the L. Herbert Ballou University Professor in Africana Studies at Brown University. Her award-winning scholarship explores how race and gender both impact and are impacted by popular culture, social history, and political life in the United States. Her most recent book is Integrated: How American Schools Failed Black Children.

Poet Laureate of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Regie Gibson. Mr. Gibson wears many hats— professor at Berklee College, jazz musician, and educator. His poems for public occasions engage complex historical and social issues, inviting audiences into the dialogue with hope and often humor to create common ground and foster social cohesion. A much-loved and inspiring performer at Brookline MLK Day events, we are excited to have him return to our stage.

Poet Laureate of Brookline, Allison Adair.
Ms. Adair is an award-winning poet, essayist, and professor at Boston College. As Dr. King often used poetry in his speeches, the event has traditionally featured a reading by our town laureate. We are honored to have Brookline’s most recent appointee to the position continue the tradition.