Cocooned Health

Chickenpox Vaccine 2026 — What It Means for Your Child
From January 2026, the NHS is introducing routine vaccination against chickenpox as part of the childhood immunisation programme. This marks a major shift in how the UK approaches a virus often seen as mild, but one that can cause serious complications, hospital admissions and significant disruption for families.
In this episode, we explore what this change really means, especially for parents asking: What if my child has already had chickenpox, or was vaccinated privately before the NHS rollout?
We break down the benefits of routine chickenpox vaccination, including fewer infections, fewer severe cases, and protection for babies, pregnant women and immunocompromised people who are most at risk. We also discuss the known risks and side effects, how these compare with natural infection, and what the evidence tells us about overall safety.
A key focus is the combined MMRV vaccine. We explain why chickenpox is being added to the existing measles, mumps and rubella programme, how combination vaccines work, and what parents should know about timing, immune response and the small increase in short-term side effects seen with combination jabs in younger children.
We also tackle the bigger public health questions. What does widespread vaccination mean for the future of chickenpox? Is eradication possible? And how might reduced circulation of the virus affect shingles rates later in life? We look at what other countries have learned, what is still being monitored, and why long-term surveillance matters.
Whether you’re deciding what to do after a previous infection, a private vaccine, or simply want to understand the reasoning behind this major policy change, this episode offers balanced, evidence-based discussion to help you make informed choices with confidence.

 “Can a single vaccine (BCG) on the first day of life protect against many unrelated infections?” Expert Guests: Professor Tobias Kollmann and Assistant Professor Nelly Amenyogbe
 
What about if you could give your baby a vaccine on day 1 of life and it would protect against many infections. This sounds almost like a miracle or fantasy that a single vaccine could protect against many unrelated infections. This episode looks at the BCG vaccine and how it offers young babies more than just protection against tuberculosis. This episode will transform your understanding of how vaccines work, the potential for future developments, and a tiny intro into why your baby's immunity is so special. Experts have been slow to embrace this phenomenon of the broad effects of vaccines because of dogma about how the immune system works. Some other scientists have criticised the evidence as being too weak.  But things are changing and we are thrilled to discuss it with our guests who not only will help share some of the history on how the knowledge of this came about but what their work has done for the field in pushing forward our understanding on the baby’s immune system and how this vaccine effect might work. 
 
Dr Eliz Kilich, with co‑host Dr Lydia Yarlott, are joined today by Professor Tobias Kollmann and Assistant Professor Nelly Amenyogbe to explore this topic and what it means to get the BCG vaccine on day 1 of life.  Prof. Kollmann completed his MD and PhD at the Albert of Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx NY, followed by a residency in pediatrics and fellowship in infectious diseases at the University of Washington, Seattle, WA with Prof. Chris Wilson. He then served as Division Head for Pediatric Infectious Diseases at the University of British Columbia, BC Children’s Hospital before taking on the Director’s position of Systems Vaccinology at Telethon Kids Institute in Perth, Australia. He currently is Prof. of Microbiology & Immunology as well as Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Dalhousie University in Halifax, NS, Canada. Tobi is the CEO of the Born Strong Initiative (https://www.born-strong.org/), a global network of experts working to reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes. His expertise centers around immune ontogeny as well as maternal and early life vaccine responses employing cutting edge technology and analytics to extract the most information out of the small biological samples obtainable.
 Dr Nelly Amenyogbe, is Assistant Professor Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada. Her previous research showed how BCG, the vaccine against tuberculosis, reduces risk to die from newborn sepsis within days of being given. Current projects build on these initial observations to identify how host metabolism influences the immune response to infection, especially colostrum feeding for newborns, which may influence the efficacy of immune-targeting therapies. These research questions are answered using preclinical models, and multi-omics surveys of human maternal and neonatal immune responses.
 
Further Reading:
- The Scientist: How some vaccines protect more than against their target
https://www.the-scientist.com/features/how-some-vaccines-protect-against-more-than-their-targets-68059
 
- Science: Vaccination strategies to enhance immunity in neonates
Tobias R. Kollmann et al. Vaccination strategies to enhance immunity in neonates.Science 368,612-615(2020).DOI:10.1126/science.aaz9447
Direct Iink: https://science.sciencemag.org/content/368/6491/612.abstract
 

In today’s episode, we take on a challenging and timely topic: public trust in health communication, especially when high-profile figures make statements that conflict with established scientific evidence. Recent comments from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., now serving as U.S. Health Secretary, have generated widespread public confusion, with reactions from British scientists, global health agencies, and clinicians offering sharply contrasting views.
Dr Eliz Kilich and, Dr. Lydia Yarlott, unpack four of the most debated claims—carefully, calmly, and from a British medical perspective:
“Thimerosal should be banned from ALL influenza vaccines to protect children and pregnant women.”We explore what thimerosal actually is, its current use in the UK, and what the evidence shows regarding safety and the confusion with methyl mecury and ethyl mercury. We discuss why RFK has focused on this chemical in particular. 
“Paracetamol in pregnancy caused the autism epidemic.”We reflect on our latest dedicated episode and how risk is communicated to expectant parents.
“COVID-19 vaccines are no longer recommended for healthy children and pregnant women.”We place this statement against the actual WHO recommendations, discuss how guidance evolves over time, and why differing national policies often have nothing to do with safety concerns.
“VAERS and existing vaccine safety systems don’t work.”We examine how vaccine surveillance operates Listen now, subscribeDM us @CocoonedHealth on Instagram Disclaimer: Remember we are sharing our opinions and medical knowledge, and not associated with our affiliations. Note that knowledge evolves over time. Note that this is not direct medical advice as we are not your personal doctors however feel free to share any ideas expressed with your own healthcare professional as needed. This episode is unsponsored and received no financial incentive. 

Ep 25. “No Longer Recommended?” The Politics, Science, And Stakes Of COVID19 Vaccination In Pregnancy In 2025. 
Hosts Dr. Lydia Yarlott & Dr. Eliz Kilich are joined by Professor. Flor M. Muñoz — Associate Professor of Paediatrics, Infectious Diseases, and Molecular Virology & Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital.  Her work has focused on the evaluation of vaccine safety and efficacy in special populations including pregnant women, children, and people with compromised immune systems, as well as the epidemiology and treatment of respiratory pathogens including COVID-19 and influenza
In 2025, the U.S. government — under the Trump administration — made a striking policy reversal: COVID-19 vaccines are no longer recommended for healthy pregnant women or children. But what happens when political tides shift faster than science?
In this episode of Cocooned Health, Dr. Lydia Yarlott and Dr. Eliz Kilich sit down with infectious disease expert Dr. Flor Muñoz to explore the real-world evidence behind this decision — and why maternal vaccination may still play a vital role in protecting newborns.
We unpack:
How mRNA vaccine particles and antibodies behave in pregnancy and breastmilk — and what studies reveal about newborn protection.
Why COVID-19 in pregnancy, while rarer now, still poses serious risks for some mothers and infants.
The philosophical and political forces shaping vaccine guidance in the U.S., from public trust to populist skepticism.
How global health programs like Gavi and WHO are responding when America — once a vaccine leader — changes direction.
And, most importantly: While no longer routinely offered, what’s the evidence that COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy may still bring benefits?
Mercury derived thimerosal what is it for, and is it of concern?Disclaimer: Remember we are sharing our opinions and medical knowledge, and not associated with our affiliations. Note that knowledge evolves over time. Note that this is not direct medical advice as we are not your personal doctors however feel free to share any ideas expressed with your own healthcare professional as needed. This episode is unsponsored and received no financial incentive. 

Ep 24. Paracetamol in Pregnancy: Panic or Proof? Expert Guest: Professor Dimitri Siassakos
In this episode of Cocooned Health, Dr Eliz Kilich and Dr Lydia Yarlott are joined by Professor Dimitrios Siassakos, a leading researcher in maternal-fetal medicine at UCL, to unpack the controversy surrounding paracetamol (acetaminophen) use in pregnancy.
A new review published in Environmental Health has reignited debate by examining possible associations between paracetamol use and conditions such as autism and ADHD in children. U.S. President Donald Trump claimed paracetamol “is no good” for pregnant persons, sparking widespread concern online.
Together, we explore:
discuss the recent controversies surrounding the use of paracetamol during pregnancy, particularly in light of claims made by political figures. They are joined by Professor Dimitrios Siassakos, who provides insights into the safety of paracetamol, the research surrounding its use, and the potential links to neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and ADHD. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding causation versus correlation, the risks associated with untreated fever in pregnancy, and the need for moderation in medication use. 
Paracetamol is considered safe for use in pregnancy.
Recent claims about paracetamol causing autism are based on over-interpretations of studies.
Fever in pregnancy poses significant risks that outweigh concerns about paracetamol. Find out what by listening. 
Causation must be proven correctly; correlation does not imply causation.
Genetic factors play a major role in the development of autism and ADHD.
Moderation in medication use is crucial during pregnancy.
The Swedish study provides strong evidence against the link between paracetamol and autism. Learn more by listening 
Healthcare professionals should guide pregnant women on medication use.
Pain management is important; women should not feel guilty for taking medication when needed.
The narrative around paracetamol use in pregnancy needs to be clarified for public understanding+++ NOTE when using the term pregnant women, we also refer to inclusive of transgender who may also be pregnant and non binary individuals. 
Disclaimer: Remember we are sharing our opinions and medical knowledge, and not associated with our affiliations. Note that knowledge evolves over time. Note that this is not direct medical advice as we are not your personal doctors however feel free to share any ideas expressed with your own healthcare professional as needed. This episode is unsponsored and received no financial incentive. 

 
Ep. 23. Pregnancy & Travel in Latin America: Mosquito Risks, Repellent Safety, and Vaccines with Dr. Laila Woc-Colburn
Travel during pregnancy can be both exciting and daunting—especially in Latin America, where mosquito-borne infections and vaccine questions add extra layers of caution. Infectious-diseases specialist Dr. Laila Eugenia Woc-Colburn (Emory University) https://med.emory.edu/directory/profile/?u=LWOCCOL joins Cocooned Health to share the latest science and practical steps for staying safe. From Zika and dengue to repellents, vaccines, and coastal risks, we break down what every pregnant traveller and family should know.
What we cover
Mosquito-borne risks: Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and new findings from Brazil.
Medications: Why there’s no pill for Zika/dengue/chikungunya, why malaria prophylaxis matters in Latin America and pregnancy-safe options. 
Specific areas of risk.
Repellent choices: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and oil of lemon eucalyptus—what the evidence says, and how to use them safely in pregnancy.
DEET safety: Decades of data show standard use is not linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Environmental protection: Clothing, permethrin, screens, and removing standing water.
Yellow Fever and where it is located including now the cities...
Vaccination safety in pregnancy when travelling
NutritionThis episode is for general education only and isn’t medical advice. Risks and recommendations change by location and over time. Always check the latest official guidance and speak with your own clinician before travel or vaccination decisions.Disclaimer: Remember we are sharing our opinions and medical knowledge, and not associated with our affiliations. Note that knowledge evolves over time. Note that this is not direct medical advice as we are not your personal doctors however feel free to share any ideas expressed with your own healthcare professional as needed. This episode is unsponsored and received no financial incentive. 

Episode 22: Do all fevers in kids need bringing down? Science, exceptions and the myths of fever in children.
 
It’s one of the most common worries for parents — and one of the most misunderstood. We discuss fever myths and more providing clarity and discussion
In this episode of Cocooned Health, Dr Eliz Kilich & Dr Lydia Yarlott tackle the biggest fever myths in children:❓ Do all fevers need treating?❓ Will fevers keep rising to dangerous levels if left alone?❓ Does getting lots of colds mean a weak immune system?❓ Should you always give paracetamol after vaccines?❓ When should you given paracetamol / ibuprofen to children. What age is it not OK? Can you switch between the two?
As we discuss in the episode: Note children > 1 year can tolerate fevers much more than adults and thus the fever number itself becomes less concerning than other features. In adults the normal fever ranges tends to be 37.8 -39.4 (103°F) whereas in OLDER children (over one year) this is a little higher 38 - 39.8. Note this is not a hard and fast rule and the most important feature tends to be other symptoms.
KEY EXCEPTIONS where the NUMBER MATTERS:1. Children under or 3 months old - any fever needs URGENT same day medical review (>38°C (100.4°F))2. Children under or 6 months old > 39°C degrees3. Fever > 5 days. Should be improving in 2-3 days or with fever medication 4. Seek medical attention in an adult > 39.4. This episode does not specifically describe fevers in adults and is limited to a discussion around fever in children.
We unpack why other symptoms with fever tell you more than just the fever itself. 
💡 We’ll unpack what’s fact, what’s fiction, and what really matters when your child spikes a temperature.
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✨ Don’t miss this myth-busting chat that could save you a lot of late-night worry! Listen Now. And DM us on Instagram any queries and feedback
Disclaimer: Remember we are sharing our opinions and medical knowledge, and not associated with our affiliations. Note that knowledge evolves over time. Note that this is not direct medical advice as we are not your personal doctors however feel free to share any ideas expressed with your own healthcare professional as needed. This episode is unsponsored and received no financial incentive.