Dr. Vivek Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General Profile picture
19th & 21st U.S. Surgeon General. Dad, husband, doctor, author. Dedicated to building a healthier, kinder, more connected world. https://t.co/GxSi2TxtAD
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May 2, 2023 8 tweets 3 min read
NEW: Today, I released a Surgeon General's Advisory on the epidemic of loneliness and isolation facing our country, the destructive impacts it has on our collective health, and the extraordinary healing power of our relationships. Surgeongeneral.gov/loneliness #Connect2Heal 1/8 At the height of the #COVID19 pandemic, we gained a greater appreciation for how crucial relationships are to our well-being. The pandemic led to greater loneliness for many, but there was widespread social disconnection even before #COVID19. 2/8
May 23, 2022 7 tweets 4 min read
I'm grateful to @VP Kamala Harris for joining me today at @ChildrensNatl hospital to thank the staff for their heroic work and to announce my new Surgeon General’s Advisory on a growing threat to the nation’s health: health worker burnout. 1/7 Vice President Kamala Harris and U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Vice President Kamala Harris and U.S. Surgeon General Vivek U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy speaking at the podium as Vice President Kamala Harris accompanied at the podium by U. Health workers nationwide have long grappled with systemic challenges that have driven burnout to record levels—from excessive workloads to physical/verbal abuse to poor access to mental health care. 2/7
May 23, 2022 6 tweets 2 min read
NEW: Today, I released a Surgeon General’s Advisory calling the nation to address a growing threat to our individual and collective health: health worker burnout. Health workers have long had our back—it’s time for us to have theirs. surgeongeneral.gov/burnout 1/6 Over the past 2+ years, health workers have been on the frontlines of the #COVID19 pandemic, where they not only saved lives, but in too many cases, sacrificed their own health and the health of their families as they served others. 2/6
Apr 21, 2022 6 tweets 2 min read
The recent court ruling has given travelers the option to choose whether or not to wear masks on flights, buses, and trains. Having been on a plane myself yesterday—and recognizing cases are on the rise in many states—here is why I will continue to wear a mask when I travel. 1/6 Even if you're low risk and aren’t concerned about #COVID19, you could transmit the virus to someone who isn’t so lucky—like the millions of Americans who can’t get vaxed (kids under 5), haven’t yet gotten vaxed, or have medical conditions that make them high risk. 2/6
Apr 18, 2022 4 tweets 2 min read
On April 5, 2022 @POTUS Biden called on @HHSGov to coordinate across the federal government to develop and issue the first-ever interagency national research action plan on long COVID. 1/4 This will advance progress in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and provision of services, support, and interventions for individuals experiencing long COVID and associated conditions. 2/4
Mar 14, 2022 4 tweets 1 min read
Florida's recent law restricting discussion about gender identity in school has understandably raised serious concerns. The law concerns me too. Let me explain why: 1/4 Learning that people are different and that not all families look the same—these are important lessons that start early in life, including in school. They help create a society based on understanding and respect. They help children know they belong even if they are different. 2/4
Mar 12, 2022 5 tweets 1 min read
Yesterday afternoon in Austin, I met with transgender youth and their parents to hear how they are coping in light of the state’s recent directive equating gender affirming care to child abuse. 1/5 The pain and fear in their voices was heartbreaking. Parents and kids are terrified about being separated. They described the repeated attacks on their families as profoundly traumatic. 2/5
Mar 7, 2022 5 tweets 3 min read
Children shouldn't die from preventable illnesses. That's why we vaccinate them. It's why we vaccinate kids for polio, measles, mumps, varicella, and influenza. And it's why the @AmerAcadPeds and @CDCgov recommend kids get the #COVID19 vaccine. 1/5 Kids are less at risk for bad outcomes w/ COVID compared to older adults. But lower risk doesn't mean no risk. We've lost hundreds of kids to COVID. Thousands have been hospitalized, including previously healthy kids, & have had serious complications leading to organ damage. 2/5
Mar 7, 2022 7 tweets 3 min read
Today, I'm making an official request to the general public for stories and research on #HealthMisinformation. This includes a public call to tech companies to transparently share what they know about the impact of misinfo on their platforms. To succeed, we need YOUR help. 1/7 When YOU respond to this request by sharing your personal story, you’re providing key evidence about the reach and influence of #HealthMisinformation. Your experience also helps prove why it’s so crucial for tech companies to publicly share the research they have. 2/7
Mar 1, 2022 8 tweets 3 min read
My wife Alice, my two kids and I have recovered from #COVID19. I’m immensely grateful for the kind wishes while we were ill. Now that we’ve joined millions who have gotten #COVID19, a few reflections on our recent experience: Each of us had a different experience. Our symptoms were different and they lasted for different periods of time. I had fevers and sore throat. Alice did not. One of our kids had GI symptoms. The other did not. It was a reminder that #COVID19 hits each person differently.
Feb 28, 2022 4 tweets 2 min read
Dr. Roselyn Epps was a life-long advocate for women's and children's health and for underserved communities. She was recognized for her leadership in medicine and should continue to be celebrated for her contributions to public health this #BlackHistoryMonth. 1/4 Image Born in Little Rock, AK, and educated at Howard University, Dr. Epp became many "firsts," including the first African American president of the Washington, D.C., chapter of the @AmerAcadPeds and the first acting commissioner of public health in Washington D.C. 2/4
Feb 18, 2022 11 tweets 2 min read
Update: my 5 year old son, my wife Alice, and I have all tested positive for COVID-19. Our son has a runny nose and low grade fever but is otherwise eating, drinking, playing with his sister, and watching his favorite cartoons. My four year old daughter who tested positive first is doing ok. Fevers are starting to improve. She’s still congested and is now hoarse from all the coughing, but thankfully she’s still smiling and enjoying her arts and crafts.
Feb 16, 2022 7 tweets 3 min read
Charles R. Drew was a groundbreaking and influential Black physician, surgeon, and researcher. He is remembered as the "Father of the Blood Bank" and is my next #BlackHistoryMonth highlight. 1/7 Drew was a pioneer in the field of blood preservation and the leading authority in the field during WWII, when the need for blood plasma was greater than ever. 2/7
Feb 15, 2022 8 tweets 2 min read
This weekend, my 4 y/o daughter tested positive for COVID-19. She’s had a fever and sore throat, and she isn’t her usual bubbly self. But thankfully she is eating, drinking, and breathing fine. We’re keeping a close eye on her. Worrying about her has prompted a few reflections: Trying to isolate a small child from her 5 y/o brother and parents in a small home is pretty tough. Which is why I’m grateful that my son, my wife, and I are all vaccinated. Even if we contract the virus, it’s unlikely to cause severe illness because we have protection.
Nov 30, 2021 5 tweets 2 min read
Like so many parents, I was thrilled and relieved when my 5-year-old son got his #COVID19 vaccine last week. He was a little nervous when the time came but all smiles afterward. He’s been proudly showing off his "I'm vaccinated" sticker! [1/5] My wife and I are two of millions of parents who have been waiting all this time for the opportunity to protect our kids from COVID-19. Now, we finally have that chance. There are few things that feel better than knowing your child is more safe. [2/5]
Nov 30, 2021 12 tweets 4 min read
There’s been a lot of news in the last few days about #Omicron. I can understand that many people are worried and exhausted at the prospect of another variant. Let’s review what we know and don’t know. Remember to be cautious about speculations you hear in the next few days: 1/12 #Omicron has raised concern among scientists because of its unusual mutations and rapid spread in South Africa. Cases have been detected in Europe, Asia, North America and other parts of Africa. We should expect more cases will be reported in the days ahead. 2/
Oct 29, 2021 7 tweets 2 min read
I was deeply disappointed to read this story. Health misinformation has harmed people’s health and cost lives. In the Surgeon General’s Advisory on Health Misinformation, I stated clearly that tech platforms have a responsibility to improve our health information ecosystem. What continues to be lacking from Facebook and other tech companies is transparency and accountability. Only the companies understand the full extent of misinformation’s spread and impact – yet they have not yet shared this data with independent researchers and the public.
Sep 29, 2021 9 tweets 2 min read
Last week, the FDA and CDC gave us one more tool to protect the health of Americans during the #COVID19 pandemic: a Pfizer vaccine booster shot for people in three high risk groups. Here's what you need to know. You are eligible for a booster if you're 6 months out from your last Pfizer dose and if any of the following apply:

1) You are 65+
2) You have a medical condition that increases risk of severe COVID-19
3) You work or live in a setting that puts you at higher risk of exposure
Aug 18, 2021 14 tweets 4 min read
BOOSTERS: Today we announced that we are planning to offer a booster dose of the #COVID19 vaccine to adults 8 months after receiving their second dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. This plan is pending review by @US_FDA and @CDCgov's ACIP.

Let's walk through the news. /1 *Our vaccines continue to be highly effective in preventing hospitalization and death.

*But we know even highly effective vaccines can become less effective over time.

*We’ve been monitoring data to determine when we may need a booster to extend protection. /2
May 14, 2021 11 tweets 3 min read
Starting this week, 12- to 15-year-olds are eligible for the Pfizer #COVID19 vaccine. This is a big moment. As a parent, I know we all want to make the right decisions for the health of our kids. So for parents considering the vaccine for their kids, here are a few thoughts. /1 Does it work? 2,000+ young people participated in the clinical trial — half with a placebo, half with the vaccine. There were 16 symptomatic COVID-19 infections in the placebo group and 0 in the vaccine group — demonstrating the vaccine is highly effective. /2
Apr 23, 2021 5 tweets 2 min read
Thank you, @alastanford, for joining me earlier this week in conversation with the COVID-19 Community Corps.

Hearing about the work you & the #BlackDoctorsCOVID19Consortium have been doing to vaccinate thousands of people in Philadelphia was inspiring.

/Thread You told us the motto for your community outreach is, “We’re calling to check on you.”

America needs more healers like you & your colleagues. /2