Vaccines

Pinal and Maricopa counties confirmed new cases this week. And Yavapai County on Wednesday confirmed its first measles case of 2026.

There were more than 2,000 confirmed cases of measles in the U.S. as of last week. That’s according to numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and is only a couple hundred cases away from the total from all of last year.

Housing has been a big issue of discussion — and debate — at the Arizona Capitol over the past few years. And lawmakers are expected to consider a proposal this week that’s been front and center in many of those conversations.

A bill that would outlaw mandatory vaccinations or mask wearing cleared the Arizona Senate on Monday. The measure would forbid the government from imposing any kind of mandate whether or not they’re on government property.

The Maricopa County Department of Public Health has confirmed a new case of measles in a county resident. Residents may have been exposed at three sites in the Queen Creek area.

The Arizona House passed legislation that would amend the state constitution to recognize a “right to refuse medical mandates.” If it passes the Senate, it would go on the November ballot.

The shingles vaccine is really good at preventing shingles. But new research suggests it may also be really good at preventing other ailments, like dementia and cardiovascular disease.

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is leading a multi-state lawsuit, arguing recent changes to CDC vaccine recommendations were based on political ideology, not medical evidence.

The state has seen 166 cases of measles since the beginning of last year, putting in the top 10 of Mexico’s 31 states.

Arizona has confirmed 24 cases of measles so far in January. Health officials continue to urge Arizonans to take precautions against the extremely contagious disease.