Vax Talk

Voices for Vaccines
Vax Talk

Vax Talk is the podcast for people who want to do something about outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases and who understand that knowledge is power. We will discuss the latest news about vaccines and the impact they have on our communities, our families, and our friendships.

  1. MAR 12

    Ep. 82: Measles, Bird Flu, and RSV--Oh My!

    In this episode, hosts Karen Ernst and Dr. Nathan Boonstra break down the biggest vaccine headlines, from the alarming measles outbreak in Texas to the severity of this year’s flu season and the emerging threat of H5N1 bird flu. Special guest Dr. Joe Bresee from the Task Force for Global Health shares expert insights on pandemic preparedness, vaccine innovation, and global immunization efforts. He explains why bird flu is spreading among mammals, the risks of human-to-human transmission, and how surveillance is critical to preventing a future pandemic. The episode also unpacks how avian flu could impact flu vaccine production, given that most vaccines still rely on chicken eggs, and why mRNA technology may be the future of flu prevention. Finally, the hosts dive into the fight against vaccine misinformation and hesitancy, exploring how behavioral science plays a key role in boosting vaccine confidence. If you're interested in public health, disease prevention, and the future of vaccines, this is the episode you don’t want to miss! Links from the episode: - Ed Nirenberg’s in-depth analysis of vitamin A and measles: https://deplatformdisease.substack.com/p/vitamin-a-and-measles-it-doesnt-replace - Task Force for Global Health’s PIVI Program: www.pivipartners.org - Washington Post article: "Amid West Texas Measles Outbreak, Vaccine Resistance Hardens": https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/03/02/measles-outbreak-texas-vaccine-hesitancy-death/ - New York Times opinion piece: "The COVID Alarmists Were Closer to the Truth Than Anyone Else" by David Wallace-Wells : https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/26/opinion/covid-fifth-anniversary.html?unlocked_article_code=1.z04.IB3N.NLwgltyEef-S

    44 min
  2. JAN 13

    Ep. 81: Vaccines Are Required for School

    Join us as we sit down with renowned vaccine expert Dr. Paul Offit to explore the critical role of school vaccine requirements in protecting public health. Dr. Offit shares insights from his decades of experience, discussing how these requirements helped eliminate diseases like measles and rubella from the United States and why their erosion could have serious consequences. The conversation delves into pivotal moments in vaccine policy history, from the early days of state mandates to modern challenges facing public health measures. Dr. Offit recalls his firsthand experience with Philadelphia's devastating 1991 measles outbreak and discusses how the 2014 Disneyland outbreak led to significant policy changes in California. The discussion tackles complex issues around religious and philosophical exemptions, the impact on vulnerable populations, and growing concerns about vaccine hesitancy in the post-COVID era. Whether you're a healthcare provider, parent, educator, or concerned citizen, this episode offers valuable insights into why school vaccine requirements matter and what's at stake as these crucial public health protections face increasing challenges. Join us for an informative and thought-provoking discussion about protecting our communities through proven public health measures. Links from the episode: Alexandra Petri on ceding ground to polio: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2025/01/03/democrats-trump-suozzi-nyt/ Jimmy Carter's work in Global Health: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/30/health/jimmy-carter-global-health.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

    44 min
3.7
out of 5
343 Ratings

About

Vax Talk is the podcast for people who want to do something about outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases and who understand that knowledge is power. We will discuss the latest news about vaccines and the impact they have on our communities, our families, and our friendships.

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.

Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada