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.
Polio, guinea worm, and the unseen work of public health
Links from the episode
- Alexandra Petri on ceding ground to polio
- Jimmy Carter‘s work in Global Health
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