Stephen Goldstein (follow on X) is a postdoc in Evolutionary Virology at the University of Utah School of Medicine, where he specializes in coronaviruses. In this interview, he addresses common misconceptions about vaccines, particularly the debunked link to autism, and emphasizes the rigorous safety testing that vaccines undergo. The conversation also explores the reactions to COVID-19 vaccines, and the challenges of communicating credible information to the public. Goldstein highlights the need for innovative methods to improve public acceptance and accessibility. He discusses the potential of certain vaccines, such as that against HPV, to save millions of lives and address the long-term effects of diseases like measles; the search for vaccines against viruses like Epstein-Barr; and the balance between safety and innovation in development.

One thing that is highlighted in this conversation is the problem with the “just taking questions” posture adopted by the anti-vaxx movement. Most of the questions they ask have been answered. Those that remain do not create enough doubt to suggest a person should not get the vaccines recommended by public health professionals. For more along these lines, see Richard Hanania, “Vaccines and the Tightrope of Progress.” This interview originally appeared here.

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