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