Vaccine hesitancy, also known as anti-vaccination or anti-vax, is a reluctance or refusal to be vaccinated or to have one's children vaccinated against contagious diseases. People who conform to this view are commonly known as "anti-vaxxers". The term encompasses outright refusal to vaccinate, delaying vaccines, accepting vaccines but remaining uncertain about their use, or using certain vaccines but not others. Arguments against vaccination are contradicted by overwhelming scientific consensus about the safety and efficacy of vaccines. The World Health Organization views vaccine hesitancy as one of the top ten global health threats.

This weeks show features two experts on vaccines who help clarify how these vaccines were developed, their safety, and efficacy. It’s an important episode for those looking to understand the state of current research and how Covid-19 vaccines can change the face of the pandemic.