It's back to school season! On todays episode of FACTSinnated, our host Sophie talks to school nurse, Alicia Warden. Alicia has been a school nurse for 17 years, and is currently the Lead RN and Health Services Supervisor in her district. They discuss the role of school nurses, the importance of vaccination and steps you can take to make sure you or your child are safe, healthy and ready to learn as we head back to school!

On this episode of FACTSinnated, our host Sophie is joined by behavioral scientist and University of Pennsylvania professor Dr. Alison Buttenheim. They dive into Dr. Buttenheim’s work,including how “Mental Models” help shape our understanding of vaccine behavior. They also discuss the changing vaccine landscape, tips for finding credible information and how to be a vaccine advocate in your community.

On this episode of FACTSinnated, our host Sophie is joined by CBS News Medical Contributor, internist and infectious disease specialist Dr. Celine Gounder.  They discuss the changing field of public health communications, mistrust in public health, and “prebunk” some common vaccine misconceptions.  

X: @celinegounder 

Instagram – @drcelinegounder 

Bluesky- @celinegounder.com 

In this episode of FACTSinnated, we’re joined by Patti Wukovits, nurse and founder of the Kimberly Coffey Foundation and co-founder of the American Society for Meningitis Prevention, who turned personal tragedy into national advocacy for meningitis prevention. Patti shares her journey from losing her 17-year-old daughter, Kimberly, to Meningitis B, to becoming a leading voice for adolescent vaccination. We talk about how meningococcal disease spreads, symptoms to watch for, and why comprehensive vaccination against all 5 types of meningococcal bacteria (ABCWY) most likely to cause meningococcal meningitis is is essential for protecting teens. Patti also addresses common misconceptions, gaps in awareness among parents and teens, and offers heartfelt advice for families who may still be hesitant. In addition, through the work of the Foundation, June has been declared ‘Meningitis B Awareness’ month in New York state since 2015. Tune in to hear how Kimberly’s legacy continues to save lives and what steps we can all take to stay informed and protected.

Instagram: http://instagram.com/asmp_org 

Twitter(X): http://twitter.com/asmp_org 

Facebook: http://facebook.com/americansocietyformeningitisprevention 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-society-for-meningitis-prevention 

In this episode of FACTSinnated, Dr. Cindy Leifer, a professor of microbiology and immunology at Cornell University, discusses the critical importance of adolescent and young adult immunization. She shares insights into how vaccines work, the challenges of combating vaccine misinformation, and strategies for building trust in science. Dr. Leifer emphasizes the role of reliable sources and effective communication in navigating the sea of online misinformation. She also highlights the dangers of diseases like HPV-related cancers and meningitis, which can be prevented through vaccination. Tune in for practical advice on making informed decisions about vaccines to protect your health and the health of your loved ones.  

 PedsDocTalk is a multiplatform resource dedicated to spreading accurate health information for Mom’s. Today, our host Sophie sits down with Dr. Mona, a pediatrician, Mom and the creator of PedsDocTalk to discuss strategies for moms of adolescents and young adults to combat vaccine misinformation. 

Dr. Mona can be found on all platforms @PedsDocTalk.

On this episode of FACTSinnated, we’re joined by Deanna Troust, founder of Truth in Common, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring fact-based decision-making and empowering individuals to navigate the complexities of today’s information landscape. We also explore the intersection of misinformation, public health, and social division, offering tools for navigating today’s complex information landscape. Listeners will gain insight into how fostering respectful discourse can empower communities to address contentious issues effectively. 

On this episode of FACTSinnated, we’re joined by Jessica McDonald, a seasoned science journalist with a focus on addressing the growing issue of vaccine misinformation. Jessica shares her journey into science journalism and discusses why tackling vaccine misinformation, especially online, is more crucial than ever. We dive into some of the most common misconceptions surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine, including concerns about myocarditis, and explore how these myths have impacted public health efforts and trust in health institutions. Jessica also provides insight into her approach to making complex scientific topics, like vaccination, accessible to the general public, with tailored strategies for parents and young people. Tune in to learn more about the fight against vaccine misinformation and discover resources to stay informed and protect public health! 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/factcheckorg/?hl=en  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/factcheck.org  

Twitter(X): https://twitter.com/jjmcdona?lang=en  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-mcdonald-15252049/  

On this episode of FACTSinnated, we sit down with Dr. Linda Eckert, a Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Adjunct Professor in Global Health with an Infectious Diseases Fellowship at the University of Washington. We discuss her new book Enough: Because We Can Stop Cervical Cancer and the importance of preventing this disease. Dr. Eckert also delves into why getting the HPV vaccine at a young age, starting at 9 years old, is crucial to preventing HPV-related cancers, and how she has worked with parents and adolescents in the past to ensure adolescents are protected through vaccination. Tune in to learn more about HPV vaccination as we debunk the myths surrounding it and check out these free sources!

Website: https://drlindaeckert.com/  

Enough: Because We Can Stop Cervical Cancer: https://www.cambridge.org/us/universitypress/subjects/medicine/obstetrics-and-gynecology-reproductive-medicine/enough-because-we-can-stop-cervical-cancer  

https://cervivor.org/

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/Pages/default.aspx

https://www.acog.org/

Join us for a new episode of FACTSinnated, featuring a discussion with four young adult vaccine advocates. Eric, Lindsey, Archer, and Nolan each have a unique background and lived experiences that have shaped their interest in adolescent vaccination. On this episode, we’ll hear about their path to becoming vaccine advocates, what it takes to make their voice heard, and how they’ve been able to make a difference among their peers. Tune in to this to learn more about strategies for navigating conversations about vaccines and sharing credible, fact-based vaccine information with your friends and family.