This episode of Unbiased Science is proudly sponsored by the Champions for Vaccine Education, Equity and Progress (CVEEP). Drs. Jess Steier and Sarah Scheinman discuss respiratory virus season and the importance of vaccines with guest Dr. Bertha Hidalgo, an epidemiologist. They share their personal experiences with COVID and the flu, highlighting the severity of these illnesses. The conversation covers viruses and vaccines, explaining that viruses are microscopic bundles of genetic material requiring host cells to replicate, while vaccines prime the immune system to fight off infections. The hosts explore the constant evolution of viruses and the need for updated vaccines to match circulating strains, mentioning the shift from a quadrivalent to a trivalent flu vaccine and the importance of genomic surveillance in predicting circulating strains. They give lots of practical guidance on ways to stay protected this season!

Dr. Jen Brull, a family physician and president elect of the American Academy of Family Physicians joins the pod to discuss vaccines and address common questions and concerns. She emphasizes the importance of getting vaccinated for both flu and COVID as soon as they are available. She also discusses the possibility of a combined COVID and flu vaccine and the need for regular updates to vaccines due to new variants. Dr. Brull highlights the benefits of vaccination for individuals and the global community, debunking myths and addressing vaccine hesitancy. She recommends having a trusted relationship with a family physician and provides reliable sources of information.

All our sources from this episode are available at: https://www.unbiasedscipod.com/episodes/

(0:00:17) Sponsorship 

(0:01:00) Introduction 

(0:03:00) Personal experiences with Covid 

(0:09:45) Defining viruses and vaccines 

(0:13:05) How viruses are changing 

(0:20:30) How vaccines are updated 

(0:23:55) Nice Genes promo

(0:25:06) Different types of vaccines 

(0:27:30) RSV

(0:32:23) Updated Covid vaccine 

(0:39:59) Jen Brull intro 

(0:41:15) Vaccine Q&A

(0:46:00) Why get vaccinated?

(0:49:45) Busting vaccine myths 

(0:54:10) Practical considerations 

(0:59:05) Herd immunity 

(1:04:00) Vaccine effectiveness 

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