Epidemiologist Yvonne “Bonnie” Maldonado is an expert in vaccine research and public health. Look back centuries, and the story is always the same, she says: Death rates from viruses have plummeted, especially in children and the elderly. And yet, millions of children die each year from vaccine-preventable diseases. Vaccines need a return of public confidence, and that starts with better messaging and greater support of nongovernmental messengers like herself. The bottom line is that vaccines are safe, she says. Vaccines work and we have saved many lives because of them, Maldonado reminds host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Russ Altman introduces guest Yvonne “Bonnie” Maldonado, a professor of pediatrics, epidemiology and population health at Stanford University.

(00:03:01) Career in Vaccines

Bonnie shares what led to her career in vaccine research.

(00:04:53) How Vaccines Work

How vaccines train the immune system to recognize and fight pathogens.

(00:06:46) Why Vaccine Responses Vary

The variability in immune responses and breakthrough infections.

(00:09:22) Risk vs. Benefit in Vaccines

How researchers evaluate side effects versus disease severity.

(00:11:53) How Viruses Evolve

The evolutionary dynamics that shape viral behavior.

(00:13:59) Vaccine Boosters

Why some vaccines last for life while others require multiple doses.

(00:17:14) Herd Immunity

How community protection works and why vaccination rates matter.

(00:21:22) Vaccine Controversy

The controversy surrounding vaccines and what led to it.

(00:24:27) Global Vaccine Hesitancy

How declining trust and past outbreaks influence vaccination globally.

(00:27:07) The Future of Vaccines

Why vaccines are essential and how outbreaks shape public response.

(00:29:08) Preparing for Future Pandemics

How healthcare systems prepare for new threats after COVID-19.

(00:30:43) Future In a Minute

Rapid-fire Q&A: hope, public trust, and the future of health.

(00:32:54) Conclusion

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