In our series highlighting individual diseases we currently vaccinate for, today we cover pneumococcal disease. We’ll tell you just how common it is, how serious (or not serious) it can be, and what your child’s risk is of catching pneumonia or meningitis from this infection. We’ll break down the risks and side effects of the vaccine, both for kids and for the elderly, and explain why there are four recommended doses on the infant vaccine schedule.

You’ve heard it is critical for our society to maintain herd immunity to keep the public from experiencing major disease outbreaks. But is this really true? Is vaccine-induced immunity the same as natural immunity, and does it offer the same level of protection? We present the pros and cons of natural herd immunity and discuss the downside of artificially induced immunity for disease management in society.

Ever wonder what type of safety testing vaccines go through before they are released to the public? Today we break down the vaccine safety research system and discuss some criticisms from the scientific community about the FDA approval process, like the lack of placebo-controlled safety trials and long-term safety studies, and the small number of test subjects.

Today we focus on whooping cough, one of the most common diseases that still spreads around despite high vaccination rates. We’ll tell you why this vaccine doesn’t work very well, how to recognized and treat the disease, and discuss the risks of the disease. We also cover the risks and side effects of the DTaP vaccine so you can make a more educated decision with your trusted health care provider.

Going against the grain is usually met with resistance. In today’s society, people question everything — yet when you do it with vaccines, you’re immediately branded in a negative way. Why is this the case? We discuss the main research studies that show parents who opt out of some vaccines are intelligent and competent, a truth that is in direct opposition to the media portrayal. bit.ly/vaxconv

Just how common and deadly are the diseases we vaccinate all new babies for? In this episode, we discuss the 9 diseases that babies get vaccines for in the first 6 months of life (Hepatitis B, Hib, Pneumococcal, Rotavirus, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Flu) so you can better understand the real risks and decide if your infant really needs all 24 doses. Part 2 to come later: Diseases for toddlers and children. bit.ly/vaxconv

The flu vaccine is the least effective vaccine on the CDC schedule, yet it has the highest amount of advertising and media hype compared to all other vaccines. We’ll ask (and answer) why, and discuss what is really behind the media campaign to convince you to “get your flu shot” every year. bit.ly/vaxconv

Just how common and deadly is the flu? Does the media tell the truth when reporting flu risks? Is the flu vaccine actually safe or effective? What about the mercury in flu shots — is that safe for pregnant women and babies? Join us for a chat about one of the most controversial vaccines on the market. bit.ly/vaxconv

Is measles really on the rise, and is it really the deadly disease the media now spins it to be? We’ll explore the actual risks of measles, how to prevent it, and how to see through some of the skewed messaging frequently put out by the media. bit.ly/vaxconv

Join us as we break down a new study on California vaccine medical exemptions post SB277. We will review and question the results in detail, and shine some light on a concerning new trend that seeks to make medical exemptions a thing of the past. bit.ly/vaxconv