Early History of Vaccination

In this episode with Dr. Joel “Gator” Warsh, you’ll discover a balanced perspective on vaccines, especially childhood vaccination, at a time when open, evidence-based dialogue is more important than ever. Drawing on his work as an integrative pediatrician, Dr. Warsh shares insights from his new book Between a Shot and a Hard Place, designed not to fuel division but to empower parents with knowledge, research, and practical tools for making informed decisions.

You’ll explore the origins and evolution of vaccines, how schedules have changed, the strengths and flaws of safety testing, the nuanced risks and benefits of individual shots, and the importance of informed consent and medical freedom. By weaving together mainstream medicine and holistic practices, Dr. Warsh highlights where the science is strong, where questions remain, and why open conversation is the path toward clarity, confidence, and compassion—and if you’re interested in cutting through fear and hype to understand this complex topic, you won’t want to miss this episode.

Dr. Joel "Gator" Warsh is the creator of the parenting Instagram account @drjoelgator and a board-certified pediatrician in Los Angeles specializing in wellness and integrative medicine. He is the author of multiple books, including his latest Between a Shot and a Hard Place: Tackling Difficult Vaccine Questions with Balance, Data, and Clarity.

He grew up in Toronto, completed a master’s in epidemiology before earning his medical degree at Thomas Jefferson Medical College, and trained at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles before founding Integrative Pediatrics. Dr. Warsh has published research in peer-reviewed journals on childhood injuries, obesity, and physical activity and has been featured in documentaries, summits, podcasts, and articles.

Full show notes: bengreenfieldlife.com/hardplace

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