Making Sense with Sam Harris #425 — Are We Prepared for the Next Pandemic?
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Jul 21, 2025 
Sam Harris hosts infectious disease expert Marc Lipsitch, Director of the Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics at Harvard. They dive into pandemic preparedness, reflecting on lessons learned from COVID-19. Topics include the erosion of trust in institutions and the critical need for clear scientific communication. Lipsitch addresses vaccine hesitancy and the safety of mRNA vaccines, while also discussing the implications of gain-of-function research and the importance of being ready for future pandemic threats.
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Trust and Policy Flexibility Critical
- Public trust and solidarity are crucial for effective pandemic response.
- Policies need frequent revision as new information emerges to avoid harm from outdated decisions.
Early Messaging Undermined Trust
- Early pandemic messaging was often contradictory and confused the public.
- This undermined trust as authorities changed recommendations amidst PPE shortages and uncertainty.
Build Trust During Peacetime
- Start educating the public about scientific uncertainty during non-crisis periods.
- Provide regular, clear updates to build expectations and trust when situations evolve.
