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Big Brains

Why Measles Is Resurging—And The Rise Of Vaccine Hesitancy, with Adam Ratner

Feb 20, 2025
Dr. Adam Ratner, Director of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at NYU and author of "Booster Shots," delves into the alarming resurgence of measles in the U.S. He discusses the dramatic decline in vaccination rates following the COVID pandemic and the rise of vaccine hesitancy. Ratner explains why measles is one of the most contagious diseases, its historical significance, and the crucial role vaccines play in public health. The conversation underscores the urgent need to combat misinformation and rebuild trust in vaccinations to protect children's health.
35:03

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Measles has resurfaced due to increasing vaccine hesitancy, highlighting the urgent need to improve vaccination efforts for public health.
  • Historical misconceptions about natural immunity and the false autism-vaccine link continue to fuel skepticism, impacting immunization rates and community health.

Deep dives

Rising Measles Cases and Vaccine Efficacy

Measles, declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, has seen a resurgence due to declining vaccination rates, particularly among children. In the first few months of 2024, reported cases have already surpassed those of the previous year, demonstrating the virus's highly contagious nature. Unlike many other illnesses, measles can infect approximately 90% of non-immune individuals, leading to exponential outbreaks if left unchecked. Pediatric authorities emphasize that this increase in measles cases is a direct threat to public health and highlights the urgent need for improved vaccination efforts.

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