It's Been a Minute When adults reject vaccines, children pay the price
Apr 14, 2025
Maria Godoy, NPR's senior science and health editor, and Brandy Zadrozny, NBC News senior reporter, tackle the alarming resurgence of measles due to anti-vaccine rhetoric. They discuss the devastating consequences of vaccine hesitancy, illustrated by a recent outbreak in Texas. The duo delves into the influence of misinformation, examining parental fears linked to autism and alternative medicine. Their insights highlight the urgent need for accurate information to safeguard public health and combat the growing anti-vaccine sentiment.
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Measles in the Media
- The show "The Pit" features a child with measles, highlighting the relevance of the ongoing measles outbreak.
- This ties into the podcast's series, "The Road to Make America Healthy Again."
Conflicting Views on Vaccines
- RFK Jr. stated that MMR vaccines prevent measles spread, yet he's promoted anti-vaccine views.
- This has caused concern among public health officials and parents.
Origins of Anti-Vax Sentiment
- A debunked study by Andrew Wakefield linked autism to MMR vaccines, fueling anti-vax sentiment.
- RFK Jr., influenced by concerns about mercury in vaccines, joined the anti-vaccine movement.