TED Health Information Inoculation: Defending Against Medical Myths: Why do you need to get a flu shot every year? | Melvin Sanicas
Jun 10, 2025
Michael Osterholm, a renowned epidemiologist and director at the University of Minnesota's Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, joins Melvin Sanicas to tackle pressing public health issues. They dive into why flu vaccines require annual updates due to the virus's rapid mutations. The conversation highlights the dangers of misinformation about vaccines and emphasizes the crucial role of accurate data and communication in rebuilding public trust. Listeners discover the importance of community preparedness against future pandemics.
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Why Flu Shots Change Annually
- The flu virus mutates rapidly and comes in many changing strains, requiring an annual update of the vaccine.
- Flu vaccines target specific antigens that evolve, making timely adjustment critical for protection.
Get Annual Flu Vaccinations
- Get vaccinated yearly since flu vaccines help your immune system recognize the most current virus strains.
- Vaccination also protects others in your community through herd immunity and reduces severity if infected.
Osterholm's Medical Detective Journey
- Dr. Michael Osterholm's passion for infectious disease was sparked by early exposure to CDC outbreak stories.
- His career embodies a mission to solve public health puzzles as a 'medical detective'.