Heidi Larson

Heidi Larson, a professor of anthropology and vaccine communication, joins Martin McKee, a public health expert, and Jane Ballentyne, a chronic pain management specialist. They tackle the urgent issue of health disinformation, exploring its impact on vaccine hesitancy. The conversation pivots to new guidelines against spinal injections for chronic pain, discussing the difficulties this poses for patients and doctors alike. The episode also reflects on progress in combating racism within UK medical schools, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and change.

Heidi Larson, an expert in vaccine confidence, warns about the dangers of health misinformation on social media. Michael Noetel discusses the effectiveness of exercise in controlling depressive symptoms. Rachel Clarke shares her experiences of the pandemic and the inspiration behind her new TV drama.

BBC journalist Anna Foster and vaccine expert Heidi Larson discuss the intense US election battleground states and concerns about coronavirus vaccine confidence. Topics include election uncertainty, mail-in ballots, UK lockdown legislation, pandemic adaptations, vaccine development, anti-vaccine messages, proactive communication strategies, and Brexit negotiations.

Join Tom Rivett-Carnac, a climate change policy expert, as he discusses the urgent need for action amid environmental crises. Danielle Allen, a Harvard political philosopher, emphasizes the delicate balance between freedom and collective responsibility. Vaccine advocate Heidi Larson addresses the challenges posed by misinformation, urging trust in public health initiatives. Finally, poet Clint Smith reflects on the emotional impact of the Black Lives Matter protests, highlighting the ongoing struggle for racial justice and the transformative lessons of summer 2020.

Laura Spinney, a science journalist and author, discusses the enduring impacts of the 1918 Spanish flu. Heidi Larson, an anthropology professor, highlights how public trust is crucial for vaccine acceptance, especially amidst skepticism. Daniel Streicker, an ecologist, emphasizes the risks of viruses jumping from bats to humans, stressing the need for more research. Lastly, Anupam Jena, a Harvard physician, uses economic principles to explore human behavior in healthcare, showcasing how external events influence health outcomes during crises like COVID-19.