Vax Talk is the podcast for people who want to do something about outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases and who understand that knowledge is power. We will discuss the latest news about vaccines and the impact they have on our communities, our families, and our friendships.
In this episode, hosts Karen Ernst and Dr. Nathan Boonstra break down the biggest vaccine headlines, from the alarming measles outbreak in Texas to the severity of this year’s flu season and the emerging threat of H5N1 bird flu. Special guest Dr. Joe Bresee from the Task Force for Global Health shares expert insights on pandemic preparedness, vaccine innovation, and global immunization efforts. He explains why bird flu is spreading among mammals, the risks of human-to-human transmission, and how surveillance is critical to preventing a future pandemic. The episode also unpacks how avian flu could impact flu vaccine production, given that most vaccines still rely on chicken eggs, and why mRNA technology may be the future of flu prevention. Finally, the hosts dive into the fight against vaccine misinformation and hesitancy, exploring how behavioral science plays a key role in boosting vaccine confidence. If you're interested in public health, disease prevention, and the future of vaccines, this is the episode you don’t want to miss!
Links from the episode:
- Ed Nirenberg’s in-depth analysis of vitamin A and measles: https://deplatformdisease.substack.com/p/vitamin-a-and-measles-it-doesnt-replace
- Task Force for Global Health’s PIVI Program: www.pivipartners.org
- Washington Post article: "Amid West Texas Measles Outbreak, Vaccine Resistance Hardens": https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/03/02/measles-outbreak-texas-vaccine-hesitancy-death/
- New York Times opinion piece: "The COVID Alarmists Were Closer to the Truth Than Anyone Else" by David Wallace-Wells : https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/26/opinion/covid-fifth-anniversary.html?unlocked_article_code=1.z04.IB3N.NLwgltyEef-S
13 Jan 2025
Ep. 81: Vaccines Are Required for School
Dr. Paul Offit and host discuss the critical role of school vaccine requirements in protecting public health, exploring the benefits of proven public health measures in eradicating diseases like measles and rubella from the United States.
6 Nov 2024
Ep. 80: Mpox with Dr. Kuppalli
In this episode of VaxTalk, we dive into the latest on mpox, previously known as monkeypox. Dr. Kritika Kuppali from the University of Texas Southwestern joins us to explain what mpox is, how it's related to smallpox, and why it's become a global public health concern. While smallpox was eradicated in 1980, mpox has been on the rise, particularly in Central and West Africa. Dr. Kuppali discusses the reasons for this increase, including decreased immunity from the end of smallpox vaccinations and environmental changes that may affect its spread.
We also explore the complex challenges of controlling mpox, from improving testing in regions with fragile healthcare systems to reducing stigma and ensuring supportive care. Dr. Kuppali talks about vaccines, such as JYNNEOS, used to protect high-risk populations and ongoing efforts to make these tools more accessible. Tune in to learn how global health experts and local communities work together to manage this outbreak and what role we all play in supporting these efforts.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
38,674
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
3.7 / 5
343 ratings
Spotify
3.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 63 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
57
Social presence
0
YouTube
76
Engagement
94
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