What Measles Outbreaks Tell Us About Public Health In America

This Fresh Air interview focuses on Dr. Adam Ratner's book, "Booster Shots," which uses the resurgence of measles to highlight the erosion of public trust in vaccines and the fragility of public health systems. The conversation covers the alarming contagiousness of measles, the impact of misinformation spread by figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and the vital role of the NIH in medical research. Dr. Ratner emphasizes the importance of consistent communication with parents about vaccine safety and the long-term consequences of declining vaccination rates. He also discusses the concerning spread of avian flu and the need for robust public health surveillance. The interview concludes with a reflection on the challenges of combating misinformation in the digital age.