Sponsored: After COVID-19, are we better prepared for the next pandemic?

The podcast explores the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on public health and strategies for future preparedness. Dr. Julie Gerberding, Merck’s Chief Patient Officer and former head of the CDC, shares her cautiously optimistic outlook, emphasizing the importance of vaccines while also noting concerns about emerging variants. Gerberding highlights the necessity of global surveillance to track viral evolution and the ongoing development of updated vaccines. She addresses vaccine hesitancy, particularly within Black communities due to historical mistrust, advocating for better communication and representation in the medical field. The conversation further covers the need for sustained investment in biosecurity, drawing parallels to national defense, to prevent future crises and the importance of returning to regular health screenings.