A preservative removed from childhood vaccines 20 years ago is still causing controversy today − a drug safety expert explains

There’s no solid evidence that thimerosal harms children. It was removed from almost all vaccines more than 20 years ago out of an abundance of caution, but RFK Jr.’s hand-picked vaccine advisory committee is looking into it.

Terri Levien, Professor of Pharmacy, Washington State University • conversation
June 25, 2025 • ~8 min

As flu cases break records this year, vaccine rates are declining, particularly for children and 65+ adults

So far, fewer than half of US children and older adults have been vaccinated during this year’s high-severity flu season.

Annette Regan, Adjunct Associate Professor of Epidemiology, University of California, Los Angeles • conversation
Feb. 28, 2025 • ~8 min

Vaccine hesitancy among pet owners is growing – a public health expert explains why that matters

About 4% of dogs and 12% of cats remain unvaccinated against rabies, posing risks for society.

Simon F. Haeder, Associate Professor of Public Health, Texas A&M University • conversation
Jan. 14, 2025 • ~7 min

Storytelling strategies make communication about science more compelling

Whether sharing online about health topics or chatting about the weather, you communicate about science. Borrowing a tactic from antiscience advocates can help make your stories more persuasive.

Emma Frances Bloomfield, Associate Professor of Communication Studies, University of Nevada, Las Vegas • conversation
July 11, 2024 • ~7 min

'Got polio?' messaging underscores a vaccine campaign's success but creates false sense of security as memories of the disease fade in US

Polio vaccines have been a massive public health victory in the US. But purely celebratory messaging overlooks the ongoing threat if vaccination rates fall.

Katherine A. Foss, Professor of Media Studies, Middle Tennessee State University • conversation
April 27, 2023 • ~10 min

Misinformation will be rampant when it comes to COVID-19 shots for young children – here's what you can do to counter it

With COVID-19 shots finally available for infants and preschoolers, knowing how to combat misinformation on social media and elsewhere could be more important than ever.

Maya Ragavan, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh Health Sciences • conversation
June 24, 2022 • ~9 min

Parents were fine with sweeping school vaccination mandates five decades ago – but COVID-19 may be a different story

Public health experts know that schools are likely sites for the spread of disease, and laws tying school attendance to vaccination go back to the 1800s.

James Colgrove, Professor of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health; Dean of the Postbaccalaureate Premedical Program, Columbia School of General Studies, Columbia University • conversation
Oct. 22, 2021 • ~9 min

Can healthy people who eat right and exercise skip the COVID-19 vaccine? A research scientist and fitness enthusiast explains why the answer is no

A growing body of research shows that nutrition, sleep, exercise and a host of other lifestyle choices can help optimize the immune system. But they are no substitute for life-saving vaccines.

Richard Bloomer, Dean of the College of Health Sciences, University of Memphis • conversation
Sept. 28, 2021 • ~8 min

Changing your mind about something as important as vaccination isn't a sign of weakness – being open to new information is the smart way to make choices

People tend to stick with their stated beliefs. But here’s how external forces like vaccine mandates can push people to do something they don’t want to do – and provide some face-saving cover.

Art Markman, Professor of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin College of Liberal Arts • conversation
Sept. 23, 2021 • ~8 min

Forceful vaccine messages backfire with holdouts – how can it be done better?

Subtly shifting the crafting and delivery of public health messaging on COVID-19 vaccines could go a long way toward persuading many of the unvaccinated to get the shot.

S. Shyam Sundar, James P. Jimirro Professor of Media Effects & Co-Director, Media Effects Research Laboratory, Penn State • conversation
Sept. 14, 2021 • ~9 min

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