Why vaccines work

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A dose of reality about vaccines…
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More information and sources below

As more parents choose not to vaccinate their children or to vaccinate them later, diseases like measles are making a comeback. What is behind this anti-vax movement? Are vaccines safe? How do vaccines work? Why do some people claim there is a link between vaccines and autism? This week we look at why people are afraid of something that has saved so many lives, as well as the history and science of vaccines. #vaccine #antivax #measles

REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING:

/"The Panic Virus/" by Seth Mnookin: http://amzn.to/1CB8Q7p
/"On immunity/" by Eula Biss: http://amzn.to/1FTmmH1

Watch PBS NOVA's "Vaccines: Making the Decision": https://www.youtube.com/watch?vNVCO6_bpsEY

The Robert Falcon Scott Expedition and the Lost Cure for Scurvy, by Maciej Cegłowski: http://idlewords.com/2010/03/scott_and_scurvy.htm

The incredible value of vaccines: http://www.gavi.org/about/mission/facts-and-figures/

Guardian herd immunity simulation: http://www.theguardian.com/society/ng-interactive/2015/feb/05/-sp-watch-how-measles-outbreak-spreads-when-kids-get-vaccinated

Map of global vaccination rates: http://gamapserver.who.int/gho/interactive_charts/immunization/mcv/atlas.html

What is the risk of side effects from the vaccine? http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vac-gen/side-effects.htm

Eula Biss on vaccines and empathy: http://www.vox.com/2015/2/6/7992071/how-one-vaccine-skeptic-became-a-vaccine-supporter

Do you have an episode idea or an amazing science question you want to answer? Leave a comment below!
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It's Okay To Be Smart is written and hosted by Joe Hanson, Ph.DFollow me on Twitter: @jtotheizzoe
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Joe Hanson – Creator/Host/Writer
Joe Nicolosi – Director
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