Photo of a single dose of MMR vaccine. (Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Spotlight)
Stories from the States is a weekly podcast from States Newsroom that explores how government decisions impact people and communities across America through personal stories. Listen now wherever you find your podcasts.
As vaccination rates among children decline, several diseases once thought to have been eradicated are making a comeback and spreading, most notably measles and whooping cough.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been vocal in advocating for changes to vaccine recommendations for children, particularly calling for restrictions on Covid-19 and hepatitis B vaccines. All this despite the CDC’s own data showing they are secure and effective.
Some Democrat-led states are coming together to form their own health coalitions to counter the reversal of long-standing CDC recommendations and provide clear information to their voters. While others, mostly Republican-led states, are trying to eliminate vaccine requirements for children.
In episode 7, in Oregon Dr. Lisa Reynolds shares how her condition is responding to confusing and polarizing information from the CDC. Dr. Reynolds is also an Oregon State Senator for the 17th District.
Next, we’ll head to Florida, where Gov. Ron DeSantis and State Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo are pushing to eliminate vaccine requirements in public schools and preschools. Christina Sextonsenior reporter ” Florida Phoenixwill give us a summary.
At last, Evening wrap newsletter writer Danielle Gaines shares the most popular stories she sees.
Episode produced and edited by Mallory Cheng. Music for Tales from the States composed by David Singer.
Crash Here for the full record.
Relevant reading from States Newsroom websites and partners:
- The number of measles cases increases during holiday travel (status line)
- Blamed for the nation’s historic measles outbreak, West Texas Mennonites have hardened their views on vaccines (Texas Tribune)
- CDC Vaccine Rollback Urges New Jersey Legislators to Act (New Jersey Monitor)
- Louisiana’s modern surgeon general is a vaccine skeptic, allied with anti-abortion forces (Louisiana Illuminator)
- Measles spreads in waiting rooms, so call ahead instead of showing up, health officials say (Utah Dispatch)
Do you have any questions? An idea for an episode? Write to us at: podcast@statesnewsroom.com
This podcast is produced by State Newsrooma nonprofit news network that includes Pennsylvania Capital-Star and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.
