VacciNation
VacciNation explores the topic of vaccines, addressing myths and controversies surrounding their safety and effectiveness. The podcast provides healthcare professionals with insights on vaccines, the diseases they prevent, and how differing viewpoints impact public health. Each episode aims to inform and educate listeners on the science and societal implications of vaccination.
Episodes
Ensuring Consistent Flu Vaccination in Time-Constrained Visits
Host: Brian P. McDonough, MD, FAAFP
Guest: Angela Myers, MD, MPH, FAAP, FPIDS
Busy clinic schedules don't have to stand in the way of influenza vaccination. In this episode of VacciNation, Dr. Brian McDonough speaks with Dr. Angela Myers, Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, about practical approaches that help clinicians deliver c
Applying Clinical Trial and Real-World Data to Flu Vaccine Recommendations
Host: Jennifer Caudle, DO, FACOFP
Guest: Kawsar Talaat, MD
Annual influenza vaccine effectiveness may vary from season to season, but evidence consistently supports its role in reducing severe illness and hospitalization. Join Dr. Jennifer Caudle as she speaks with Dr. Kawsar Talaat about how clinical trial data and real-world evidence guide vaccine recommendations, support vacci
Pediatric Influenza: Risks, Realities, and Prevention
Host: Jennifer Caudle, DO, FACOFP
Guest: Laura Sass, MD
Pediatric influenza carries a significant clinical burden, with children under four experiencing one of the highest rates of influenza-related illness, healthcare visits, and hospitalization.1,2 Seasonal influenza vaccination remains an evidence-based strategy to reduce illness and severe outcomes, with a well-established sa
Fighting Flu Vaccine Myths: How to Effectively Dispel Misinformation
Host: Charles Turck, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP
Guest: Mirella Salvatore, MD
From fears of getting the flu from the shot to concerns about ingredients like thimerosal, myths about the flu vaccine persist, underscoring the need for clinicians to effectively address misinformation and build vaccine confidence. So to help debunk some of the most common flu vaccine myths, Dr. Charles Turck
Implementing ACIP's 2025 Flu Vaccine Guidelines Across Patient Populations
Host: Charles Turck, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP
Guest: Darvin Scott Smith, MD
Guest: Robert Danoff DO, MS, FACOFP, FAAFP
As of July 2025, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) released new recommendations for influenza vaccination, stating that single-dose thimerosal-free formulations are now required for children up to 18, pregnant individuals, and all adults. Whi
From Pertussis to Polio: Why Routine Childhood Vaccination Matters More Than Ever
Guest: Paul Offit, MD
Despite the rarity of diseases like polio and diphtheria in the U.S., recent cases underscore that these threats persist when immunization rates decline. Meanwhile, more common infections like pertussis and hepatitis B continue to pose serious risks to unprotected children. Here to talk about the importance of timely and routine childhood vaccination is Dr. Paul
Pediatric Flu Vaccination: Strategies for Addressing Parental Concerns
Host: Charles Turck, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP
Guest: C. Buddy Creech, MD, MPH
Guest: Wendy Wright, DNP, FNP-BC, ANP-BC, FAANP, FAAN, FNAP
Pediatric influenza vaccination rates are consistently lower than other childhood immunizations, a problem that’s often driven by parental hesitancy. Whether it's a lack of understanding of the possible severity of the flu or deeply held beliefs
Closing Meningococcal Protection Gaps: The Case for Combination Vaccines
Guest: Ruth Carrico, PhD, DNP, APRN*
Despite high uptake of the quadrivalent meningococcal ACWY vaccine among adolescents, significant protection gaps remain, particularly against serogroup B. That’s why Dr. Ruth Carrico joins us to examine key challenges in adolescent vaccine delivery and how newer pentavalent vaccines covering all five major meningococcal serogroups—A, C, W, Y, and
From Hesitancy to Trust: Personalizing Vaccine Discussions with Patients
Guest: Ruth Carrico, PhD, DNP, APRN*
In the post-COVID landscape, healthcare providers face a new communication challenge: countering misinformation while building trust in vaccine recommendations. To help combat this, Dr. Ruth Carrico joins us to share how her approach to patient engagement has shifted from simply informing to actively listening and collaborating. Dr. Carrico is a f
Strengthening Pediatric Immunization Against DTaP, Hepatitis B, and Polio
Guest: Ruth Carrico, PhD, DNP, APRN*
Vaccines for diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, and polio form the foundation of early childhood immunization, but gaps in coverage continue to put children and communities at risk. Fortunately, combination vaccines and coadministration strategies can help providers minimize missed opportunities while protecting children from preventable
Enhanced Flu Vaccines: Strengthening Protection in Older Adults
Host: Jennifer Caudle, DO
Guest: Irene Hamrick, MD
Older adults face higher risks from influenza due to age-related declines in immune function, making enhanced vaccines a critical preventive tool. However, vaccination in this population comes with some considerations, including vaccine hesitancy and access barriers. Joining Dr. Jennifer Caudle to discuss the role of enhanced inf
Evaluating Flu Vaccine Effectiveness in Pediatric Populations
Host: Brian P. McDonough, MD, FAAFP
Guest: Danielle Wales, MD, MPH
Recent research highlights the comparative effectiveness of cell-based versus egg-based influenza vaccines in pediatric populations. This data could help guide pediatric immunization, alongside strategies like comprehensive communication with parents and whole-family vaccine efforts. Joining Dr. Brian McDonough to
Addressing Pediatric Flu Burden: The Critical Role of Vaccination
Host: Charles Turck, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP
Guest: Ravi Jhaveri, MD
Pediatric influenza remains a serious threat, with the 2024-2025 season bringing one of the highest recorded pediatric mortality rates in over a decade. As a result, understanding barriers to vaccine uptake and implementing strategies to address them is critical. Joining Dr. Charles Turck to provide insights into th
Chikungunya Virus: A Look at Prevention Strategies and Vaccine Innovations
Host: Charles Turck, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP
Guest: David Hamer, MD
Cases of chikungunya have risen significantly in recent years, but fortunately, there are several ways we can protect our patients traveling abroad, including with a novel vaccine and other anti-mosquito measures. Joining Dr. Charles Tuck to discuss key preventive strategies for the chikungunya virus is Dr. David Ham
Dengue Fever Prevention: How to Protect Patients Traveling Abroad
Host: Charles Turck, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP
Guest: David Hamer, MD
Cases of dengue have more than doubled since 2023, especially in endemic areas like Latin America, the Caribbean, South and Southeast Asia, and the coastal areas of Africa. This increasingly prevalence underscores the importance of knowing how to protect patients traveling abroad to those areas, which is why Dr. Char
Navigating Travel Vaccines: Best Practices in Counseling and Care
Guest: Nic Garner, PharmD
Travel vaccines are becoming increasingly common as they play a key role in protecting travelers abroad, but they’re only effective if patients actually receive them. That’s why Dr. Robert Walker speaks with Dr. Nic Garner, who shares best practices for counseling patients on travel vaccines. Dr. Garner is the District Support Pharmacist Leader at CVS Pharma
How Different Types of Influenza Vaccines Are Made
Guest: Jason Goldman, MD
How are standard versus adjuvanted influenza vaccines made? Here to break down the manufacturing process for these types of influenza vaccines is primary care physician Dr. Jason Goldman.
Preparing Pharmacists Through the APhA Immunization Delivery Program
Guest: Amy Mgonja, PharmD, BCGP, CPPS
Training pharmacists to administer vaccines can reduce barriers to immunizations and improve patient care. Here to discuss the ApHA Pharmacy-Based Immunization Delivery Program and the important role that pharmacists play in educating and vaccinating patients is Dr. Amy Mgonja, clinical consultant pharmacist at Dawa Rx Consulting.
Concerns in the Community: Obstacles to Accessing the COVID-19 Vaccine
Host: Hector O. Chapa, MD, FACOG
Guest: Robert Owens Carpenter, MD, MPH, FACS, FASMBS
Guest: Toni E. Keaton, MD, MPH
Dr. Hector Chapa explores barriers in community health with Dr. Robert Carpenter, Director of Wellness at Texas A&M University College of Medicine, and Dr. Toni Keaton, Assistant Clinical Professor of Internal Medicine at Texas A&M College of Medicine.
Combating COVID-19 Vaccine Myths & Misconceptions
Host: Neilanjan Nandi, MD
Guest: Freddy Caldera, DO
Many IBD patients have received their COVID-19 vaccine, but many others still have reservations due to the abundance of myths and misconceptions surrounding the COVID-19 vaccines. That’s why Dr. Neil Nandi welcomes Dr. Freddy Caldera to discuss these common fears and challenges as well as some of the very best answers to address
Digesting the Latest in Vaccinations: IBD Patients & the COVID-19 Vaccine
Host: Neilanjan Nandi, MD
Guest: David T. Rubin, MD
With more data emerging on COVID-19 vaccines every day, what do our patients with inflammatory bowel disease need to know about the vaccine currently available? Dr. Neil Nandi will be discussing these updates and how we can keep our patients safe with Dr. David Rubin, Professor of Medicine at the University of Chicago Pritzker S
Tracking Side Effects of the COVID-19 Vaccines: Is There Room for Improvement?
Host: Jennifer Caudle, DO
Guest: Paul Jarris, MD, MBA
Since the COVID-19 vaccines received an emergency use authorization, tracking possible adverse reactions in real time becomes even more important. But what are some of the limitations we’re facing in doing so, and how can we overcome them? To find out, Dr. Jennifer Caudle speaks with Dr. Paul Jarris, Chief Medical Advisor for
Facing Fears About the COVID-19 Vaccines: How to Counsel Patients
Host: Jennifer Caudle, DO
Guest: John Russell, MD
As clinicians on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re among the first to hear about our patients’ fears of the vaccines’ validity and safety. So how can we help address their concerns? ReachMD hosts Dr. Jennifer Caudle and Dr. John Russell sit down together to talk about how we can counsel patients who may be hesitant to
Exploring the Ethics of Vaccines
Guest: John Russell, MD
With so many COVID-19 vaccines in development, new medical ethical questions have been brought to the forefront of the healthcare field. With that in mind, Dr. John Russell takes us through the history of ethics and vaccinations throughout the world. Published January 4, 2021
Eradicating Measles: Best Practices for the MMR Vaccine
Host: Jennifer Shu, MD, FAAP
The MMR vaccine offers protection from measles, mumps, and rubella, but why is it so important for children in particular to receive this vaccine? What are the proper doses for our patients who need protection, and who doesn’t need the MMR vaccine? These are just some of the FAQs Dr. Jennifer Shu answers amid our country’s measles outbreak.
Essential Travel Vaccines for Infants
Host: Jennifer Shu, MD, FAAP
As infectious diseases are becoming more prevalent around the world, it’s important that we provide the right travel vaccines for infants under the age of one. Join Dr. Jennifer Shu as she breaks down when children should receive the MMR vaccine and the HepA vaccine before traveling internationally, along with do’s and don’ts you can share with parents to
How to Curb Patients’ Vaccine Hesitancy
Host: Matt Birnholz, MD
Guest: Claudette Poole, MD
There’s been a rising number of parents who delay or refuse vaccines for their child, causing the World Health Organization to list vaccine hesitancy as one of the top 10 threats to global health. Joining Dr. Matt Birnholz to discuss how and why we got to this point along with tips physicians can use to better inform parents abou
Dispelling Common Misconceptions About Vaccines
Host: Jennifer Caudle, DO
Guest: Barbara Pahud, MD
More patients are receiving conflicting information about vaccines, and after the rise of preventable outbreaks in 2019, Dr. Barbara Pahud joins Dr. Jennifer Caudle to debunk the most common myths surrounding vaccines and to share how we can better educate our patients.
Vaccinations: How Can HCPs Respond to Patients Choosing Not to Get Them?
Guest: Jennifer Caudle, DO
It’s an unfortunate reality that an increasing number of patients are refusing to get vaccinated—regardless of whether that’s the recommendation for themselves or their children. But luckily, there are ways you can talk to your patients about this, as Dr. Jennifer Caudle explains.
Bits from “Bullets and Brains”: The (Disregarded) Value of Vaccines
Host: Andrew Wilner, MD, FACP, FAAN
As physicians, we know that vaccines help protect people from preventable diseases, but somehow this message is getting lost among our patients. With more parents than ever choosing to skip the needle, Dr. Andrew Wilner dives into the 16th chapter of his book, Bullets and Brains, where he discusses the widespread benefits of vaccines and how they n
The Importance of Immunizations
Host: Jennifer Caudle, DO
August is National Immunization Awareness Month sponsored by the National Public Health Information Coalition. Dr. Jennifer Caudle discusses the important role immunizations play in healthcare.
Not Quite a Cancer Vaccine: Selling HPV & Cervical Cancer
Host: Brian P. McDonough, MD, FAAFP
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection remains one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in both females and males, with about 9 in 10 people contracting HPV at some point in their lives. Host Dr. Brian McDonough is joined by Samantha Gottlieb, medical anthropologist and author of Not Quite a Cancer Vaccine: Selling HPV and Cervical Canc
Addressing the Challenges of Influenza Vaccination on US College Campuses
Host: Jennifer Caudle, DO
Guest: Lisa Ipp, MD
Although most college students in the U.S. believe it is important to get an annual influenza vaccine, less than half say they typically get vaccinated, according to results from a new National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) survey. Motivating college students to get their annual flu vaccinations remains a public health cha
The Vaccine Race: Science, Politics, & the Human Costs of Defeating Disease
Host: John Russell, MD
Guest: Meredith Wadman, BM, BCh, M.S.
Until the late 1960s, tens of thousands of American children suffered crippling birth defects if their mothers had been exposed to rubella, popularly known as German measles, while pregnant; there was no vaccine and little understanding of how the disease devastated fetuses. In June 1962, a young biologist in Philadelph
The Panic Virus: The True Story Behind the Vaccine-Autism Controversy
Host: John Russell, MD
In 1998 Andrew Wakefield, a British gastroenterologist with a history of self-promotion, published a paper with a shocking allegation: the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine might cause autism. The media seized hold of the story and, in the process, helped to launch one of the most devastating health scares ever. Yet despite the numerous studies that failed to find
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