logo
episode-header-image
Jun 17
34m 45s

Information Inoculation: Defending Again...

TED
About this episode

In 1952, polio was everywhere: killing or paralyzing roughly half a million people annually. Yet just 10 years later, paralytic polio cases in the US dropped by 96% and we were on track to get rid of polio for good. But in recent years, the virus started striking back. So, what’s behind these recent spikes? Explore the dangers of poliovirus and the possibility of eradicating this deadly disease. [Directed by Anton Bogaty, narrated by Addison Anderson, music by Stephen LaRosa].


After the talk, Shoshana interviews Dr. Grace Lee, a pediatric infectious diseases physician and the former Chair of the U.S. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, to cover how vaccine decisions get made and the ripple effects it has on communities.

Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey!


For the Idea Search application, go to ted.com/ideasearch


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Up next
Yesterday
How to talk about your body without shame (w/ Anita Rao) | from How to Be a Better Human
Why is having the sex talk, admitting you passed gas, or being open about your body hair so seemingly uncomfortable for all of us? Journalist and host of the podcast, Embodied, Anita Rao, joins Chris this week to discuss why having open conversations about taboo topics like sex, ... Show More
34m 58s
Jul 1
Interview: 1 simple question that could improve women's health | Meryam Sugulle
There's a reliable indicator of a woman's future likelihood of cardiovascular disease — but it rarely gets asked about, says obstetrician and researcher Meryam Sugulle. She delves into the role of the placenta in pregnancy, how it can predict health outcomes and the single questi ... Show More
34m 47s
Jun 24
Why do some bodies respond differently to disease? | Erika Moore
TED Fellow and equity bioengineer Erika Moore investigates how cells controlling inflammation behave differently depending on a patient's background. By focusing on the "who" behind the disease, Moore is uncovering why certain diseases disproportionately affect certain ethnicitie ... Show More
5m 42s
Recommended Episodes
May 13
Special Episode: Dr. Adam Ratner & Booster Shots
For the past few months, measles has been in regular rotation in the news cycle here in the US, with outbreaks occurring across the country in regions with low vaccine uptake. These outbreaks represent a worrying trend in the rejection of scientific and medical expertise, with lo ... Show More
52m 32s
Feb 2025
Measles is Back. How Worried Should We Be?
We haven’t talked much about measles since it was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000. But measles is one of the most contagious viruses on the planet, and lower vaccination rates have given it a chance to spread—just like we’re seeing in West Texas. Dr. Sanjay Gupta ... Show More
20m 58s
Jun 8
Information Inoculation: Why we need to fight misinformation about vaccines | TED Health
Ethan Lindenberger never got vaccinated as a kid. So one day, he went on Reddit and asked a simple question: "Where do I go to get vaccinated?" The post went viral, landing Lindenberger in the middle of a heated debate about vaccination and, ultimately, in front of a US Senate co ... Show More
45m 39s
Apr 24
Measles: How Worried Should We Be?
Measles is spreading in the U.S., with hundreds of cases across more than 20 states. And tons of people online are arguing over how we should feel about it. Some say this is bad because measles is SO contagious — and not enough people get the vaccine. But others say that measles ... Show More
39m 26s
May 14
How a West Texas Outbreak Threatens Measles Elimination Status
Measles was technically “eliminated” in the U.S. in 2000 thanks to high measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination rates. While prior outbreaks have made headlines, a slew of cases in West Texas is more than just newsworthy—it could cause the U.S. to lose elimination status. As ... Show More
10 m
Sep 2021
#069 COVID Vaccine Myths, Questions, and Rumors with Rhonda Patrick and Roger Seheult
In this nearly 2.5-hour episode, Dr. Rhonda Patrick and Dr. Roger Seheult and Kyle Allred of MedCram make a thoughtful, merit-based, and truly comprehensive discussion of COVID-19 vaccination. In addition to being a co-founder of MedCram Medical Lectures, Dr. Roger Seheult is, as ... Show More
2h 30m
Jan 2025
The TRUTH About Vaccines for Kids (A Pediatrician Speaks Out on the Risks) | Joel "Gator" Warsh : 1238
Are we protecting our kids—or unknowingly putting their health at risk? Dr. Joel “Gator” Warsh isn’t just another pediatrician; he’s a bold voice speaking out on the vaccine debate that’s dividing parents, doctors, and society. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on one of ... Show More
1h 26m
Feb 2025
What People Should Know About Measles
Measles was considered eliminated in the United States in 2000 — so why is it making a comeback? Dr. Sanjay Gupta reports from West Texas where there’s a growing outbreak to answer your pressing questions on the virus and explain how to protect yourself and your family. Learn mor ... Show More
15m 43s
Sep 2024
Polio Vaccination in Afghanistan
The Taliban has denied reports that they are halting polio vaccines in Afghanistan – so what is going on? We take a look at what is happening in the country, and how it could effect polio eradication efforts worldwide. Also on the show, an important U.S. pathogen database loses f ... Show More
26m 28s
Jun 12
Information Inoculation: Defending Against Medical Myths: Why we need to fight misinformation about vaccines | from TED Health
Ethan Lindenberger never got vaccinated as a kid. So one day, he went on Reddit and asked a simple question: "Where do I go to get vaccinated?" The post went viral, landing Lindenberger in the middle of a heated debate about vaccination and, ultimately, in front of a US Senate co ... Show More
45m 3s