COVID Amnesia, Measles Resurgence, and the Fight for Public Health

In this episode of We Want Them Infected, Jonathan Howard, MD, and Wendy Orent return with another "Therapy Time" session, breaking down the latest controversies in public health, vaccine policy, and medical misinformation. They examine a recent Wall Street Journal documentary on the Great Barrington Declaration and discuss what they describe as the ongoing effort to rewrite the history of the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation explores the role of public health experts, media narratives, and the consequences of what they view as COVID amnesia. Jonathan and Wendy also discuss the growing measles outbreaks across the United States, declining vaccination rates, misinformation surrounding vitamin A as a measles treatment, and the broader impact of vaccine skepticism on public health. Additional topics include RFK Jr.'s influence over U.S. health policy, changes within federal health agencies, the future of vaccine recommendations, scientific funding, medical research, and the ethical questions surrounding global health decisions. Throughout the episode, they highlight the importance of frontline physicians, researchers, and healthcare workers who continue to combat infectious diseases and advocate for evidence-based medicine.     Episode Highlights The Wall Street Journal documentary on the Great Barrington Declaration and the debate over COVID-era policies Why Jonathan believes COVID's impact on young and otherwise healthy patients is being minimized The controversy surrounding the idea of herd immunity through widespread infection The American Diabetes Association controversy involving criticism of NIH leadership RFK Jr.'s role in public health policy and reactions from major medical organizations The resurgence of measles and what declining vaccination rates mean for public health Misinformation surrounding measles treatments, including vitamin A The future of vaccine recommendations at the CDC and FDA Concerns over political influence in scientific research and federal funding The rise of unproven medical treatments marketed to vulnerable families Ethical debates around global infectious disease response, including Ebola The healthcare workers and scientists continuing to protect public health     Memorable Quote "The people taking care of Ebola patients are the bravest people in the world." — Wendy Orent     Resources & Articles Mentioned The Great Barrington Declaration The Wall Street Journal documentary on COVID-era debates The New York Times reporting on RFK Jr.'s leadership of HHS STAT News reporting on RFK Jr.'s health policy promises CDC reports on measles outbreaks in the United States Reporting on vitamin A toxicity linked to misinformation about measles treatments The Guardian reporting on vaccine misinformation studies Reporting on NIH funding and scientific research changes