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Episode 86 – How Vaccines Changed the World: The History Every Parent Should Know

​​Dr. Adam Ratner joins host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez to explore the fascinating history of vaccinations. They trace how the very first vaccine was developed to combat smallpox, the impact of the polio epidemic and how mRNA technology is transforming the future. Learn how vaccines eliminated some of the world’s deadliest diseases and the serious risks posed by misinformation.

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Guest
Adam Ratner, MD, MPH, FAAP

Dr. Ratner is a pediatric infectious diseases specialist in New York City and a Profe​​​​ssor of Pediatrics and Microbiology. He is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious Diseases and an Associate Editor of the AAP Red Book. In addition to practicing medicine, Dr. Ratner directs an active research group and teaches students, residents, and other trainees. His work has appeared in The New England Journal of Medicine, Pediatrics, and other venues. He speaks widely in both academic settings and news outlets on topics relevant to vaccination and infections in childhood and is the author of the book Booster Shots: The Urgent Lessons of Measles and the Uncertain Future of Children’s Health.

Resources

Music credits:

Theme music composed by Doug Nagel.


The views expressed in this podcast are those of the guests and not necessarily those of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Last Updated
6/24/2026
Source
American Academy of Pediatrics (Copyright © 2026)
The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.