Why I Vaccinate

May 21, 2022 ~ Families are the heartbeat of our communities. This episode of Why I Vaccinate focuses on families and why it is so important to keep them safe with the tools that are available. Guests include Beaumont Health Family Medicine Physician Dr. Sheala Jafry, Dean of Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine Andrea Amalfitano, Superintendent-Principal of Beaver Island Community School Wil Cwikiel, and Advisory Committee Member for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control Lynn Bahta.

April 16, 2022 ~ As Michigan continues the next phase of the pandemic with lower reported COVID cases, the child immunization rates in Michigan are still very low. This month will focus on how communities can work together to keep children protected from vaccine-preventable diseases, especially as families and friends look forward to spending time together in the upcoming summer. Guests include Medical Health Officer for the St. Clair County Health Department Annette Mercatante, Pediatric Emergency Medicine Specialist Dr. Matthew Denenberg at the Helen Devos Children's Hospital, Senior Research Scientist Gillian Steelfisher with the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and Emergency Medicine Specialist Dr. Pino Colone at Henry Ford Health.

March 19, 2022 ~ As Michigan moves into the next phase of the pandemic with less masking restrictions, many families are looking forward to things they missed in years past. This month will explore how families can continue to stay safe as they plan gatherings and parties they didn't get to celebrate together in person over the last two years.

February 12, 2022 ~ Tremendous progress has been made in recent years on developing life-saving vaccines. This month's show will explore the successes in vaccine history, how to work through the clutter and misinformation, and what communities can do to keep our children safe. Hear MDHHS Division of Immnization Immunization Nurse Educator Heidi Loynes, Vanderbilt University Division of Infectious Diseases Associate Professor of Medicine and Associate Professor of Healthy Policy Keipp Talbot, East Lansing Public Schools 7th Grade Math Teacher Bryan Moody, and University of Arkansas Little Rock, Bowen School of Law, and University of Arkansas Associate Professor of Law Christopher Trudeau weigh in on the progress.

December 18, 2021 ~ With Michigan facing a surge of COVID cases during the time of year when flu tends to peak, it's more important than ever that parents give their children the gift of protection from vaccine-preventable illnesses. Edition contributors include Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Chief Medical Executive Dr. Natasha Bagasarian, University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children's Clinical Assistant Professor Dr. Elizabeth Lloyd, and Ascension Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Melissa Aste.

December 4, 2021 ~ Ann and Veronica examine the new childhood COVID vaccine, with all the info parents need to know. Guests include Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Chief Medical Executive Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Executive Director of the National Social Norms Center at Michigan State University Dr. Dennis Martell, and Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Professor of Pediatrics Dr. Hank Bernstein.

October 22, 2021 ~ With winter being a peak time for illness to spread in Michigan, parents should be aware of some simple things they can do to keep their children healthy and safe from vaccine-preventable diseases. Get valuable tips and advice from University of Michigan Associate Professor of Epidemiology Dr. Emily Toth Martin, Care Free Medical CEO Dr. Farhan Bhatti, and Bronson Health Pediatric Hospitalist Dr. Joe Fakhoury.

On the September edition or “Why I Vaccinate,” we look at what's going around right now, with focus on the flu, COVID and kids, and the recent rise in RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus). Guests include Alana's Foundation President and Executive Director Zachary Yaksich, St. Francis Hospital MD Dr. Nicole Linder, and Hurley Children's Hospital Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Yaseen Rafee.

August 21, 2021 ~ Learn the latest on COVID-19 vaccines for kids, plus tips for getting your child ready to be COVID safe at school. We also visit with healthcare professionals for a look at how the pandemic is continuing to keep immunization rates for childhood diseases low, and the concerns over what this might give rise to. Guests include St. Joseph Mercy Health Ann Arbor Pediatrician Dr. Lee Benjamin, Michigan Health and Hospital Association Senior Vice President Ruthann Sudderth, Port Huron Schools Teacher Cathy Murray, and Beaumont Teen Health Center Nurse Practitioner Lynne Lawlor.

July 24, 2021 ~ With back to school just around the corner, we look at both the required and recommended vaccines kids should have in order to be safe through the school year and beyond. We also speak with two area family physicians who tell us that child immunization rates are down due to the pandemic. Learn what they're doing to get their patients back on track with wellness visits, and to overcome any vaccine hesitancy. You'll then meet the founder of The Emily Stillman Foundation, who has dedicated her life to educating parents about meningococcal disease, and the vaccines that are saving lives.

June 26, 2021 ~ On the premier edition of “Why I Vaccinate,” WJR's Ann Thomas and I Vaccinate Founder Veronica McNally overview the state of vaccinations in Michigan, with a look at the efficacy of the COVID-19 adolescent vaccine.  Guests include Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Chief Medical Executive and Chief Deputy Director for Health and Human Services Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, and Michigan Medicine Pediatric Cardiologist Dr. John Charpie.