Measles has been reported in about a dozen states across the U.S. this year. In this episode, we’re discussing Florida’s response to this recent outbreak, and why it’s not in the best interest of protecting public health. In the news recap, we give an update on our advocacy related to Prescription Drug Affordability Boards (PDABs), discuss how nonprofits profited from COVID misinformation, explore lessons from a new report on vaccines, and talk about the rise in norovirus cases.

Among the highlights in this episode:

02:31: Zoe Rothblatt, Associate Director of Community Outreach at GHLF, expresses concern over nonprofits profiting from COVID misinformation, emphasizing the danger to public health and the unethical nature of profiting from misinformation

04:42: Steven Newmark, Director of Policy at GHLF, reacts to the report on flu vaccines among Medicaid fee-for-service patients, showing surprise at the findings which link pharmacy reimbursement to vaccination rates, suggesting policy implications to improve public health

GHLF and the IQVIA Institute for Human Data Science co-released a groundbreaking report that found a direct link between pharmacy reimbursement and flu vaccination rates among Medicaid-covered adults. Learn more: https://ghlf.org/ghlf-news/pharm-remibursement-vaccine-rates/

05:08: Zoe emphasizes the contagious nature of norovirus, advising listeners on precautions and the importance of hygiene to prevent spread, especially during peak seasons

05:32: Our hosts discuss the measles outbreaks in Florida, including the state's response, vaccine rates, and the implications of vaccine hesitancy

10:51: Zoe and Steven explore public health policies and historical vaccine mandates, referencing past measures to control measles outbreaks and the balance between individual rights and public health

12:03: Our hosts emphasize the importance of community protection through vaccination, highlighting how vaccines protect not only the individual but also those who are immunocompromised or unable to receive vaccinations

12:48: Zoe and Steven discuss the importance of advocating for laws reducing vaccine exemptions, emphasizing the need for stricter policies on non-medical exemptions to ensure community health and safety

13:30: What our hosts learned from this episode

Contact Our Hosts

Steven Newmark, Director of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

Zoe Rothblatt, Associate Director, Community Outreach at GHLF: zrothblatt@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Manager of Programs & Special Projects at GHLF.

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