On this episode of The New Irregular, scientist and vaccine knowledgeable Dr. Peter Hotez discusses the harmful pressure of anti-vaccine rhetoric adopted by immediately’s right-wing conservatives. He delves into the analysis that implies this vaccine hesitancy, fueled by far-right conspiracies, has contributed to the distinctive trajectory of American COVID-19 deaths over the previous few years. Dr. Hotez emphasizes the significance of addressing this challenge, because it has resulted within the deaths of a major variety of Individuals. He estimates that as much as 200,000 Individuals had been killed in the course of the Delta and BA.1 Omicron waves because of people refusing vaccines after being influenced by elected officers, far-right media personalities, and conspiracy theories.

Along with Dr. Hotez’s insights, labor reporter and writer Kim Kelly joins this system to debate the continuing United Auto Employees’ strike and different labor-related information. The episode additionally supplies an evaluation of Kristen Welker’s debut on “Meet the Press,” together with her interview with former President Donald Trump.

To hearken to the complete episode, it may be discovered on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and Stitcher.