On this episode of The New Irregular, scientist and vaccine knowledgeable Dr. Peter Hotez discusses the damaging pressure of anti-vaccine rhetoric adopted by at present’s right-wing conservatives. He delves into the analysis that means 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 situation, because it has resulted within the deaths of a big variety of Individuals. He estimates that as much as 200,000 Individuals have been killed in the course of the Delta and BA.1 Omicron waves as a result 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 creator Kim Kelly joins this system to debate the continued 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 total episode, it may be discovered on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and Stitcher.