Back to Show
Retro Report on PBS
How Fears Over the Measles Vaccine Took Hold
Season 1
Episode 4
Vaccines are one of the greatest achievements in the history of public health. So why are we always hearing about the reappearance of a disease like measles that we thought had been eradicated? Skepticism and fear surrounding vaccines were fed by a flawed study done in 1998. The study was quickly discredited, but years later, we’re still dealing with the repercussions.
Sign up now for inspiring and thought-provoking media delivered straight to your inbox.

11:39
The surprising medical legacy of David Vetter, the boy in the bubble.

11:51
As concussions plague football, are there lessons from earlier concerns about boxing?

4:37
Andy Borowitz takes a look at the sci-fi origins of Donald Trump’s Space Force program.

12:58
A new approach to reducing poverty has its roots in a 1970s public housing experiment.

10:18
In the 1960s, fears of overpopulation sparked talk of population control. What happened?

14:58
Half a million American children have high lead levels, but who should clean it up?

4:11
Andy Borowitz investigates why America’s water supply seems to keep bursting into flames.

9:29
An intervention to reduce suicides showed promise in the 60s, but was overlooked.

12:05
Parenthood by surrogacy is accepted across the U.S., but it's not closely regulated.

10:56
Is geo-engineering the climate an answer to global warming?