Why Vaccine Safety Is So Hard to Talk About — with Dr. Joel Warsh

Mark Hyman

May 21, 2025

Episode description

Dr. Joel Warsh was trained in conventional pediatrics—but he quickly realized that vaccine conversations often overlook what matters most to you and your child’s unique health needs. On this episode of The Dr. Hyman Show, discover how Dr. Warsh blends medical research with real patient experience to offer an honest, balanced conversation about vaccines. Together, we share a practical discussion—exploring what we know and what we don’t—to empower you to make informed decisions.

We explore:

• How you can better understand vaccine risks and benefits to protect your child wisely

• What questions to ask your pediatrician to ensure your concerns are heard

• Ways you can strengthen your child’s immune system naturally before and after vaccination

• Why focusing on prevention and root health supports your child’s long-term wellness

Tune in for a grounded, thoughtful look at a complex topic—one that respects your questions, your values, and your role as a parent.

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Episode description

We explore:

• How you can better understand vaccine risks and benefits to protect your child wisely

• What questions to ask your pediatrician to ensure your concerns are heard

• Ways you can strengthen your child’s immune system naturally before and after vaccination

• Why focusing on prevention and root health supports your child’s long-term wellness

Tune in for a grounded, thoughtful look at a complex topic—one that respects your questions, your values, and your role as a parent.

This episode is brought to you by Fatty15, PerfectAmino,Big Bold Health, LMNT, Pique

Mindsip insights from this episode:

Personalize vaccines based on genetics and immune response

The field of 'vaccinomics' suggests that, like other drugs, vaccines should be personalized based on an individual's genetics and immune system to minimize adverse reactions.

#genetics

#vaccine

Investigate health of unvaccinated populations to uncover autoimmune disease insights

Studying the long-term health of unvaccinated populations could reveal why they might have lower rates of autoimmune diseases or asthma.

#autoimmunity

#vaccine

Prioritize sanitation and hygiene to combat infectious diseases

Mortality from infectious diseases like measles had already decreased by over 90% due to improved sanitation and hygiene before the corresponding vaccine was even introduced.

#safety

Prioritize child health: avoid vaccinating when sick

Medical training once strongly advised against vaccinating a sick child, as their immune system is already stressed, a practice that is now often overlooked for convenience.

#children

#vaccine

Incorporate C15 fatty acid for cellular repair and inflammation reduction

The C15 fatty acid, found in the supplement Fatty 15, is critical for cellular repair, metabolism, and fighting inflammation, and is often lacking in those who avoid dairy.

#C15

#supplement

Utilize Perfect Amino to support muscle growth without breaking fast

The supplement Perfect Amino provides essential amino acids to build muscle and support recovery with almost no caloric impact, so it won't break a fast.

#fasting

#supplement

Demand transparency in vaccine trials regarding placebo use

Many pivotal vaccine trials do not use inert placebos like saline, but instead use another vaccine or an earlier version, potentially masking side effects.

#side-effects

#vaccine

Understand thimerosal removal from childhood vaccines for safety

The preservative thimerosal, a form of mercury, was quietly removed from most childhood vaccines after it was calculated that babies were receiving 162 times the EPA's safe limit.