As childhood vaccination rates fall, several diseases once considered eradicated are back and spreading, most notably measles and whooping cough.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been vocal in changing vaccine recommendations for children, particularly calling for restrictions on COVID-19 and Hepatitis B vaccines. It’s all despite the CDC’s own data showing they are safe and effective.

Some Democratic-led states are banding together to create their own health coalitions to combat reversal of the CDC’s decades-long recommendations and provide clear information to their constituents. While others, mostly Republican-led states, are trying to eliminate vaccine requirements for children.

In Episode 7, Oregon-based Dr. Lisa Reynolds shares how her state is reacting to the confusing and polarizing information from the CDC. Dr. Reynolds is also the Oregon State Senator for District 17.

Then, we’ll head over to Florida, where Governor Ron DeSantis and state Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo are pushing to end vaccine requirements for public schools and daycare. Christine Sexton, a senior reporter at the Florida Phoenix, will give us the rundown.

Finally, Evening Wrap newsletter author Danielle Gaines shares the top stories she’s watching.

Episode produced and edited by Mallory Cheng. Music for Stories From The States composed by David Singer.

Click here for the full transcript.

Relevant reading from States Newsroom outlets and partners:

• Measles cases rise amid holiday travel (Stateline)
• Blamed for the nation’s historic measles outbreak, West Texas Mennonites have hardened their views on vaccines (Texas Tribune)
• CDC vaccine reversal spurs NJ legislators to act (New Jersey Monitor)
• Louisiana’s new surgeon general is a vaccine skeptic aligned with anti-abortion forces (Louisiana Illuminator)
• Measles spreads in waiting rooms, so call ahead instead of walking in, health officials say (Utah News Dispatch)

Got questions? An episode idea? Email us at podcast@statesnewsroom.com

Photo: Photo of a single dose of the MMR vaccine. (Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight)