Partisan Politics and Public Health: Lessons Learned with Vaccine Developer Dr. Thomas Verstraeten

At a time in the United States when the field of public health is becoming increasingly more partisan, what can we learn from other countries around the world to stabilize public trust in public health officials? Luther student, Maci Doty ‘26, is joined by Dr. Thomas Verstraeten to discuss the politics of public health, specifically vaccinations, in Europe. Dr. Verstraeten is the founder of a Belgium-based infectious disease and vaccine research company, P95. Utilizing hubs around the world, P95 works alongside the World Health Organization, Pfizer, and other global organizations to develop and research vaccines. Dr. Verstraeten brings a unique perspective to the conversation; straddling both private and public sectors in public health, he is well-positioned to share insights that may benefit partisan states like the United States. Dr. Verstraeten and Ms. Doty will discuss political debates and topics that surround vaccination in Europe as compared to the US, and the role of governments in shaping public opinion.

This discussion will take place over Zoom with a viewing in Hovde Lounge.