Sawbones: A Marital Tour of Misguided Medicine Sawbones: Measles 2026
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Mar 3, 2026 A lively revisit of measles history, from early isolation of the virus to how vaccines train the immune system. The story of mass production and the MMR's rise is explored alongside ethical questions from early trials. The conversation covers growing vaccine hesitancy, policy shifts, and the risk of losing elimination status. Practical tips on compassionate conversations and political action round out the discussion.
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How Vaccines Train The Immune System
- Vaccines teach the immune system to recognize a pathogen without making you sick by presenting a safe version or piece of the virus.
- Justin and Sydnee compare the immune system to an army that learns from a harmless "picture" so it can respond immediately to the real measles virus.
Origin Of The Edmonston Measles Strain
- John Enders' team isolated the measles virus from a 13-year-old student at Fay School, creating the Edmonston strain used in vaccine development.
- Thomas Peebles swabbed sick boys, cultured the virus, then confirmed it by infecting monkeys to ensure it caused measles.
Early Vaccine Trials Used Vulnerable Populations
- Early human trials in the late 1950s vaccinated developmentally disabled children; some produced immunity but also a rash, so the team iterated.
- A 1960 trial at another institution showed antibodies without illness and later real-world protection during an outbreak.