This week, the United States reported its highest number of measles cases in 33 years. Across Europe, outbreaks are spreading in countries like France, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands. Now, Irish health officials are urging caution for holidaymakers heading to affected regions.

Meanwhile, a major new report in The Lancet reveals that Ireland has the second-lowest rate of childhood vaccination in Western Europe — raising urgent questions about how vulnerable we really are to a domestic outbreak.

On Newstalk Daily, Ciara Doherty is joined by immunologist Professor Luke O’Neill, host of the Show Me the Science podcast, to discuss:

Why measles is surging again worldwide

How vaccine hesitancy — and misinformation — could be fuelling the rise

The controversial influence of US health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

And how social media is shaping public opinion on childhood vaccines

🎧 Listen to Luke’s podcast – and every episode of Newstalk Daily – on the GoLoud app or at newstalk.com.

📩 Got questions or feedback? Email us at newstalkdaily@newstalk.com.