Introduction

In a fascinating exploration of The New York Times' history, David W. Dunlap's "In Times Past" column highlights the crucial role of vaccines in journalism, particularly for reporters venturing into high-risk regions.

The Role of Vaccines

The Museum at The Times features a notable artifact: a carton of Ixiaro, a vaccine that protects against Japanese encephalitis. This mosquito-borne virus poses serious health risks, especially in Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific, where it is endemic.

Expert Insight

Renowned health journalist Donald G. McNeil Jr., who has chronicled infectious diseases for decades, emphasizes the importance of such vaccines for traveling reporters. "The vaccine isn’t recommended for most travelers to Asia, but if you go to rural areas and sleep in unprotected conditions, it’s essential," McNeil wrote in a recent email.

McNeil's Contributions

His firsthand experiences in these regions inspired him to donate the Ixiaro carton to the museum. Having worked with The New York Times for an impressive 45 years, McNeil is the author of "The Wisdom of Plagues: Lessons From 25 Years of Covering Pandemics." In his storied career, he has reported on numerous health crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and has often traveled to tropical locales where vaccine-preventable diseases pose real threats.

Preparation for Travel

When preparing for his travels, particularly in 2014, McNeil took a proactive approach to his health. He visited the New York Center for Travel and Tropical Medicine, candidly stating, "Shoot me up with everything." This decision led to five vaccinations: Ixiaro for Japanese encephalitis, RabAvert for rabies, Typhim Vi for typhoid, a tetanus-diphtheria-whooping cough booster, and likely an inactivated polio vaccine—though the clinic didn't document the final jab in his vaccine record.

Vaccination Experiences

McNeil reports no significant side effects from these vaccines, recalling that the most discomfort he experienced was from his second shingles shot, which left him feeling temporarily under the weather. His experience underscores the importance of preparation for journalists traveling to regions where health risks are prevalent.

Risks in the Field

Though he doesn’t actively seek out encounters with animals, McNeil acknowledges that the risk of rabies is ever-present in some foreign settings. He recounts instances in rural Chad where he had to closely observe local dogs while investigating the link between Guinea worm disease and canines. "In some of the places I’ve slept, it wasn’t unthinkable that I might be bitten by a rat or a bat," he notes, further emphasizing the need for precaution in journalism.

Conclusion

This narrative serves as a reminder of how reporters often put their health on the line in pursuit of the truth. Through vaccines like Ixiaro and others, they gain the freedom to report on vital stories from some of the least accessible areas of the world. As we reflect on the role of medicinal advances in journalism, one can't help but question: What will be the next big breakthrough that will enable reporters to continue their important work globally?