Dr. Peter Hotez, a professor of pediatrics and molecular virology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, is well-known for his work in vaccine development. He is the co-director of the Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development and has been nominated for the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize for his role in developing two COVID-19 vaccines that were widely administered in India and Indonesia. Throughout the pandemic, Dr. Hotez has been a frequent guest on cable news shows, raising awareness about the severity of the disease and advocating for vaccination.
In addition to his work on COVID-19 vaccines, Dr. Hotez has also dedicated his career to developing vaccines for other diseases such as hookworm, schistosomiasis, Chagas disease, and SARS. Despite facing criticism and attacks from the anti-vaccine community, including being labeled as the “OG” by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Dr. Hotez remains steadfast in his commitment to saving lives through science.
As a Jewish person, Dr. Hotez also confronts antisemitism in addition to fighting against anti-science and anti-vax sentiments. He believes that combating these movements is crucial for the success of life-saving vaccines. Despite facing challenges and criticism, Dr. Hotez continues to be a leading figure in the medical field, emphasizing the importance of scientific literacy and vaccination in preventing future pandemics.