Doctor Mike on Vaccines: 'Let’s Not Let Misinformation Win'
In this Q&A, UNICEF's newest Ambassador, Dr. Mikhail Varshavski, shares what compelled him to join UNICEF's mission. "UNICEF has helped protect nearly half of the world’s children with vaccines. It is imperative that we continue this vital work."
Joining forces with UNICEF to drive sustainable change for children
Family medicine physician, health educator and children's health advocate Doctor Mike (Dr. Mikhail Varshavski) was appointed UNICEF Ambassador on April 24, 2025, the first day of World Immunization Week.
Born in Russia and raised in New York City, Doctor Mike earned his B.S. in Life Sciences and Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine from the New York Institute of Technology. While completing his residency at Atlantic Health System’s Overlook Medical Center in Summit, N.J., he began sharing his journey on Instagram, breaking down complex health topics. He continues to leverage his social platform of over 25 million followers to share medical information and address common misconceptions.
Doctor Mike's collaboration with UNICEF began with a 2021 public information campaign to explain how COVID-19 vaccines work. His podcast is called "The Checkup." UNICEF USA caught up with Doctor Mike to learn more.
What do you hope to accomplish as a UNICEF Ambassador? How do you plan to support UNICEF and help drive impact for children?
DOCTOR MIKE: My goal is to continue my work advocating for children’s health and amplifying UNICEF’s message — that every child should be healthy, educated, protected and respected. Using my platform, I will focus on improving health literacy and work to dispel misinformation.
Using my platform, I will focus on improving health literacy and work to dispel misinformation. — Doctor Mike
You often speak out about the importance of vaccines. Why is this a key issue for you?
DOCTOR MIKE: As a doctor, it’s very important for me to share accurate information about vaccines and we have made incredible progress. Vaccines matter because they save lives. We’re closer than ever to wiping out certain diseases. We are on the brink of eradicating polio — cases have decreased by more than 99 percent since the 1980s — but we still have millions of children who are not getting the lifesaving vaccines they desperately need to survive and thrive.
Related: Every Child Protected from Deadly Diseases
Why UNICEF?
DOCTOR MIKE: I recently visited the UNICEF Supply Division and got to see firsthand the largest humanitarian warehouse in the world. I was able to help pack and ship lifesaving supplies to families in a disaster zone. It was an incredible experience to see how vital supplies can be delivered during an emergency within just 48 to 72 hours.
That trip solidified for me the importance of UNICEF’s work for children around the world. They are there before, during and after an emergency and working to create sustainable change for children, while ensuring that kids have a seat at the table.
Related: UNICEF's Supply Powerhouse: Helping Kids Since 1962
What are your plans for World Immunization Week?
DOCTOR MIKE: That vaccines have one job: saving lives. Let’s not let misinformation win. UNICEF has helped protect nearly half of the world’s children with vaccines. It is imperative that we continue this vital work. I am committed to supporting and amplifying this message across my social platforms.
Doctor Mike joins a roster of high-profile individuals who advocate for children’s rights on behalf of UNICEF, including Sofia Carson, Selena Gomez and Laurie Hernandez, among many others. Read more about UNICEF Ambassadors and Supporters.
HOW TO HELP
There are many ways to make a difference
War, famine, poverty, natural disasters — threats to the world's children keep coming. But UNICEF won't stop working to keep children healthy and safe.
UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories — more places than any other children's organization. UNICEF has the world's largest humanitarian warehouse and, when disaster strikes, can get supplies almost anywhere within 72 hours. Constantly innovating, always advocating for a better world for children, UNICEF works to ensure that every child can grow up healthy, educated, protected and respected.
Would you like to help give all children the opportunity to reach their full potential? There are many ways to get involved.
