The rollout of the new vaccine has been met with enthusiasm and skepticism in equal measure. While health authorities recommend it for everyone over six months of age, not all experts are on board. In an interview, Dr. Joseph Ladapo, Florida’s surgeon general, recently shared his concerns regarding this updated shot.
Florida Surgeon General Slams CDC’s Recommendation
“It’s just a really terrible idea,” Ladapo asserted. “And it’s remarkable and really spellbinding that [the CDC] would make that kind of recommendation in the absence of evidence.”
Lack of Clinical Trials
Ladapo’s reference to “evidence” revolves around clinical trials, which are yet to happen for this new vaccine.
He pointed out that both the FDA and CDC had the power to mandate Pfizer or Moderna to conduct these trials, but they chose not to.
Myocarditis Risk
The Florida surgeon general voiced many concerns, including the rare risk of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) associated with the vaccine.
The Concept of “Negative Effectiveness”
He also highlighted the concept of “negative effectiveness,” where vaccinated individuals may contribute to reduced vaccine efficacy through contact with one another.
Safety Questions Abound
What alarmed Ladapo even further was the vaccine’s potential connection to the presence of spike proteins in the body, which can persist for up to six months after injection.
These spike proteins are crucial for entering the SARS-CoV-2 virus into healthy cells, raising significant safety questions.
Highlighting a 16% Higher Risk
Citing a 2022 study led by UCLA and the University of Maryland, Ladapo highlighted a 16% higher risk of serious adverse events in mRNA vaccine recipients.
He argued that these concerns warrant a cautious approach rather than a rush to vaccinate, especially without clinical evidence.
Why Dr. Ladapo Urges a “Pause”
Ladapo emphasized the need for caution, stating, “There are so many reasons to say “pause” at this point. Instead, the CDC and FDA are saying “full steam ahead.”
A Focus on Clinical Evidence
He clarified that his stance isn’t against proven therapies like the antiviral drug Paxlovid but rather the lack of clinical evidence for these new vaccines.
He underscored the importance of thorough clinical trials, particularly in a setting where the virus continues to pose a year-round threat.
Unease Over Recommending the New Vaccine
As a physician, Ladapo expressed discomfort in recommending the new vaccine without substantial clinical data to support its safety.
He highlighted concerns about negative efficacy, spike protein persistence, and associations with thromboembolic events like strokes and cardiac injuries.
Dr. Ladapo’s Recommendation
In closing, Dr. Ladapo reiterated his stance: “I don’t feel comfortable … recommending [the vaccine] to any living being on this planet.”
He urged individuals to focus on maintaining their health and taking safe medications while expressing disappointment at what he perceives as an unwarranted push for this vaccine.
Contrasting Views
In contrast, Dr. Marc Siegel, a clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center, recommends the vaccine for high-risk individuals, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions.
He emphasized that the virus itself poses greater concerns than potential vaccine side effects.
Dr. Siegel Advises Against It in Specific Cases
However, Siegel advised against vaccination for those who’ve recently had the virus or experienced adverse reactions to previous vaccines.
Safety vs. Efficacy
Ladapo’s apprehensions highlight the ongoing debate surrounding the vaccination.
While some advocate for its widespread use, others like Ladapo remain cautious, demanding more concrete evidence of its safety and efficacy.
Individuals and Healthcare Professionals Weigh the Evidence
The debate surrounding the new vaccine continues to spark discussions about safety, efficacy, and the need for comprehensive clinical trials.
Policymakers Face Tough Decisions
The ultimate decision, it seems, lies with individuals, healthcare professionals, and policymakers, who must carefully weigh the available evidence and individual circumstances in the ongoing battle against the pandemic.
The post Florida’s Top Health Official Questions New Vaccine’s Safety and Clinical Evidence first appeared on Wealthy Living.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Kostiantyn Voitenko. The people shown in the images are for illustrative purposes only, not the actual people featured in the story.
