The Shaky Science Behind a Big Vaccine Shift

A recent decision to alter COVID vaccine guidelines has sparked controversy. The Department of Health and Human Services sent a memo to Congress. It aimed to back up the choice to change the U. S. policy on COVID vaccines. The memo has raised eyebrows among health experts. It relies on studies that are either unpublished or under scrutiny. Some experts have even labeled it "willful medical disinformation. " The memo supports a move announced by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. He decided that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would no longer recommend COVID vaccines for pregnant women or healthy children. This announcement was made on the social media platform X. It has been met with strong reactions from many pediatricians and scientists. The memo, titled "Covid Recommendation FAQ, " has not been made public on the HHS website. It is the first detailed explanation from the agency regarding Kennedy's announcement. Medical experts who reviewed the citations in the FAQ found issues. They noted that some legitimate studies were distorted. Others were disputed or unpublished. One study cited in the memo is under investigation. Its publisher, Sage Journals, is looking into potential problems with the research methodology and conclusions. Another study mentioned in the document is a preprint. It has not been published in a peer-reviewed journal. The preprint warns that it should not be used to guide clinical practice. The memo claims that "post-marketing studies" of COVID vaccines have identified serious adverse effects. These include an increased risk of myocarditis and pericarditis. However, newer research not included in the memo shows that the risk has decreased with updated vaccine protocols. The memo also omits numerous peer-reviewed studies. These studies show that the risk of myocarditis and pericarditis is higher after contracting COVID. This is true for both vaccinated and non-vaccinated people. The memo makes claims about dangers to pregnant women that are refuted by the papers it cites. For example, it suggests an increase in placental blood clotting. But the paper it references does not mention placental blood clots or pregnant women. One expert, Dr. Mark Turrentine, said he would give the memo an "F. " He stated that it is not supported by medical evidence. Congress relies on health agencies for accurate guidance. But not all members have the expertise to verify the references in such documents. This can lead to misinformation being accepted as fact. The offices of several Republican congressmen who are medical doctors did not respond to requests for comment. However, Rep. Kim Schrier, D-Wash. , a physician serving on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, confirmed receiving the document.