Vaccine Skeptic Gets Key Role in Health Department

The Department of Health and Human Services has taken a surprising step. They have given a job to someone who has a history of spreading false information about vaccines. This person, David Geier, will look at data related to vaccine safety. Geier has been vocal about his belief that vaccines cause autism, a claim that has been thoroughly disproven by numerous studies. This decision has raised eyebrows, especially among those who work in public health. A former CDC official expressed concern, stating that Geier's involvement could undermine the credibility of any findings. Dr. Richard Besser, who previously led the CDC, was blunt in his criticism. He described Geier as an irresponsible choice, pointing out that Geier lacks a medical degree and has a track record of promoting debunked theories. The timing of this move is noteworthy. Currently, there is a significant measles outbreak affecting Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. As of the latest reports, 377 cases have been confirmed, with the majority involving unvaccinated children in Texas. This outbreak is the largest since 2019 and has resulted in two deaths, including a young girl. The CDC had initially planned to investigate potential links between vaccines and autism. However, the Department of Health and Human Services, under the leadership of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. , requested raw data from the CDC's Vaccine Safety Datalink and other sources. This data is not publicly available due to privacy concerns and the potential for misuse. David Geier and his father, Dr. Mark Geier, have a controversial history. They conducted research from their home and published studies that were later retracted. Their work has been criticized for poor design and for fueling misinformation about vaccines. They also promoted an unproven and expensive treatment for autism, which involved using a drug intended for prostate cancer and early puberty. This treatment had serious side effects and was not approved for autism. The Geiers were eventually disciplined for their actions, with Mark Geier losing his medical license. Geier's involvement in this new role is concerning. It raises questions about the integrity of the research and the potential impact on public health. As the measles outbreak continues to spread, it is crucial that accurate information is provided to the public. This situation highlights the importance of evidence-based research and the dangers of misinformation.