This is such an important topic and so very timely! The strategies you’ve shared are excellent tools to keep at hand when discussing vaccines with concerned family, friends and patients (for those working in healthcare).
All this strikes very close to home with me. My mother contracted polio when I was an infant. She was hospitalized and I spent my infancy with nannies. The disease affected her intermittently her entire life including a cruel dance with post-polio syndrome as a senior. My grandfather was also crippled by polio and walked with the aid of a crutch all his life. My mother had numerous surgeries and wore a leg brace most of her life.
I find it incomprehensible just how many people are in denial of the progress that vaccines have afforded humanity. It seems logic has gone out the window for so many!
Thank you again for carrying the torch for truth and health!
My mother also had polio and suffered from post polio syndrome in her later years. My grandfather was a family doctor who rushed to provide the measles vaccine when it came out because he'd lost patients to encephalopathy. I did pediatrics before we had the newer vaccines and took care of children with meningitis from strep and h flu. All the death and disease that are prevented are being lost to terrible misinformation. Taking both the public and health out of public health.
Again, reading comments like this is chilling but really edifying, and to have this happen to one's mother is about as close as it gets in terms of loved ones being harmed. I've seen pediatric meningitis during training, but mostly viral, thanks to vaccines, I'm sure.
Such heartache in those stories, thank you for sharing. With those two intimate relationships affected by polio I can only imagine the dismay and horror you must feel that others would unnecessarily be put at risk with a polio resurgence. I'm sorry if this rekindled some difficult thoughts, but we are grateful to hear the stories. That's part of the counseling about vaccines, right? The polio stories dwarf the very rare side adverse effect stories.
And just to clarify for anyone reading, post-polio syndrome in general is a condition affecting polio survivors years after recovery, characterized by new or worsening muscle weakness, fatigue, joint pain, and breathing or swallowing difficulties in previously affected muscle groups.
Thanks again for a great post on an increasingly difficult topic to discuss. The "wellness" cult has been gaining grounds with the Like of Lapado and other 'medical' talking heads like FLLC making millions off disinformation. Probably will have a little something on this later....
Will look forward to this if so... depressing as it is to read and write! The positive reinforcement of money and likes and follows is dangerous when it leads down the wrong path. Lots of them out there, with lots following to great rewards.
Truth can be repeated a thousand times. A lie needs only be spoken once. Back to the Dark Ages America goes, in a tumbrel of misinformation and deceit.
Great article. Maybe when the hospitals and cemeteries begin to fill up again folks will get a clue. I remember that picture of FDR (or one very similar) in his home in Warm Springs, which had been modified to accommodate the wheelchair that the public never saw
Good point, I think the photos showing his disability are really few and unpublicized. I wonder if America would elect a person with a physical disability such as FDR had with all the optics and posturing and nonsense that is part of the package now.
From the FDR Presidential Library:
"Franklin D. Roosevelt was the 32nd President of the United States. Not only did he serve an unprecedented four terms in office, but he was also the first president with a significant physical disability. FDR was diagnosed with infantile paralysis, better known as polio, in 1921, at the age of 39. Although dealing with this crippling disease was difficult, many believe that his personal struggles helped shape FDR, both as a man and as a president...
There are very few photos because FDR asked the press not to show him in the wheelchair and for the most part they complied (a gentlemens's agreement which would never happen now). He was usually shown behind a lectern and it appeared he was standing but he was sitting. My mother remembered FDR well and thought it was something of a scandal when his memorial in DC portrayed him in a wheelchair. You can see the wheelchair he designed for himself (a wooden straight chair with bicycle wheels) in the Little White House in Warm Springs, GA
SO many excellent potential leaders denied a chance because they might not be as photogenic... and so many influencers, leaders, musicians, and talking heads given major platforms and power mostly because they are good looking.
Thanks Ryan for the sober and balanced and nuanced approach to vaccines . I went to Paul Offit’s article comment section - wow . The anti -vax sentiment is sooo strong . One could spend several days trying to respond to such passionate comments from those who feel vaccines are a huge mistake , or wrong in principle . It is also really interesting how the notion of RCT has entered the terms of the culture wars over this issue . In time , I hope the culture can absorb the idea that RCT is only part of how clinical medicine progresses. It is fascinating how the push against the idea of vaccination goes back even to the early 1700s and smallpox inoculation .
Hi Michael - I agree. It's an ugly scene there in the comments, kind of a self-evident display of the culture and discourse. Performance art. Speaking of performative acts, Jon Howard MD has often written about the RCT "fetishism" and selective wielding of this "absolutism" by doctors looking to shut down debate when they want. Agreed that RCT purity test would decimate much scientific pursuit. Here is a good article he wrote about this theme, kind of long, so come back if you have time to read:
In addition to posting on Substack, Dr. Paul Offit also does a video version of his Substack posts over on the excellent MicrobeTV YouTube channel. (MicrobeTV is a 100% free, no ads, educational resource provided by scientists, researchers, infectious disease doctors, professors, etc.) I highly recommend watching Dr. Offit's "Behind the Noise" video podcast on MicrobeTV, as well as their other excellent podcasts, including This Week in Virology (TWIV).
Dr. Vincent Racaniello is a virology professor at Columbia University and he makes all of his virology lectures available totally for free on MicrobeTV as well-- just check their playlists. It is a wonderful resource for people looking to learn about all things microbes (viruses, parasites, infectious diseases, evolutionary biology... there's something for everyone, all ad-free).
I listen to TWiV often in podcast form while driving, cooking, folding laundry... but can't fit the Youtube in to my schedule yet... But have watched a few episodes for sure. Great stuff in general. I donated $50 to TWiV (via parasites without borders) this year. Especially appreciate Dr. Daniel Griffin's work.
I know this is all about vaccines for people, but I'm a retired veterinarian who started my career as a large animal vet. Wonder what would happen if we abolished vaccines for companion and food animals?? The price of meat and all animal products would skyrocket because cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, poultry and horses would be dropping dead of preventable diseases. Have you ever watched a dog die of parvovirus or a cat die of FIP?? Even if they don't die, the suffering is terrible. Maybe we should stop vaccinating for rabies! That would be fun! The diseases for which we vaccinate food animals and companion animals exist in the wild and many of them (like rabies) also affect humans. There would be an explosion of zoonotic diseases if vaccines were abolished. Nice world we would create!
Believe it or not, there are people who refuse to have their pets vaccinated for the same stupid "reasons" that they refuse to vaccinate their kids.
It's such a waste of time that we need to even write about this! Vaccination of animals and pets has saved millions of fellow conscious/sentient beings from suffering and death, too. Thanks for pointing this out. That anti-vax sentiment would stay consistent with respect to pets is predictable I guess, but I'll remember this the next time I am bitten by someone's dog.
Great article. Again I am in awe of your dedication and focus. I do hope that in the midst of all this insanity, and your desire and ability to battle it, that you are also taking good care of yourself.
I need to do a little catching up with my vaccinations. Small question - how many can I get all at once, or should they all be separated by time?
Hi Gemma - always great to hear from you! Taking pretty good care of self, just failing to get to bed at a good time. Finding that I can’t sleep in anymore. I guess sleep quality/ability can decrease with age just like all my patients have warned me!
We can go case by case re: combining vaccines, but most of the seasonal ones can be given together:
Ryan, thank you for another great post as we are in such disheartening and perilous times.
Thanks Jan. 100% agree on all fronts.
Nicely examined, Dr. M!
This is such an important topic and so very timely! The strategies you’ve shared are excellent tools to keep at hand when discussing vaccines with concerned family, friends and patients (for those working in healthcare).
All this strikes very close to home with me. My mother contracted polio when I was an infant. She was hospitalized and I spent my infancy with nannies. The disease affected her intermittently her entire life including a cruel dance with post-polio syndrome as a senior. My grandfather was also crippled by polio and walked with the aid of a crutch all his life. My mother had numerous surgeries and wore a leg brace most of her life.
I find it incomprehensible just how many people are in denial of the progress that vaccines have afforded humanity. It seems logic has gone out the window for so many!
Thank you again for carrying the torch for truth and health!
My mother also had polio and suffered from post polio syndrome in her later years. My grandfather was a family doctor who rushed to provide the measles vaccine when it came out because he'd lost patients to encephalopathy. I did pediatrics before we had the newer vaccines and took care of children with meningitis from strep and h flu. All the death and disease that are prevented are being lost to terrible misinformation. Taking both the public and health out of public health.
Again, reading comments like this is chilling but really edifying, and to have this happen to one's mother is about as close as it gets in terms of loved ones being harmed. I've seen pediatric meningitis during training, but mostly viral, thanks to vaccines, I'm sure.
Such heartache in those stories, thank you for sharing. With those two intimate relationships affected by polio I can only imagine the dismay and horror you must feel that others would unnecessarily be put at risk with a polio resurgence. I'm sorry if this rekindled some difficult thoughts, but we are grateful to hear the stories. That's part of the counseling about vaccines, right? The polio stories dwarf the very rare side adverse effect stories.
And just to clarify for anyone reading, post-polio syndrome in general is a condition affecting polio survivors years after recovery, characterized by new or worsening muscle weakness, fatigue, joint pain, and breathing or swallowing difficulties in previously affected muscle groups.
Thanks again for a great post on an increasingly difficult topic to discuss. The "wellness" cult has been gaining grounds with the Like of Lapado and other 'medical' talking heads like FLLC making millions off disinformation. Probably will have a little something on this later....
Looking forward to it.
Will look forward to this if so... depressing as it is to read and write! The positive reinforcement of money and likes and follows is dangerous when it leads down the wrong path. Lots of them out there, with lots following to great rewards.
Truth can be repeated a thousand times. A lie needs only be spoken once. Back to the Dark Ages America goes, in a tumbrel of misinformation and deceit.
Kind of like compliments versus criticisms, and which stick longer. Very unfortunate evolutionary hard wiring we have at times.
I find myself utterly exhausted on your behalf. Thanks for all you do.
This makes me smile, many thanks for that!
They made us work 120 hour weeks with 36 hour shifts back in the residency days so the rest would feel reasonable!
Great article. Maybe when the hospitals and cemeteries begin to fill up again folks will get a clue. I remember that picture of FDR (or one very similar) in his home in Warm Springs, which had been modified to accommodate the wheelchair that the public never saw
Good point, I think the photos showing his disability are really few and unpublicized. I wonder if America would elect a person with a physical disability such as FDR had with all the optics and posturing and nonsense that is part of the package now.
From the FDR Presidential Library:
"Franklin D. Roosevelt was the 32nd President of the United States. Not only did he serve an unprecedented four terms in office, but he was also the first president with a significant physical disability. FDR was diagnosed with infantile paralysis, better known as polio, in 1921, at the age of 39. Although dealing with this crippling disease was difficult, many believe that his personal struggles helped shape FDR, both as a man and as a president...
https://www.fdrlibrary.org/polio
There are very few photos because FDR asked the press not to show him in the wheelchair and for the most part they complied (a gentlemens's agreement which would never happen now). He was usually shown behind a lectern and it appeared he was standing but he was sitting. My mother remembered FDR well and thought it was something of a scandal when his memorial in DC portrayed him in a wheelchair. You can see the wheelchair he designed for himself (a wooden straight chair with bicycle wheels) in the Little White House in Warm Springs, GA
SO many excellent potential leaders denied a chance because they might not be as photogenic... and so many influencers, leaders, musicians, and talking heads given major platforms and power mostly because they are good looking.
Thanks Ryan for the sober and balanced and nuanced approach to vaccines . I went to Paul Offit’s article comment section - wow . The anti -vax sentiment is sooo strong . One could spend several days trying to respond to such passionate comments from those who feel vaccines are a huge mistake , or wrong in principle . It is also really interesting how the notion of RCT has entered the terms of the culture wars over this issue . In time , I hope the culture can absorb the idea that RCT is only part of how clinical medicine progresses. It is fascinating how the push against the idea of vaccination goes back even to the early 1700s and smallpox inoculation .
Hi Michael - I agree. It's an ugly scene there in the comments, kind of a self-evident display of the culture and discourse. Performance art. Speaking of performative acts, Jon Howard MD has often written about the RCT "fetishism" and selective wielding of this "absolutism" by doctors looking to shut down debate when they want. Agreed that RCT purity test would decimate much scientific pursuit. Here is a good article he wrote about this theme, kind of long, so come back if you have time to read:
https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/performancerct/
Thanks R . The article was not too long - heck it was only a 1/3 Gorski ( a Gorski is a novel term for SBM article length that I just invented ) .
In addition to posting on Substack, Dr. Paul Offit also does a video version of his Substack posts over on the excellent MicrobeTV YouTube channel. (MicrobeTV is a 100% free, no ads, educational resource provided by scientists, researchers, infectious disease doctors, professors, etc.) I highly recommend watching Dr. Offit's "Behind the Noise" video podcast on MicrobeTV, as well as their other excellent podcasts, including This Week in Virology (TWIV).
Dr. Vincent Racaniello is a virology professor at Columbia University and he makes all of his virology lectures available totally for free on MicrobeTV as well-- just check their playlists. It is a wonderful resource for people looking to learn about all things microbes (viruses, parasites, infectious diseases, evolutionary biology... there's something for everyone, all ad-free).
Thanks Jill!
I listen to TWiV often in podcast form while driving, cooking, folding laundry... but can't fit the Youtube in to my schedule yet... But have watched a few episodes for sure. Great stuff in general. I donated $50 to TWiV (via parasites without borders) this year. Especially appreciate Dr. Daniel Griffin's work.
I know this is all about vaccines for people, but I'm a retired veterinarian who started my career as a large animal vet. Wonder what would happen if we abolished vaccines for companion and food animals?? The price of meat and all animal products would skyrocket because cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, poultry and horses would be dropping dead of preventable diseases. Have you ever watched a dog die of parvovirus or a cat die of FIP?? Even if they don't die, the suffering is terrible. Maybe we should stop vaccinating for rabies! That would be fun! The diseases for which we vaccinate food animals and companion animals exist in the wild and many of them (like rabies) also affect humans. There would be an explosion of zoonotic diseases if vaccines were abolished. Nice world we would create!
Believe it or not, there are people who refuse to have their pets vaccinated for the same stupid "reasons" that they refuse to vaccinate their kids.
This nonsense has to stop!
It's such a waste of time that we need to even write about this! Vaccination of animals and pets has saved millions of fellow conscious/sentient beings from suffering and death, too. Thanks for pointing this out. That anti-vax sentiment would stay consistent with respect to pets is predictable I guess, but I'll remember this the next time I am bitten by someone's dog.
Thanks for your commentary!
Well said, Dr MaryAnne. Brava!
Dr McCormick,
Thank you for your column today. Well said.
As a pediatrician, I stand with you!
Thank you Doc 💪 Thanks for taking care of kids!
Back at you, Doctor!
Great article. Again I am in awe of your dedication and focus. I do hope that in the midst of all this insanity, and your desire and ability to battle it, that you are also taking good care of yourself.
I need to do a little catching up with my vaccinations. Small question - how many can I get all at once, or should they all be separated by time?
Thank you for being YOU and sending a hug. xx
Hi Gemma - always great to hear from you! Taking pretty good care of self, just failing to get to bed at a good time. Finding that I can’t sleep in anymore. I guess sleep quality/ability can decrease with age just like all my patients have warned me!
We can go case by case re: combining vaccines, but most of the seasonal ones can be given together:
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/vaccines/coadministration.html
Shingrix for shingles prevention is one that many people feel crummy afterwards, so I like to give that one separately.
Personally I like to get one at a time, but that’s more superstition than evidence based… have a great weekend ❄️