US Health Secretary defends promoting new COVID-19 vaccines despite data shortage.
US Health Secretary Defends Widespread Promotion of COVID-19 Vaccines
During a recent briefing at a pharmacy in Washington, US Health Secretary Xavier Becerra passionately defended the Biden administration’s push for widespread COVID-19 vaccination, despite the lack of data supporting their use. “These vaccines work,” exclaimed Mr. Becerra, who received one of the shots himself.
As the head of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Mr. Becerra oversees agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Both the FDA and the CDC have recently approved and recommended new COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna.
While officials acknowledge the lack of clinical trial efficacy data, they maintain that the vaccines will protect against severe illness. However, critics argue that the absence of evidence undermines the ongoing vaccination campaign.
When questioned about the dearth of data, Mr. Becerra staunchly defended the government’s stance. “Actually, there’s a lot of data available about the vaccines. There is a lot of data available about the effectiveness of the vaccines. But the best data—the best proof of their effectiveness—is that we’re all standing here alive because we’ve been vaccinated,” he asserted.
“The best testimony comes from those who are standing. The best testimony against not being vaccinated can’t come because those who aren’t standing and have passed away can’t say anything today. The vaccines have worked. They’re saving lives. They’re keeping people out of the hospital. And I think today we can all gather here and be fairly safe, even though we’re not wearing masks, because most of us have been vaccinated.”
Mr. Becerra failed to provide specific data to support his claims, and his agency did not respond to requests for citations.
During the briefing, he emphasized the importance of protecting loved ones by getting vaccinated. Mr. Becerra shared a personal anecdote about celebrating his mother’s 90th birthday, expressing confidence that he wouldn’t spread COVID-19.
“No one is safe until everyone is, and so it is time for us to do what we know best during this heightened fall and winter virus season. Let’s protect our loved ones,” he urged.
Dr. Harvey Risch, a professor emeritus of epidemiology at the Yale School of Public Health, criticized Secretary Becerra’s statements, stating, “Apparently, Secretary Becerra has not reviewed the empirical studies bearing on his ludicrous statements.” Dr. Risch pointed out that a significant portion of the population alive today has not received the COVID-19 vaccines.
Dr. Risch also highlighted the side effects experienced by some individuals who received the vaccines, including cases of severe allergic shock and heart inflammation, which have resulted in fatalities.
The CEOs of Moderna and Pfizer, Stéphane Bancel and Albert Bourla, respectively, were present at the event. Mr. Bancel echoed claims about the vaccines preventing transmission and urged people to protect themselves and their loved ones.
Moderna did not provide data to support Mr. Bancel’s claim.
Data on Vaccines
Vaccines are typically approved based on clinical trial data demonstrating their effectiveness and safety.
Pfizer reported conducting a trial for the new vaccines but did not disclose the results. Moderna shared immunogenicity results from a trial involving 50 participants who received their new shots. The company observed a significant increase in antibody levels compared to pre-vaccination levels.
Moderna officials expressed confidence that the new vaccine is effective against current SARS-CoV-2 variants. The FDA and CDC stated that the vaccines are expected to provide good protection against COVID-19 and its variants, with plans for annual updates similar to the influenza vaccine.
Although Moderna did not disclose specific information about adverse events, one participant in their trial experienced a vaccine-related event requiring medical care.
Previous versions of the vaccines have been associated with severe side effects, including allergic shock and heart inflammation, resulting in fatalities.
According to polls, only 17 percent of US residents have received the previous shots, with concerns about side effects, lack of trust, and vaccine effectiveness being the main reasons for hesitancy.
The new bivalent vaccines also lack trial efficacy data. Observational data, including findings from the CDC, indicate that the vaccines’ effectiveness against infection and severe illness starts low and quickly diminishes.
Ryusuke Abe contributed to this report.
What safety measures have Pfizer and Moderna taken to ensure the safety and efficacy of their vaccines?
and Albert Bourla, have stood by the safety and efficacy of their respective vaccines, despite the ongoing debate surrounding their use. Both companies conducted extensive clinical trials and obtained emergency use authorizations from the FDA based on the data collected.
However, the lack of long-term data on the vaccines’ safety and efficacy remains a concern for many. As with any new medical intervention, ongoing monitoring and research are necessary to assess any potential long-term effects.
It is important to note that the vaccines have undergone rigorous testing and have been shown to be highly effective in preventing severe illness and hospitalization in those who have been vaccinated. Furthermore, real-world data from countries with high vaccination rates has consistently demonstrated the positive impact of vaccination in reducing COVID-19 cases and deaths.
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