Vassilia Orfanou, PhD, Post Doc
Writes for the Headline Diplomat eMagazine
The CEO of X/Twitter, Space-X and Tesla, a pioneering and courageous entrepreneur, Elon Musk, released a video most recently documenting the various stories told about the COVID-19 vaccines. It particularly demonstrated the alteration of the original claim of the vaccines being 100% effective.
The video started with headlines claiming that the vaccines were 100% effective in preventing disease, hospitalizations, and mortality. However, the efficacy percentages gradually decreased over time and dropped below 40%. Later, new headlines emerged, emphasizing the necessity of booster shots.
Furthermore, the video featured news stories from different countries that had suspended specific vaccines because of health concerns, along with reports about pharmaceutical executives earning huge sums of money.
Following the incident, Elon Musk published a subsequent statement to address his legit concerns regarding the “excessive” requirements that he, as an employer in the tech industry, would have been obliged to impose on his employees had the U.S. Supreme Court not intervened. In his statement, he stated unequivocally, “We would never have enforced such measures. I would prefer facing imprisonment over terminating employees who were hesitant about receiving vaccinations.”
Musk has often spoken out about COVID vaccine mandates, but he came under fire in July after NBA star LeBron James‘ son suffered a cardiac arrest.
Bronny James, 18, also a basketball player was rushed to hospital, which his family said in a statement was the result of a “functionally significant congenital heart defect.”
“We cannot ascribe everything to the vaccine, but, by the same token, we cannot ascribe nothing,” Musk tweeted. “Myocarditis is a known side-effect. The only question is whether it is rare or common.”
Musk revealed that he experienced a mild instance of COVID prior to the vaccine availability but had to receive three shots to travel, the last of which “nearly sent me to the hospital.”
He has raised concerns about the number of people experiencing side effects from the vaccine or coronavirus treatment, rather than the virus itself. Overall, he emphasized his belief in vaccines and expressed optimism about the potential benefits of mRNA technology in the future. However, he also stressed that the treatment should not be more harmful than the illness and advocated for open discussions about its effectiveness.
Despite the debate that continues to surround the COVID-19 vaccines, these immunizations went through the entire process of development and assessment at a considerably shortened time due to the implementation of Operation Warp Speed under former President Trump’s administration. This period was much shorter than the common time it takes to develop vaccines.
Investigations into the efficacy of COVID vaccinations have shown that the defense they provide may become weaker after about six months, or even earlier. Moreover, with the emergence of different variants of the virus since the start of the pandemic, the effectiveness of vaccinations is further decreased. On the contrary, there is a substantial body of evidence that suggests the shots are connected to dangerous medical issues, which the medical industry has been reluctant to recognize or investigate.
According to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), there have been 36,231 reported deaths, 209,910 hospitalizations, 20,810 heart attacks, and 27,522 myocarditis and pericarditis cases as of September 15th. A study from April 2022 in Israel proposes that the high numbers of myocarditis cases cannot be attributed to the COVID infection alone, contrary to popular belief.
Those against the jab emphasize that VAERS reports are not verified, because anyone can submit them. Nonetheless, CDC researchers have identified a “high rate of accuracy” when it comes to myocarditis reports in VAERS that were attributed to mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccination. This has led to the conclusion that the issue is more likely to be under-reported rather than over-reported.
Additional data suggest potential issues. The Defense Medical Epidemiology Database (DMED) from the Pentagon reports an increase in various medical conditions in 2021 when compared to the five-year average. The statistics reveal an elevation in hypertension (2,181%), neurological disorders (1,048%), multiple sclerosis (680%), Guillain-Barre syndrome (551%), breast cancer (487%), female infertility (472%), pulmonary embolism (468%), migraines (452%), ovarian dysfunction (437%), testicular cancer (369%), and tachycardia (302%).
Reuters reports that such spikes may have been an issue of underreporting during the years of 2016-2020. Lisa Lawrence, a spokesperson for the Department of Defense (DoD) told Reuters via email that the increase for 2021 was a result of incorrect data for the years 2016 to 2020. But 2021 were correct.
The calculations may be a comparison of average annual cases of different medical conditions found on DMED for 2016 to 2020 to the total number of cases recorded for Jan – Nov. 2021. It would be beneficial to conduct a more thorough investigation into both the accurate count of recorded cases and the ones that have been officially reported.
In September 2020, a peer-reviewed study conducted by experts from Stanford, UCLA, and the University of Maryland was published by the Japanese Society for Vaccinology. This study concluded that the Pfizer trial had a 36% increased risk of serious side effects in the vaccine group, and the Moderna trial had a 6% greater risk of serious adverse events in the vaccine group, totaling a 16% higher risk for mRNA vaccine recipients.
In December 2022, U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) led a roundtable discussion at which civil rights attorney Aaron Siri illustrated data from the CDC’s V-Safe reporting system. The data showed that 800,000 out of the 10 million participants, or 7.7%, needed medical care following their COVID injection. Siri further stated that 25% of these people had to be hospitalized or go to emergency care, and 48% needed urgent medical attention. Additionally, another 25% of the 7.7% were unable to go to school or work.
A group of American, British, and Canadian investigators released a report in December in the Journal of Medical Ethics which concluded that the requirement for COVID booster shots for university students – a demographic at a low risk of contracting the virus – is more damaging than helpful: “For each COVID-19 hospitalisation avoided, we anticipate that at least 18.5 severe adverse events will occur from mRNA vaccinations, including 1.5-4.6 cases of male myopericarditis related to boosters (which often necessitate hospitalisation).”
In recent weeks, we have witnessed certain schools, hospitals, and businesses reintroducing mask regulations as a precautionary measure against the growth of new COVID variants. These variants, which current vaccines may not fully protect against, have sparked concerns about the possibility of broader lockdowns being reinstated.
President Joe Biden has made it known that he is seeking funds from Congress to develop new COVID vaccines specifically targeted at these variants. While this initiative is aimed at safeguarding public health, it has also raised apprehension among some individuals. There are concerns about whether these new mandates will encounter similar challenges as the vaccines developed under the previous administration.
Considering these discussions, further investigation would need to establish and fully report on the linkage between covid vaccination and elevations in hypertension, neurological disorders, multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, breast cancer, female infertility, pulmonary embolism, migraines, ovarian dysfunction, testicular cancer, and tachycardia and the degree of these elevations resulting in sudden death or mounting health problems.
For instance, the peer-reviewed study conducted by experts from Stanford, UCLA, and the University of Maryland and by the Japanese Society for Vaccinology in September 2020, showed that the Pfizer trial had a 36% increased risk of serious side effects in the vaccine group, while the Moderna trial had a 6% greater risk of serious adverse events in the vaccine group. This amounted to a 16% higher risk for mRNA vaccine recipients.
In his roundtable discussion, in December 2022, U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) Aaron Siri presented data from the CDC’s V-Safe reporting system. The data showed that out of 10 million participants, 800,000 individuals, or 7.7%, required medical care following their COVID injection. Among these, 25% had to be hospitalized or seek emergency care, and 48% needed urgent medical attention. Additionally, 25% of the 7.7% were unable to attend school or work.
In the realm of COVID-19 booster shots for university students, there has been a recent report by a group of American, British, and Canadian investigators that has sparked a significant discussion. Published in the esteemed Journal of Medical Ethics, this report presents a compelling argument against the necessity of administering booster shots to students, particularly those who are deemed to be at a low risk of contracting the virus.
The researchers, in their comprehensive analysis, emphasize that the requirement for booster shots should be carefully evaluated, considering the potential benefits and drawbacks. They highlight the importance of weighing the potential hospitalizations prevented against the potential risks associated with receiving booster shots. Interestingly, their findings suggest that for every COVID-19 hospitalization prevented, they anticipate at least 18.5 individuals who would experience adverse effects from the booster shots.
While the report acknowledges the importance of protecting public health, it raises thought-provoking questions about the overall effectiveness and necessity of booster shots for certain populations. It urges stakeholders to consider the available data on the virus’s transmission and the impact of existing vaccination efforts. The report also emphasizes the need for a nuanced approach that considers the unique circumstances and risk profiles of university students.
This report has added fuel to the ongoing debates surrounding COVID-19 booster shots and has prompted further exploration into the potential implications of such mandates, calling for a closer examination of such mandates.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the unveiling of Elon Musk’s video has ignited a crucial discourse around the narratives surrounding COVID-19 vaccines. It is evident that the landscape is complex, marked by shifting efficacy claims, concerns about side effects, and a rapidly evolving understanding of the virus.
As we navigate this intricate terrain, it is imperative to move beyond debates and engage in a comprehensive investigation into the true impact of COVID vaccinations. The call to action is clear—let us demand transparency and accountability. The discrepancies in reported cases and the potential underreporting of adverse effects highlight the need for a meticulous examination of the data.
Elon Musk’s video serves as a catalyst for dialogue, urging us to question not only the efficacy of vaccines but also the broader implications of booster shots, especially for specific demographics like university students. The recent report in the Journal of Medical Ethics adds weight to the argument against blanket mandates, emphasizing the importance of considering both the benefits and risks associated with booster shots.
In the face of renewed mask regulations and the possibility of broader lockdowns, our collective responsibility is to advocate for a balanced approach. We must push for rigorous investigations into the links between COVID vaccination and various health conditions. The data from VAERS, the Defense Medical Epidemiology Database, and peer-reviewed studies all underscore the importance of scrutinizing the long-term consequences of vaccination.
This is not a call to reject vaccines, but a plea for informed decision-making. We must foster open discussions about vaccine effectiveness, acknowledging both the potential benefits and risks. It’s time to prioritize public health by understanding the nuanced impact of COVID vaccinations, especially in the context of emerging variants.
In the spirit of Elon Musk’s commitment to open dialogue, let us advocate for a thorough examination of the data, pushing for transparency, accuracy, and a nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between COVID vaccinations and public health. Only through rigorous investigation and open discourse can we navigate the path forward, ensuring the well-being of individuals and communities alike.
Featured photo: Evelyn Chong : https://www.pexels.com/el-gr/photo/1458696/
