https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/op-eds/getting-vaccinated-is-a-personal-choice
I did not enter the vaccine maelstrom voluntarily. Two months ago, a Milwaukee reporter asked me if I had received the COVID-19 vaccine. This was when demand for the vaccine outstripped supply. Although it’s a personal and private decision, I answered the question honestly. “No, I had COVID,” I replied, adding, “I think that probably provides me the best immunity possible.” I also said, “I decided to let others go before me who need it more than I do.”
I don’t have anything against vaccines. I have gotten annual flu shots since the 1970s and am up-to-date with all other standard vaccinations. I strongly supported Operation Warp Speed and celebrated its astonishingly rapid success. But I do believe getting vaccinated is a personal choice that should be made in consultation with a doctor.
Since I’m not a doctor or medical researcher, I don’t believe it’s appropriate for me to either encourage or discourage vaccination. My role is to help ensure transparency, so people have as much information as possible to make their own informed medical decisions. That is why I held two Senate hearings on early treatment of COVID last November and December and championed federal right-to-try legislation in 2018.
A reasonable corollary to “right to try” is the right to refuse treatment. No one should be shamed, coerced, or mandated to take COVID-19 vaccines that are being allowed under an emergency use authorization. In the U.S., three COVID-19 vaccines have completed the Phase I safety stage of the FDA approval process. The Phase II and III portions of the clinical trials are currently in an observational period until 2023, tracking participants for two years following vaccination.
Since that interview two months ago, new information has emerged. An Israeli study showed that natural immunity from having had COVID-19 is at least as effective as vaccine immunity. Natural immunity occurs with most other viruses, so why would anyone assume that wouldn’t be true for SARS-CoV-2? Evidence from the U.K. is raising safety concerns about vaccinating previously infected individuals.
The CDC’s own Vaccine Adverse Effect Reporting System has received 3,120 reports of death and 9,351 reports of hospitalization within 30 days of COVID-19 vaccination — with 45.4% of those deaths occurring on day 0, 1, or 2. The VAERS system has many flaws, but vilifying anyone who raises this issue does not instill confidence in the system. When did it become off-limits to ask government agencies legitimate questions?
Due to my interaction with the public, I took one of several precautionary COVID tests in early October 2020. Because I had no symptoms, I was surprised when I tested positive. A test three days later confirmed that result. Fortunately, I was one of the large group who remained asymptomatic.
My advocacy for exploring early treatment options has connected me to medical experts from around the world, including Dr. Hooman Noorchashm, a cardiothoracic surgeon and Ph.D. immunologist. Noorchashm has also been raising concerns about indiscriminate vaccination of individuals who were recently infected or naturally immune. He proposes getting tested for antibodies before vaccination “#Screenb4Vaccine” to minimize harm and maximize benefit from the vaccine by ensuring medical necessity of vaccination. This seems a reasonable precaution.
Noorchashm suggested I get tested for COVID-19 antibodies before making my decision on vaccination. He prescribed a simple blood test, which I had last week. Seven months after testing positive for COVID, this test showed my serology is positive for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 at roughly the same level he obtained after receiving both Moderna vaccine doses. Noorchashm tells me it’s likely I’m protected against reinfection — at least as well as being vaccinated.
Since there is little to no benefit for me getting vaccinated, I have decided not to. Absent proven benefit or medical necessity, there is only risk. There should be nothing controversial about me or anyone else making a similarly informed decision. I will, of course, reevaluate this decision if contrary information emerges.
Since testing positive for COVID, I have been comfortable living a mostly normal life. My antibody test only increases that comfort level. Witnessing crowds in airports and other public venues, I’d say other Americans are also gaining confidence resuming life. Hopefully, the state of fear is receding, we will respect each other’s medical decisions, and we’ll recognize the danger to individual liberty that vaccine passports or other forms of coercion represent.
The human toll of the coronavirus and shutdowns has been incalculable. The global economic devastation has cost trillions of dollars. Asking questions and never believing we have all the answers is fundamental to science. Being willing to admit when we’re wrong and adapting to new information is the best way to improve outcomes and limit future harm.
9 comments:
Why are these voices so rare right now? Thank you for sharing this.
One question: He says "the Phase II and III portions of the clinical trials are currently in an observational period until 2023, tracking participants for two years following vaccination." I have never been able to find an "official" source for this. All the sources I've looked at claim Phase III is done.
Phase 3 continues for two yeaers post-vaccination. Course by then the planet will have been vaccinated, so it is a bad joke.
FDA however said it will accept 6 mos of data in order to apply for a full license, which Pfizer did one week ago--while trials remain in progress. This is not unusual though it seems odd.
What's really odd to me is that the CDC said they are using a cycling threshold of ≤28 for PCR tests on post-vaccination subjects, but the lab that is doing PCR for my school is using a Ct of 37. When I asked the lab about the discrepancy, they said 37 was what the FDA told them they had to use. Even Fauci said going above 35 is going to yield too many false positives. This huge range is testing protocols makes the data unusable and reeks of manipulation.
So who's to say that data are not being manipulated to achieve a certain outcome in the vaccine trials?
I feel like we're engaged in this titanic struggle between opposing forces. On the one side, sensibilities and awareness seem to be growing by the day, such as is shown in this letter by Senator Johnson, realistically recognizing the insanities and inanities we've been subjected to over the past year. Meanwhile, those very same insane and inane forces simply double down on their contrived idiocy, subjecting us to ever greater suppression and oppresion in service to their malignant ends.
Here in the state of Oregon, all the major universities have announced plans to impose "vaccinations" as a requirement for all students and staff this fall. The governor has stated that *maybe* the state will be able to reopen this summer -- as long as some magical proportion of "vaccinations" is reached. It goes on and on -- while the cheerleaders seem to be crying for their own execution.
What is the name of the simple blood test that Dr. Noorchashm suggested for COVID-19 antibodies? Does it also assess the presence of T-cells?
Any interpretations on vaccine required, yet allows for exceptions? Testing now suddenly reliable after statistics of all sorts with notation data results from extremely unreliable tests? Science 101, equals outputs of absurdities in public domain to then take these results see scientists crunch totally unreliable results in all sorts of advanced mathematical super equations inputting unreliable data into equations nevertheless on math payrolls, then comment oat length with super science credentials about the serious results of these equations in science studies? If not mind boggling as presentations of these results as factual declaration “science papers” of dare nay say so frankly fraudulent as serious explanations to decide upon from complied unreliable bogus data inputs for algebra, basic arithmetic and extensive interval rates of extraordinary calculus equation too for super crunching ”documented data, in all sorts of rates for don’t say not obvious bogus outputs, say mystery math, the ”new normal of scientific method” in advanced school PhDs in bs galore. Then with credentials and cashier checks stand up scientific method comedians at large in front of peer reviews comedy class colleagues comic peers concur science farce together comedy teams phony baloney science garble cooked up science gobble de goop farce dejour with check stubs cashed is something else? If school kids tried this in days gone by used to be no go, now Martin & Lewis is da science standardizations. We then declare no need to proof, ok for leaks of some honest scientists to ignore, for declare make believe as new standard of once upon a time in science days gone bye bye in areas of importance make believe unreliable “science papers” printed up farcical science for serious science farce not funny comedies for colleagues to close producers promotions on opening night to read in wonder what seriously not funny nutty business hilarious science fields joined unbeknownst new normal comedy science declare proven as proof method farce fields in these ludicrous times time and time again without some protection of printing press speeds, gone viral warp science farce conniption fits high tech speeds in electronic printings to to declare proof as thus proven of science conniptions standing ovation tragic comedy collaborations ecstatic colleagues viva applausings! Encores viva Las Vegas?
https://healthalerts.stanford.edu/covid-19/2021/05/05/fall-vaccination-policy-for-faculty-staff-postdocs/
Fall vaccination policy for faculty, staff, postdocs
May 5, 2021
Categories: Health & safety, Leadership communications, Travel, Vaccine
Dear Stanford community
Thank you for all of your efforts to advance Stanford’s mission over the past year – whether you have been away from campus, or in our changed environment on campus.
We recently announced plans to require all undergraduate, graduate and professional students to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 this fall. We are writing now to advise you of additional steps we are taking to protect one another’s health as we prepare for fall quarter, when we look forward to being together once again at Stanford.
Vaccination requirement
All faculty, staff and postdoctoral scholars coming to campus this fall will be required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. This requirement will apply to those at Stanford locations in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties, including the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, as well as SAL3 in Livermore and Hopkins Marine Station.
This requirement is based on our COVID-19 Vaccine Governance Committee’s review of conditions and developments around vaccination against the virus. In addition, county, state and national public health officials are encouraging vaccinations, and we are seeing an increase in supplies of vaccine and a greater availability of vaccination appointments. Currently, Stanford Health Care has vaccines available and no appointments are necessary.
We understand that some faculty, staff and postdoctoral scholars will choose not to obtain vaccines for medical, religious or other reasons. We also understand that some may choose not to disclose their vaccine status. Faculty, staff and postdoctoral scholars who are not fully vaccinated or who do not disclose their vaccination status will be required to continue regular COVID-19 testing and, possibly, additional requirements aimed at keeping our community safe. Regular testing will not be required for those who have provided proof they are fully vaccinated.
We will be back in touch with additional guidance, including a process for individuals to verify their vaccination status and a specific effective date that will provide time for people to become fully vaccinated.
Health Check question and return from travel
Also, beginning soon, faculty, staff, students and postdoctoral scholars will be given the opportunity to provide their vaccination status on Health Check. Responding to this question is voluntary at this time.
Compiling this data on vaccine status will help us begin to learn the vaccination rate among our community and inform decisions to adjust our policies while continuing to mitigate COVID-19 risks. For example, the university’s travel policy is being adjusted: Fully vaccinated individuals who have traveled more than 150 miles beyond Santa Clara or San Mateo counties will no longer be required to receive a negative COVID-19 test or undergo a waiting period before returning to campus. Students should continue participating in regular testing upon returning from travel.
Individuals who disclose on Health Check that they have been vaccinated will be asked to provide details, including dates and the particular vaccine they received. An additional set of FAQs will be available soon on the Health Check website to assist users as they respond to the question.
Vaccines are crucial to having a safe, healthy environment at Stanford and in our broader community, and we hope you will get a vaccine when you are able to do so.
Keep in mind that the virus, including highly transmissible variants, remains with us today. So, whatever your vaccine status, please continue following the health and safety protocols that are helping us navigate the pandemic. We look forward to seeing you on campus this fall!
Sincerely,
Persis Drell
Provost
Lloyd Minor, M.D.
Dean, School of Medicine
Russell Furr
Associate Vice Provost, Environmental Health & Safety
Fall vaccination policy for faculty, staff, postdocs
May 5, 2021
Categories: Health & safety, Leadership communications, Travel, Vaccine
Last modified on May 5, 2021
Dear Stanford community,
Thank you for all of your efforts to advance Stanford’s mission over the past year – whether you have been away from campus, or in our changed environment on campus.
We recently announced plans to require all undergraduate, graduate and professional students to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 this fall. We are writing now to advise you of additional steps we are taking to protect one another’s health as we prepare for fall quarter, when we look forward to being together once again at Stanford.
Vaccination requirement
All faculty, staff and postdoctoral scholars coming to campus this fall will be required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. This requirement will apply to those at Stanford locations in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties, including the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, as well as SAL3 in Livermore and Hopkins Marine Station.
This requirement is based on our COVID-19 Vaccine Governance Committee’s review of conditions and developments around vaccination against the virus. In addition, county, state and national public health officials are encouraging vaccinations, and we are seeing an increase in supplies of vaccine and a greater availability of vaccination appointments. Currently, Stanford Health Care has vaccines available and no appointments are necessary.
We understand that some faculty, staff and postdoctoral scholars will choose not to obtain vaccines for medical, religious or other reasons. We also understand that some may choose not to disclose their vaccine status. Faculty, staff and postdoctoral scholars who are not fully vaccinated or who do not disclose their vaccination status will be required to continue regular COVID-19 testing and, possibly, additional requirements aimed at keeping our community safe. Regular testing will not be required for those who have provided proof they are fully vaccinated.
We will be back in touch with additional guidance, including a process for individuals to verify their vaccination status and a specific effective date that will provide time for people to become fully vaccinated.
Health Check question and return from travel
Also, beginning soon, faculty, staff, students and postdoctoral scholars will be given the opportunity to provide their vaccination status on Health Check. Responding to this question is voluntary at this time.
Compiling this data on vaccine status will help us begin to learn the vaccination rate among our community and inform decisions to adjust our policies while continuing to mitigate COVID-19 risks. For example, the university’s travel policy is being adjusted: Fully vaccinated individuals who have traveled more than 150 miles beyond Santa Clara or San Mateo counties will no longer be required to receive a negative COVID-19 test or undergo a waiting period before returning to campus. Students should continue participating in regular testing upon returning from travel.
Individuals who disclose on Health Check that they have been vaccinated will be asked to provide details, including dates and the particular vaccine they received. An additional set of FAQs will be available soon on the Health Check website to assist users as they respond to the question.
Vaccines are crucial to having a safe, healthy environment at Stanford and in our broader community, and we hope you will get a vaccine when you are able to do so.
Keep in mind that the virus, including highly transmissible variants, remains with us today. So, whatever your vaccine status, please continue following the health and safety protocols that are helping us navigate the pandemic. We look forward to seeing you on campus this fall!
Sincerely,
Persis Drell
Provost
Lloyd Minor, M.D.
Dean, School of Medicine
Russell Furr
Associate Vice Provost, Environmental Health & Safety
Fall vaccination policy for faculty, staff, postdocs
May 5, 2021
Categories: Health & safety, Leadership communications, Travel, Vaccine
Dear Stanford community,
Thank you for all of your efforts to advance Stanford’s mission over the past year – whether you have been away from campus, or in our changed environment on campus.
We recently announced plans to require all undergraduate, graduate and professional students to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 this fall. We are writing now to advise you of additional steps we are taking to protect one another’s health as we prepare for fall quarter, when we look forward to being together once again at Stanford.
Vaccination requirement
All faculty, staff and postdoctoral scholars coming to campus this fall will be required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. This requirement will apply to those at Stanford locations in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties, including the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, as well as SAL3 in Livermore and Hopkins Marine Station.
This requirement is based on our COVID-19 Vaccine Governance Committee’s review of conditions and developments around vaccination against the virus. In addition, county, state and national public health officials are encouraging vaccinations, and we are seeing an increase in supplies of vaccine and a greater availability of vaccination appointments. Currently, Stanford Health Care has vaccines available and no appointments are necessary.
We understand that some faculty, staff and postdoctoral scholars will choose not to obtain vaccines for medical, religious or other reasons. We also understand that some may choose not to disclose their vaccine status. Faculty, staff and postdoctoral scholars who are not fully vaccinated or who do not disclose their vaccination status will be required to continue regular COVID-19 testing and, possibly, additional requirements aimed at keeping our community safe. Regular testing will not be required for those who have provided proof they are fully vaccinated.
We will be back in touch with additional guidance, including a process for individuals to verify their vaccination status and a specific effective date that will provide time for people to become fully vaccinated.
Health Check question and return from travel
Also, beginning soon, faculty, staff, students and postdoctoral scholars will be given the opportunity to provide their vaccination status on Health Check. Responding to this question is voluntary at this time.
Compiling this data on vaccine status will help us begin to learn the vaccination rate among our community and inform decisions to adjust our policies while continuing to mitigate COVID-19 risks. For example, the university’s travel policy is being adjusted: Fully vaccinated individuals who have traveled more than 150 miles beyond Santa Clara or San Mateo counties will no longer be required to receive a negative COVID-19 test or undergo a waiting period before returning to campus. Students should continue participating in regular testing upon returning from travel.
Individuals who disclose on Health Check that they have been vaccinated will be asked to provide details, including dates and the particular vaccine they received. An additional set of FAQs will be available soon on the Health Check website to assist users as they respond to the question.
Vaccines are crucial to having a safe, healthy environment at Stanford and in our broader community, and we hope you will get a vaccine when you are able to do so.
Keep in mind that the virus, including highly transmissible variants, remains with us today. So, whatever your vaccine status, please continue following the health and safety protocols that are helping us navigate the pandemic. We look forward to seeing you on campus this fall!
Sincerely,
Persis Drell
Provost
Lloyd Minor, M.D.
Dean, School of Medicine
Russell Furr
Associate Vice Provost, Environmental Health & Safety
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