#069 COVID Vaccine Myths, Questions, and Rumors with Rhonda Patrick and Roger Seheult
Sep 17, 2021
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In this discussion, Dr. Roger Seheult, a critical care pulmonologist, and Kyle Allred, a physician assistant, dive into the nuances of COVID-19 vaccination. They address the risks of myocarditis, challenging common myths about vaccine safety and the actual dangers of COVID-19 itself. The conversation includes insights on long-haul COVID, differentiation of spike proteins, and the implications of the Delta variant. They emphasize informed decision-making and the importance of context when interpreting vaccination data.
Individual vaccine responses vary but most avoid severe effects.
Data-driven decisions promote vaccine understanding and autonomy.
Deep dives
The Purpose of the Podcast Discussion
The main purpose of the podcast discussion is to educate individuals and arm them with information to understand the risks and benefits associated with COVID-19 vaccines, without imposing mandates or forcing anyone to take a particular action.
Analyzing the VAERS Reporting System
The discussion highlights the significance of the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), emphasizing that healthcare providers are required to report any adverse events or deaths following COVID-19 vaccination, irrespective of their perceived causality with the vaccine. Scientists analyze this data by comparing reported adverse events to background rates for various demographics.
Interpreting Reported Deaths Post-Vaccination
The analysis of reported deaths post-COVID-19 vaccination indicates a considerable level of underreporting, as the reported deaths fall significantly below the expected background levels for various age groups. This suggests that the actual number of deaths attributed to COVID-19 vaccines is much lower than what would be statistically anticipated.
Addressing Vaccine Safety Concerns and Individual Differences
Acknowledging individual variability in responses to vaccines, the discussion emphasizes that while there are inherent risks associated with any medical intervention, the vast majority of individuals vaccinated against COVID-19 have not experienced severe adverse effects. It underscores the need to balance risks and benefits in healthcare decision-making.
Promoting Informed Decision-Making
Ultimately, the podcast aims to promote informed decision-making by presenting data-driven insights on COVID-19 vaccines, emphasizing individual autonomy in vaccine choices, and encouraging a balanced understanding of risks and benefits associated with vaccination.
Encouraging Thoughtful Consideration of Vaccine Information
The podcast encourages thoughtful consideration of vaccine-related information and urges listeners to critically assess the risks and benefits of COVID-19 vaccination while respecting individual choices and concerns. It emphasizes the importance of accurate interpretation of data and facts in making informed decisions.
Educating on Vaccine Safety and Adverse Events
In the discussion, the focus is on educating individuals about vaccine safety and addressing concerns related to adverse events post-vaccination. By providing insights from scientific analysis and epidemiological studies, the podcast aims to empower listeners to make informed choices about COVID-19 vaccination.
Balancing Individual Health Decisions
The podcast discussion seeks to strike a balance between individual health decisions and public health considerations related to COVID-19 vaccination. It underscores the complexity of assessing risks and benefits at both an individual and population level, while respecting personal experiences and perspectives.
Emphasizing the Role of Data and Statistics in Vaccine Evaluation
Through an evidence-based approach, the podcast emphasizes the significance of data and statistics in evaluating vaccine safety and efficacy. It underscores the importance of considering scientific evidence and epidemiological trends to make well-informed decisions regarding COVID-19 vaccination.
Empowering Individuals with Medical and Scientific Insights
By providing medical and scientific insights into COVID-19 vaccines, the podcast aims to empower individuals to understand the complexities of vaccine-related information. It encourages critical thinking and informed decision-making based on reliable data and expert analysis.
Vaccines and Sensationalism
Sensationalistic claims can lead to misinformation about vaccines not working effectively, which can stem from cherry-picking data and misinterpretation of scientific literature. It is crucial to counter such claims with an unbiased approach to interpreting data accurately and disseminating factual information.
Antibody-Dependent Enhancement and Vaccines
Antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) occurs when antibodies bind to a pathogen like a virus without neutralizing it, potentially leading to a worsening immune response. Past experiences highlighted the risks of ADE, such as with an RSV vaccine trial in the 1960s, emphasizing the importance of vaccine designs avoiding post-fusion antibodies that could exacerbate immune responses.
Addressing Fertility Concerns and Vaccine Safety
Studies and meta-analyses have shown no significant impact of COVID-19 vaccines on pregnancy, miscarriages, or fertility. Data indicates safety in pregnant individuals with no deviations in outcomes compared to the general population, aiming to dispel misconceptions around vaccine effects on fertility.
Vaccinated People Have Lower Breakthrough Infections With Higher Antibody Levels
A study from Israel on breakthrough infections in vaccinated healthcare workers revealed that those with lower antibody levels were more likely to experience breakthrough infections compared to those with higher antibody titers. Another study by Miles Davenport suggested that individuals need a sixfold higher antibody titer level to prevent contracting the virus compared to preventing hospitalization. Additionally, research indicated that viral particles from vaccinated individuals were less likely to cause infection, highlighting the reduced transmission and severity of breakthrough infections among vaccinated individuals.
Evolution of Viruses and Immune System Response to Vaccines
The discussion delved into the misconception of vaccines causing viruses to become more virulent. The evolutionary process of viruses mainly focuses on increasing transmissibility rather than higher virulence. The immune system's T-cell response, critical for long-term protection, may adapt to virus mutations. Contrary to concerns about vaccines accelerating virulence, real-world data highlighted the continuous effectiveness in preventing severe diseases. The accelerated development of mRNA vaccines was explained by the removal of financial risks and the efficiency of mRNA technology, backed by decades of clinical studies on human use.
In this nearly 2.5-hour episode, Dr. Rhonda Patrick and Dr. Roger Seheult and Kyle Allred of MedCram make a thoughtful, merit-based, and truly comprehensive discussion of COVID-19 vaccination.
In addition to being a co-founder of MedCram Medical Lectures, Dr. Roger Seheult is, as you will find out in the conversation, a boots on the ground, critical care pulmonologist.
For Dr. Seheult, COVID-19 is not just theory. He sees real sick people and for that reason brings a very special context to this conversation. Furthermore, Dr. Seheult is also an academic and educator. He is an Associate Clinical Professor at the University of California, Riverside School of Medicine and an Assistant Clinical Professor at the School of Medicine and Allied Health at Loma Linda University. He is quadruple-board certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Diseases, Critical Care Medicine and Sleep Medicine through the American Board of Internal Medicine.
In this episode, we discuss:
(00:00) Introduction
(06:58) Vaccination in the young and healthy
(12:25) Risk of myocarditis from COVID-19 is greater than for vaccination
(16:18) Long-haul COVID is often preceded by mild infection
(25:36) The spike protein generated from vaccination is not the same as the viral one
(34:16) Biodistribution of vaccine particles
(41:17) COVID-19 Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS)
(01:06:55) Antibody-dependent enhancement isn't a concern for the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine
(01:14:54) Do the COVID-19 vaccines damage human fertility?
(01:19:51) Can mRNA vaccines alter human DNA?
(01:28:10) Current ivermectin evidence
(01:47:40) Delta-variant and breakthrough infections
(02:01:42) Viral evolution (virulence vs. immune escape)
