The Blue State Conservative:
By Guest Author Dr. Joel S. Hirschhorn
This article defines a more effective public health strategy for the current COVID pandemic. The core issue is that there is a huge array of reactions to both COVID infections and vaccines based on diverse biology, genetics and medical conditions of individuals. Missing from current policy is recognition and support of personalized medical methods.
First, medical history tells us the wisdom of making the medicine fit the person. This is the cornerstone of what is called personalized or individualized medicine. Good physicians also find the combination of drugs to best address an illness or disease.
This contrasts with mass use of off-the-shelf, one-size-fits all drugs. Proposed here is an approach to tailor or fine tune medical solutions to individual biologic and genetic characteristics, and personal medical needs and circumstances.
As an example of how trying to get the public to accept a mass medicine is the case of seasonal flu vaccines. A large fraction of the public does not take them. During the 2019-2020 season, 63.8% of children between six months and 17 years got a flu shot. Among adults, just 48.4% of people got flu shots.
Why is this? Because it is common knowledge that their efficacy rate is relatively low. On average, people who get the flu shot are between 40% and 60% less likely to catch the virus than unvaccinated individuals. The truth is that the annual flu vaccine does not fit every individual. Even though there is little medical evidence that taking a flu vaccine poses significant health risks. But people know that the flu infection fatality rate is relatively low. Many individuals make a sensible risk/benefit analysis, concluding that there are insufficient benefits. Others, especially older people with serious medical conditions and possibly weak immune systems get annual flu shots. The public health system has allowed a personalized approach to seasonal flu vaccines. more here
Wait – nearly 2/3 of kids get the flu shot??? Why???
I worked for a pharma research company 15 years ago, we developed the first FDA-approved nanoparticle drug. CEO recommended we get the flu shot. VP of ‘Regulatory’ (FDA application), who had a pharmacology background, said it was useless. With two conflicting options I took the easy way of not getting one – although I also had never gotten one in the past. So much for uniformity of medical opinion.
Congress is mostly owned by big pharma and China.
They won’t do anything unless their seats and/or power are at risk.
What is this blasphemy?