David Geier vaccine autism The HHS faces backlash for appointing David Geier, a known vaccine skeptic, to investigate vaccine-autism claims. Despite the overwhelming scientific consensus debunking any connection, the decision to assign Geier, who lacks a medical degree and has a controversial past, has been widely condemned.
David Geier is who?
Geier has a lengthy history of spreading false information about vaccines, as has his father, Dr. Mark Geier. Many of the studies the couple published that incorrectly claimed vaccines cause autism have since been retracted. Their unethical actions also resulted in David Geier being sued for practicing medicine without a license and Mark Geier’s medical license being canceled.
Why Did They Appoint Him?
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a well-known opponent of vaccines, put pressure on the administration to make the contentious decision. According to reports, Geier will examine information from the Vaccine Safety Datalink maintained by the CDC. The decision has raised concerns about potential data misuse and the spread of misleading information.
Public Health Impact
The appointment coincides with an expanding measles outbreak that mostly affects youngsters who have not had a vaccination in Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. Health professionals caution that spreading false information could erode public trust in vaccines and increase the likelihood of new outbreaks.
Criticism From Experts
Dr. Richard Besser, former acting CDC director, called Geier a “deeply irresponsible choice.”
A former CDC official stated the appointment “immediately questions the validity” of any findings.
Autism advocates argue that resources should be directed toward credible autism research rather than revisiting disproven theories.
What’s Next?
The CDC has yet to comment on whether it will proceed with handing over the vaccine data. As the controversy grows, public health experts are urging HHS to reconsider its decision.
Source: NBC News
