Milwaukee City Wire

On December 21, 2023, Senator Ron Johnson, Ranking Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, addressed a letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Robert Califf, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Mandy Cohen, expressing concerns about the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines.

In the letter, Senator Johnson highlighted a significant disparity in the number of deaths per million doses between the COVID-19 vaccines and the flu vaccine. He stated, "Using the midpoint assumption that 70% of distributed flu vaccines were administered, the 25.5 deaths per million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine represents a 55-fold increase over the flu vaccine deaths per million doses. This is a shocking difference and only adds to the growing evidence of safety signals that are screaming to be taken seriously."

Furthermore, Senator Johnson questioned the health agency officials about their awareness of a recently released study that raises additional safety concerns regarding the production of "off-target" or incorrect proteins by the COVID-19 vaccines.

The senator also reiterated his previous requests for data on the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines. He criticized the lack of transparency from the health agencies, stating, "When it comes to responding to my data requests on the adverse events associated with the COVID-19 vaccines, your arrogant lack of transparency has been unprecedented, irresponsible, and completely unacceptable."

Senator Johnson stressed that he has been raising questions, sending formal requests, and conducting oversight on the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines for the past 32 months. He expressed his disappointment in the officials' failure to address his legitimate concerns and requests for information.

The senator expects a response from the health agency officials by January 18, 2024. The full text of his letter can be found here.

The concerns raised by Senator Johnson highlight the ongoing debate surrounding the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. As the vaccination campaign continues, it is crucial for health agencies to address these concerns and provide transparent and comprehensive data on the safety and efficacy of the vaccines. Public trust in the vaccination process relies on open communication and a willingness to address any potential safety signals.

While the COVID-19 vaccines have been widely praised for their role in reducing the severity of the disease and preventing hospitalizations and deaths, it is essential to thoroughly investigate any potential safety concerns. The health and well-being of the public should always be the top priority, and any doubts or questions raised should be addressed with transparency and scientific rigor.

As the deadline for a response approaches, it remains to be seen how the health agency officials will address Senator Johnson's concerns. The public will be eagerly awaiting their response and the actions they take to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines.

In the midst of the ongoing pandemic, it is crucial to maintain open lines of communication between policymakers, health agencies, and the public. Only through transparency and the sharing of accurate information can we navigate these challenging times and ensure the health and safety of all.