Fact Check: "Dr. Martin Kulldorff, a new member of the CDC vaccine advisory panel, has called vaccines 'vital' and served as a paid witness in a vaccine trial against Merck over the safety of its HPV vaccine, Gardasil."
What We Know
Dr. Martin Kulldorff has recently been appointed to the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Kulldorff is a Swedish biostatistician and former Harvard professor who has generally supported vaccines and has advised the CDC on vaccine safety (NPR). However, he has also been a vocal critic of COVID-19 vaccine mandates and has been involved in the Great Barrington Declaration, which opposed lockdown measures during the pandemic (NPR).
Regarding his involvement with the HPV vaccine, it has been reported that Kulldorff served as a paid expert witness in a legal case against Merck concerning the safety of its HPV vaccine, Gardasil, earning compensation for his testimony (CNN, CBS News).
Analysis
The claim that Dr. Kulldorff has called vaccines "vital" is misleading. Although he has been supportive of vaccines in general, the specific assertion that he has labeled them as "vital" lacks direct citation from credible sources. The term "vital" may not accurately reflect his nuanced position on vaccination, particularly in the context of COVID-19, where he has expressed skepticism about mandates and certain vaccine policies (NPR).
On the matter of his role as a paid witness, it is confirmed that Kulldorff was indeed compensated for his expert testimony against Merck regarding Gardasil (Reuters, CBS News). This aspect of the claim is accurate, as he has been involved in legal proceedings related to vaccine safety, which raises questions about potential conflicts of interest in his new advisory role.
In evaluating the reliability of the sources, the reports from NPR and CNN are credible and well-regarded in the field of health journalism. They provide a balanced view of Kulldorff's background and his recent appointment, while also noting the controversies surrounding his views on vaccines. The New York Times and CBS News also provide factual reporting, although they may have varying editorial slants.
Conclusion
The claim that Dr. Martin Kulldorff has called vaccines "vital" is False. While he has been supportive of vaccines in general, there is no credible source that directly quotes him using the term "vital." Furthermore, the assertion that he served as a paid witness in a trial against Merck regarding Gardasil is accurate. However, the framing of the claim suggests a stronger endorsement of vaccines than is substantiated by his public statements and actions.
Sources
- Exclusive: Kennedy's new vaccine adviser was expert witness against Merck vaccine
- RFK Jr. Announces Eight New Members of CDC Vaccine Advisory Panel
- New vaccine advisers named to CDC panel : Shots - Health News - NPR
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- RFK Jr. taps allies and COVID vaccine critics among picks for CDC ...
