False-positive HIV tests don’t imply that a person is immunodeficient, contrary to claim by Peter McCullough

Immunodeficiency is broadly defined as a state in which a person’s immune system is unable to fight off infections and cancer. It can arise as a result of genetic conditions, infection, or other environmental factors. One form of immunodeficiency, called acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), is caused by untreated HIV infection. HIV detection tests are highly specific, meaning most positive test results are truly positive. Rarely, infections by other pathogens and underlying health conditions can cause false-positive results in HIV tests, but this doesn’t indicate immunodeficiency. COVID-19 vaccines don’t cause false-positive HIV tests nor do they cause immunodeficiency.

Published studies misrepresented by cardiologist Peter McCullough to push false claim that COVID-19 vaccines cause sudden cardiac death

Studies so far haven’t shown any association between COVID-19 vaccines and mortality risk or sudden death. All medical interventions come with side effects and COVID-19 vaccines are no exception. COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are linked to an increased risk of heart inflammation in adolescent and young adult males. However, the risk of heart complications and other health problems associated with COVID-19 is well-documented to be higher than that associated with vaccination. On balance, COVID-19 vaccines offer more benefits than drawbacks.

Study in Italy didn’t show COVID-19 vaccines have an “unacceptable” safety profile, contrary to claim by Peter McCullough

Some of the most common side effects following COVID-19 vaccination resemble flu symptoms. These include headache and fatigue. However, these side effects are relatively short-lived and aren’t associated with long-term repercussions. Getting COVID-19 is known to increase the risk of potentially serious medical problems. For example, studies have reported an elevated risk of developing blood clotting disorders and cardiovascular problems. While COVID-19 vaccination does carry risks as well, they significantly reduce the risk of severe disease and death. On balance, their benefits outweigh their risks.

Peter McCullough makes inaccurate and misleading claims about COVID-19 vaccines at event hosted by European political party

While COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are associated with a slightly higher risk of myocarditis in young men, the risk of heart problems in general is higher in people who get COVID-19. Moreover, COVID-19 is associated with a host of health problems, of which heart problems are just one. Vaccination reduces the risk of infection and severe disease. As such, the vaccines’ benefit outweighs their risk.

There are FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S. as of May 2023, contrary to claim by Peter McCullough

The COVID-19 vaccines authorized or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have been extensively tested and shown to be safe and effective against the disease. Emergency Use Authorizations allow for a faster distribution of vaccines in the context of an ongoing pandemic that poses a public health threat compared to a full approval which would require more time. As of 2023, the Pfizer-BioNTech and the Moderna vaccines are fully approved for people aged over 12 and 18, respectively. These vaccines as well as those by other companies have received emergency use authorizations for use in other age groups or as booster shots.

Peter McCullough makes multiple false, misleading, and unsupported claims about COVID-19 vaccine safety and efficacy in viral podcast

All available evidence from clinical trials and safety monitoring indicates that the COVID-19 vaccines are safe and not associated with a rise in medical conditions and mortality. COVID-19 vaccines are also safe and recommended for pregnant women, who are at a higher risk of severe COVID-19 and pregnancy complications associated with the disease. Furthermore, COVID-19 vaccines haven’t been shown to be toxic, making so-called “detoxes” unnecessary.

Higher myocarditis risk after COVID-19 than mRNA vaccination; contrary to Peter McCullough’s claim, young persons decrease their risk by getting vaccinated

Myocarditis, an inflammation in the heart muscle, is typically caused by viral infections. In rare instances, myocarditis can also occur after COVID-19 vaccination. During the global COVID-19 vaccination campaign, the mRNA vaccines have been linked to rare cases of post-vaccine myocarditis that are usually mild and resolve; these have occurred primarily in young males. On the other hand, COVID-19 itself carries a much higher risk of heart complications, including myocarditis. Moreover, the COVID-19 vaccines decrease the risk of COVID-19-related myocarditis, meaning that COVID-19 vaccination continues to be recommended to young persons.

Contrary to Peter McCullough’s claim, getting vaccinated is safer than getting COVID-19, in spite of rare cases of myocarditis

Although cases of myocarditis have been reported following mRNA vaccination against COVID-19, the cases are rare, usually mild and patients rapidly recover. In contrast, COVID-19 is associated with a higher rate of myocarditis with potential risks of clinical complications. Overall, based on all scientific evidence available, the benefits of vaccines largely outweigh their risks.

Joe Rogan interview with Peter McCullough contains multiple false and unsubstantiated claims about the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccines

To date, more than 241 million people in the U.S. have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Clinical trials as well as the safety monitoring of COVID-19 vaccination campaigns provide overwhelming evidence that the vaccines’ benefits far outweigh their risks. There’s no evidence indicating that the amount of spike protein generated by mRNA vaccination is dangerous. The use of multiple doses of COVID-19 vaccines isn’t unusual or unprecedented; some childhood vaccines that have been used for decades also require four or more doses for complete immunization.