"We cannot be polite about this anymore." This right here. On another substack a commenter was complaining about Dr. Jessica Knurick calling him a grifter and her attitude and tone towards him. She doesn't want there to be bias in reporting about RFK, Jr., or what is Trump is doing . . . the man is a menace, not just to our health and safety, but to the entire world's. At what point do people get to scream "FIRE!!!" and "Stop him (RFK, Jr.)!!!" as he pours more gasoline on the flames? FFS.
I’ve been calling out RFK Jr and other grifters for my entire career — and have always staunchly been of the position that glossing over the measurable harms is a disservice and danger to society. It’s good others are finally doing the same.
I am SO grateful for you and Knurick and everyone in the science community. Watching all of this go on around you, you start to wonder, "Am I the the crazy one?" You all are reminding us that we are sane, that none of this is normal, and that we must resist. Out LOUD. Thank you x infinity.
Like others, I hate the phrase, “I’ve done my own research.” I will often ask where the person received their Ph.D. Or M.D. (I’m a smart ass, but it makes a point.) My brother, an M.D. will say, with excruciating politeness, “oh, how wonderful! Where is your work published? I’d enjoy reading it.” I do try not to alienate people, since that is counterproductive, when so many people are simply victimized by callous influencers. But I don’t hesitate to call out the influencers. I’m “all out of nice” when it comes to what they are doing. Thank you for a critically important article! I share your ideas with others regularly, and recommend your column.
"presumptive immunity" 🤔 I am troubled with this "presumptive" aka assumption...
If you’ve gotten at least one dose of an MMR or MMRV vaccine on or after the first birthday for preschool-age children (kids too young to get the second dose) or if you’re now an adult not at high risk for exposure and transmission.
1) adequate immunity for measles given the current state of many countries & states within the continental US
2) certainly inadequate for mumps going forward without a 2nd dose...numerous outbreaks prior to the 2-dose series for MMR being instituted...ask Sydney Crosby if you follow hockey ( I don't but I frequently use him as an example)
3) immunity for varicella required 2-doses
Those in their 5-6th decades and increasing yr's are quite willing to be vaccinated against shingles BUT Shingrix is not a substitute for bring fully vaccinated for varicella (chicken pox) JJF 🇨🇦
I was born in 1968, but my sibs were born in 1959 and 1960. I have this memory - which my sibs are not confurming - of us all getting a measles booster in the 70s because "the original shots weren't good enough." Any thoughts on whether pediatricians in the 70s would have realized this and recommended a booster?
Having a titre to assess your natural immunity can be useful, however a simpler, less expensive (no need to get a lab requisition, book an apt'n, take time to go for the titre then have a call with your HCP to get the results) simply get a dose of MMR.
This recommendation is for those who predate the cut-off for the period measles was circulating in the community...varies depending upon the country.
e.g. those born before 1970 (in Canada) without evidence of immunity or previous vaccination with 1 countable dose of measles-containing vaccine need 1 dose of MMR vaccine.
Those who may have only had one dose of MMR &/or an earlier formulation (inactive) discontinued (circa 1965) or those more 'senior' who plan to travel outside the USA or may be visiting an at risk area within the US.
Also, those who may have contracted measles after having the mumps or been vaccinated for other "childhood" diseases your bout with measles could very well have errased your previous immunity from exposure or vaccination.
I checked with my doctor, I was born in 1961, so think I'm ok based on your recommendations above. I plan to push back when I have my annual check-up in March. Thank you for sharing this information!!
How's that "I did my own research" thing working out?
I feel awful for the children of these knuckleheads. You don't get to choose your parents.
My heart goes out to the child who lost their life. It makes me sick to my stomach.
"We cannot be polite about this anymore." This right here. On another substack a commenter was complaining about Dr. Jessica Knurick calling him a grifter and her attitude and tone towards him. She doesn't want there to be bias in reporting about RFK, Jr., or what is Trump is doing . . . the man is a menace, not just to our health and safety, but to the entire world's. At what point do people get to scream "FIRE!!!" and "Stop him (RFK, Jr.)!!!" as he pours more gasoline on the flames? FFS.
I’ve been calling out RFK Jr and other grifters for my entire career — and have always staunchly been of the position that glossing over the measurable harms is a disservice and danger to society. It’s good others are finally doing the same.
I am SO grateful for you and Knurick and everyone in the science community. Watching all of this go on around you, you start to wonder, "Am I the the crazy one?" You all are reminding us that we are sane, that none of this is normal, and that we must resist. Out LOUD. Thank you x infinity.
I'm having a titer drawn at my next PCP visit (I'm 67) because I subscribe to your Substack. Thank you!
You’re very welcome!
Like others, I hate the phrase, “I’ve done my own research.” I will often ask where the person received their Ph.D. Or M.D. (I’m a smart ass, but it makes a point.) My brother, an M.D. will say, with excruciating politeness, “oh, how wonderful! Where is your work published? I’d enjoy reading it.” I do try not to alienate people, since that is counterproductive, when so many people are simply victimized by callous influencers. But I don’t hesitate to call out the influencers. I’m “all out of nice” when it comes to what they are doing. Thank you for a critically important article! I share your ideas with others regularly, and recommend your column.
"presumptive immunity" 🤔 I am troubled with this "presumptive" aka assumption...
If you’ve gotten at least one dose of an MMR or MMRV vaccine on or after the first birthday for preschool-age children (kids too young to get the second dose) or if you’re now an adult not at high risk for exposure and transmission.
1) adequate immunity for measles given the current state of many countries & states within the continental US
2) certainly inadequate for mumps going forward without a 2nd dose...numerous outbreaks prior to the 2-dose series for MMR being instituted...ask Sydney Crosby if you follow hockey ( I don't but I frequently use him as an example)
3) immunity for varicella required 2-doses
Those in their 5-6th decades and increasing yr's are quite willing to be vaccinated against shingles BUT Shingrix is not a substitute for bring fully vaccinated for varicella (chicken pox) JJF 🇨🇦
I was born in 1968, but my sibs were born in 1959 and 1960. I have this memory - which my sibs are not confurming - of us all getting a measles booster in the 70s because "the original shots weren't good enough." Any thoughts on whether pediatricians in the 70s would have realized this and recommended a booster?
(Ps my parents are both dead)
Having a titre to assess your natural immunity can be useful, however a simpler, less expensive (no need to get a lab requisition, book an apt'n, take time to go for the titre then have a call with your HCP to get the results) simply get a dose of MMR.
This recommendation is for those who predate the cut-off for the period measles was circulating in the community...varies depending upon the country.
e.g. those born before 1970 (in Canada) without evidence of immunity or previous vaccination with 1 countable dose of measles-containing vaccine need 1 dose of MMR vaccine.
Those who may have only had one dose of MMR &/or an earlier formulation (inactive) discontinued (circa 1965) or those more 'senior' who plan to travel outside the USA or may be visiting an at risk area within the US.
Also, those who may have contracted measles after having the mumps or been vaccinated for other "childhood" diseases your bout with measles could very well have errased your previous immunity from exposure or vaccination.
I checked with my doctor, I was born in 1961, so think I'm ok based on your recommendations above. I plan to push back when I have my annual check-up in March. Thank you for sharing this information!!