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Drudge Retort: The Other Side of the News
Thursday, May 01, 2025

Under President Trump, the Food and Drug Administration may no longer approve seasonal COVID-19 vaccines updated for the virus variants circulating that year, according to recent statements by Trump administration officials.

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This is why Trump AND the Senate Republicans are a danger to all Americans: They've allowed a man with no medical degree, medical training, or medical experience to be the federal government's mouthpiece on health issues.

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-- Katie Phang (@katiephang.bsky.social) May 1, 2025 at 8:49 AM

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... So far, COVID-19 vaccines have been treated the exact same way, save for the fact that the vaccines that use mRNA technology do not need as much lead time for manufacturing. In recent years, the FDA decided on formulations for annual COVID shots around June, with doses rolled out in the fall alongside flu shots.

However, this process is now in question based on statements from Trump administration officials. ...

#1 | Posted by LampLighter at 2025-04-29 01:55 PM | Reply

@#1

If the FDA does not approve the seasonal COVID shots, my health insurance won't cover them.

Health insurance for me covers approved shots 100%, i.e., no co-pay.

#2 | Posted by LampLighter at 2025-04-29 01:57 PM | Reply

So, what do you think? Frank insanity looking better as an explanation for what Trump does or does not do?

#3 | Posted by Zed at 2025-04-29 02:07 PM | Reply

You know, serial killers like Jeff Dahmer just killed their victims one at a time.

#4 | Posted by Zed at 2025-04-29 02:08 PM | Reply

MASA - Make America Sick Again.

#5 | Posted by LampLighter at 2025-04-29 02:53 PM | Reply

Make the TrumpVirus Great Again!!!

I wonder if it's the same strategy as before.

Hoping sickness will effect cities and more populated areas in the country to help kill off democratic voters.

#6 | Posted by ClownShack at 2025-04-29 03:08 PM | Reply

WOWSERS He wants all of the poor and middle class to die.

#7 | Posted by LauraMohr at 2025-04-29 03:15 PM | Reply

#7: Capitalists profit from our debts, illnesses, or deaths: Funeral homes, hospitals, shooting ranges, banks, bankruptcy lawyers, or loan sharks. The elites view us as food or something that can be extracted of its wealth. The 'finish line' used to be age 65 to qualify for Medicare and Social Security. I know people past 70 still working and not enjoying their so-called "golden years."

#8 | Posted by C0RI0LANUS at 2025-04-29 03:30 PM | Reply

I look forward to the boomer remover year where trump fanboys all eat dirt.

#9 | Posted by Tor at 2025-05-01 05:30 PM | Reply

Tor: I expect it'll be poor red staters and real men bearing the brunt. All my fellow boomers know better.

#10 | Posted by northguy3 at 2025-05-01 10:29 PM | Reply

As I said in #2 ...

... If the FDA does not approve the seasonal COVID shots, my health insurance won't cover them.

Health insurance for me covers approved shots 100%, i.e., no co-pay. ...


So, these actions seem to be a medically-illiterate person, who is running Pres Trump's health team,telling me I cannot protect myself from disease.


#11 | Posted by LampLighter at 2025-05-01 10:41 PM | Reply

This is going to save a lot of lives. An MIT study just came out the vax reduces average lifespan by thirty years (if was 50% for the humanized mice according to a Pfizer whistleblower, but the results of that study are sealed for 72 years).

The vaxed are 20% more likely to be infected, and 6x as likely to be hospitalized.

500,000 thousand Americans have died from immediate side effects.

"Excess deaths" are spiralling.

It now appears that the blood clots noticed by mkorticians are caused by prions created by the vaccine.

Japan called it "the Second Hiroshima", and they are pissed. Read forign news about the vax.

The vaxed will die. The unvaxed will be hunted.

#12 | Posted by HeliumRat at 2025-05-01 11:40 PM | Reply

@#12 ... MIT study just came out the vax reduces average lifespan by thirty years ...

So, I should be dead now?


Study claims that COVID-19 vaccines reduce life expectancy (July 2024)
publichealthcollaborative.org

... Vaccine opponents are circulating a recent study that claims to have found a decrease in life expectancy following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. The study assessed death from any cause in people who were unvaccinated and those who had received one or more vaccine doses, finding that a higher number of vaccine doses corresponded with a higher death risk.

Messaging may highlight that similar claims about vaccination decreasing life expectancy were debunked in 2023. Messaging may also note that, in the new study, both age and instances of pre-existing conditions were slightly higher in the vaccinated population than in the unvaccinated population, which may have increased the risk of death in the vaccinated group. This is because people who are at higher risk are also more likely to get vaccinated. The study also included only a limited number of risk factors in its analysis of death risk, which may skew the results.

Large global studies have found a link between COVID-19 vaccination and lower mortality. ...


[links in the article]


#13 | Posted by LampLighter at 2025-05-02 12:03 AM | Reply

#13 | Posted by LampLighter

Here: www.trialsitenews.com

It's only part of it, I'll find you more.

In the matched cohort:

All-cause mortality was significantly higher in BNT162b2 recipients: 847.2 vs. 617.9 deaths per 100,000 persons (OR 1.384; 95% CI: 1.331"1.439).
Cardiovascular mortality was also elevated: 248.7 vs. 162.4 deaths per 100,000 (OR 1.540; 95% CI: 1.431"1.657).
COVID-19 mortality was higher for BNT162b2: 55.5 vs. 29.5 deaths per 100,000 (OR 1.882; 95% CI: 1.596"2.220).
Non-COVID-19 mortality showed a similar pattern (OR 1.356; 95% CI: 1.303"1.412).

These differences were most pronounced among individuals aged 60 and older.

#14 | Posted by HeliumRat at 2025-05-02 12:55 AM | Reply

Let me say it again: all cause mortality for the vaxed 847.2 vgs. 617.9 for those who will live to be hunted.

That's about 20% in just one year.

What do you think your odds are now? The injection slowly causes a prion disease that takes time to form clod clots, but we are already seeing them.

#15 | Posted by HeliumRat at 2025-05-02 01:00 AM | Reply

.. So far, COVID-19 vaccines have been treated the exact same way, save for the fact that the vaccines that use mRNA technology do not need as much lead time for manufacturing. In recent years, the FDA decided on formulations for annual COVID shots around June, with doses rolled out in the fall alongside flu shots.

However, this process is now in question based on statements from Trump administration officials. ...

#1 | Posted by LampLighter

They already fired the physicians at the CDC who approve vaccines and set the schedule for their manufacture.

As a result, there probably won't be flu vaccines in time for next winter's outbreak.

#16 | Posted by AMERICANUNITY at 2025-05-02 01:54 AM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

"there probably won't be flu vaccines"

Only The Weak Will Fail!

#17 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-05-02 05:44 AM | Reply

Ironically, I had to get an updated Covid shot last week, as mandated by my employer. Fortunately, it was the Novavax version. The side effects were very mild compared to the mRNA junk. On one hand, I think it's sad that this version of the vaccine will be delayed for those who want it. On the other hand, I think it's even sadder than many people here are arguing against rigorous safety and testing regulations, just because of politics.

#18 | Posted by sentinel at 2025-05-02 07:37 AM | Reply

This is going to save a lot of lives. An MIT study just came out the vax reduces average lifespan by thirty years (if was 50% for the humanized mice according to a Pfizer whistleblower, but the results of that study are sealed for 72 years).
The vaxed are 20% more likely to be infected, and 6x as likely to be hospitalized.
500,000 thousand Americans have died from immediate side effects.
"Excess deaths" are spiralling.
It now appears that the blood clots noticed by mkorticians are caused by prions created by the vaccine.
Japan called it "the Second Hiroshima", and they are pissed. Read forign news about the vax.
The vaxed will die. The unvaxed will be hunted.

#12 | Posted by HeliumRat

This is one of the most terarded piles of s*&^ I've read on this site in a looooooooooooooooong time.

#19 | Posted by jpw at 2025-05-02 11:04 AM | Reply

#15 | Posted by HeliumRat

LOL they didn't account for bias from comorbidities or previous health.

It's pure garbage of the typical pure garbage from anti-vaxx idiots.

Authors include MIT professor Retsef Levi and Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo.

LOL anything with that FL idiot on it is immediately suspect. Turns out that automatic skepticism is warranted given the above.

The other guy is a faculty member of the school of management and is a "Professor of Operations Management."

LOL leave science to people who aren't completely braindead, dips*&^.

#20 | Posted by jpw at 2025-05-02 11:12 AM | Reply

Fortunately, it was the Novavax version.

That's the booster I insisted on for my family last year and will be the one I'll insist on moving forward from now on (assuming it's available).

The side effects were very mild compared to the mRNA junk.

I hate to tell you, but the side effects aren't because it's junk. The side effects are because it works a little too well.

On one hand, I think it's sad that this version of the vaccine will be delayed for those who want it. On the other hand, I think it's even sadder than many people here are arguing against rigorous safety and testing regulations, just because of politics.

#18 | Posted by sentinel at 2025-05-02 07:37 AM | Reply | Flag: (Choose)

I can say, without hesitation, that you don't understand this topic if you think that's what is going on.

#21 | Posted by jpw at 2025-05-02 11:19 AM | Reply

many people here are arguing against rigorous safety and testing regulations, just because of politics.

#18 | POSTED BY SENTINEL

There is no one here arguing against "rigorous safety standards".

Them voices in your head must be getting pretty loud.

The only people I ever see arguing against strict safety standards and regulations are ignorant maga maroons.

#22 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-05-02 11:21 AM | Reply

"The side effects were very mild compared to the mRNA junk."

II had no bad side effects from the mRNA vaccine and I believe it saved me and my wife from ending up in the ICU when Covid finally reached my family.

GFY with your hateful ignorance and lies.

Millions died because of the misinformation spread by people like you.

#23 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-05-02 11:34 AM | Reply

I can say, without hesitation, that you don't understand this topic if you think that's what is going on.

#21 | Posted by jpw at 2025-05-02 11:19 AM | Reply | Flag:

Just STFU raetard. You flipped burgers for the entire plandemic (by your own admission)....

#24 | Posted by lfthndthrds at 2025-05-02 12:42 PM | Reply

That's not what I said, dips*&^.

#25 | Posted by jpw at 2025-05-02 01:03 PM | Reply

COVID shots - do not stop one from getting it, nor does it stop being passed on once have it. Next you fools till tell us that masks [which only stop bacteria, as virus molecules are small enough to pass through them], or that six foot spacing will help - LOL

#26 | Posted by MSgt at 2025-05-02 03:02 PM | Reply

COVID shots - do not stop one from getting it, nor does it stop being passed on once have it. Next you fools till tell us that masks [which only stop bacteria, as virus molecules are small enough to pass through them], or that six foot spacing will help - LOL

#26 | Posted by MSgt

The polio shot didn't guarantee one wouldnt get polio. But everybody getting the polio shot nearly eradicated the disease.

But your cult leader screwed up the pandemic so badly that the entire cult became anti vax just to pretend it wasn't trumps fault.

#27 | Posted by SpeakSoftly at 2025-05-02 03:14 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

Here: www.trialsitenews.com

It's only part of it, I'll find you more.

#14 | Posted by HeliumRat

Yes please bring us more useless info from a fake news site where anyone can submit an article.

#28 | Posted by SpeakSoftly at 2025-05-02 03:16 PM | Reply

[which only stop bacteria, as virus molecules are small enough to pass through them]

You have no idea what you're talking about.

Just STFU and go back to your Matlock reruns.

#29 | Posted by jpw at 2025-05-02 03:34 PM | Reply

" COVID shots - do not stop one from getting it, nor does it stop being passed on once have it. Next you fools till tell us that masks ... "

Do us a favor: go look at a high-speed backlit sneeze with and without a mask. Then tell me, knowing that higher viral load equals more severe symptoms, how a mask does not turn the macro dial?

And if your definition of a vaccine "working", is that no one gets it or passes it, you need to educate yourself.

#30 | Posted by Danforth at 2025-05-02 03:37 PM | Reply

The Covid shot doesn't prevent Covid.

Seatbelts don't prevent car accidents.

#31 | Posted by ClownShack at 2025-05-02 03:42 PM | Reply

#26
Try looking up "mitigation" before someone gets the idea you haven't a clue about this.

#32 | Posted by Doc_Sarvis at 2025-05-02 03:43 PM | Reply

#7 lauramohr I just wonder if these rich morons have figured out what they're going to do if we all die> I mean who's going to wait on them at stores, restaurants, do their babysitting, housekeeping, cooking, chauffuering, etc. Do they even know how to shop, take care of the kids, clean house, cook, and shop for necessities?

#33 | Posted by Ronnie68 at 2025-05-02 03:43 PM | Reply

#12 Heliumrat Liar!

#34 | Posted by Ronnie68 at 2025-05-02 03:45 PM | Reply

Oh, absolutely.

The poster is mentally unstable.

#35 | Posted by ClownShack at 2025-05-02 03:56 PM | Reply

Masks don't work. Social distancing was science fiction. Lockdowns where worse than useless. The vaccine didn't work or stop transmission, but killed a half million Americans (look it up!).

The vaccinated are 20% more likely to get COVID-19, and 6x as likely to be hospitalized, and are over-represented in death statistics and nobody has a problem with that?

You guys are fucking brainwashed or retarded.

#36 | Posted by HeliumRat at 2025-05-02 04:04 PM | Reply

You guys are fucking brainwashed or retarded.
#36 | Posted by HeliumRat

The irony in your post is absolutely rife. And yes, I just looked ALL of it up:

Evaluating COVID-19 Prevention Claims: A Scientific Assessment

This post examines a series of claims about COVID-19 mitigation measures and vaccines, systematically evaluating each assertion against available scientific evidence. The statements in question contain several inaccuracies and mischaracterizations about masks, social distancing, lockdowns, and vaccines that contradict the scientific consensus documented in peer-reviewed research.

Mask Efficacy

The claim that "masks don't work" is not fully supported by the evidence. While one meta-analysis did suggest that "the efficacy of COVID-19 prevention did not statistically significantly differ with using surgical masks and using no face masks"[1], this represents just one study with specific parameters. It's important to note that this finding was limited to surgical masks rather than all mask types (such as N95 respirators), and contradicts the broader body of research on respiratory protection during the pandemic.

Social Distancing Effectiveness

The assertion that "social distancing was science fiction" is directly contradicted by research evidence. A prospective study of 2,120 participants found that individuals' social distancing behavior strongly predicted whether they contracted COVID-19 over the following four months. Specifically, "an increase of one SD on the virtual behavior measure of social distancing was associated with roughly a 20% reduction in the odds of contracting COVID-19"[2]. This relationship remained consistent regardless of whether researchers considered only laboratory-confirmed cases or also included suspected cases.

The study authors concluded: "The findings offer clear support regarding the efficacy of practicing social distancing...What the individual does matters. It surely matters at the 'collective' level, reducing transmission within the community-the very aim of officials' social distancing directives and pleas. However, engaging in social distancing also carries with it clear and relatively immediate benefits for those who comply, leading to a reduced likelihood of contracting the disease for that specific individual"[2].

Lockdown Impact

The claim that "lockdowns were worse than useless" contradicts research findings. A comprehensive study found that "lockdowns at the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic reduced the spread of infection by an estimated 56%"[3]. The same research estimated that "if all governors did not issue any lockdowns until April 23, 2020, the number of cases would have been five times higher by April 30, 2020"[3].

While the study acknowledged economic tradeoffs-including impacts on GDP (-5.4%), employment (-2%), consumer satisfaction (-2%), and consumer spending (-7.5%)-it demonstrated that lockdowns were effective at their primary purpose of reducing disease spread[3]. This represents a nuanced cost-benefit relationship rather than lockdowns being "worse than useless."

(con't below)

#37 | Posted by rstybeach11 at 2025-05-02 04:26 PM | Reply

(con't)

Vaccine Efficacy and Safety

The claim that "the vaccine didn't work or stop transmission, but killed a half million Americans" contains multiple inaccuracies.

Regarding transmission, a rapid review of 43 studies found "evidence across 13 transmission studies (all observational, all variants) that fully vaccinated index cases transmitted COVID-19 to their contacts less than unvaccinated index cases"[4]. For example, there was a 62% reduction in transmission to high-risk contacts from fully vaccinated individuals with the Pfizer vaccine compared to unvaccinated individuals[4].

The review also found that "when looking at the vaccination status of contacts rather than index cases, there was an 80.0% reduction in COVID-19 transmission from index cases (of any vaccination status) to fully vaccinated compared with unvaccinated other household members"[4].

Concerning the claim about vaccines causing deaths, a fact-check directly addressed similar assertions, finding them false. While excess mortality data did show 1.1 million more deaths than expected historically during the pandemic period, attributing these to vaccines is unsupported. According to the data source itself, "We don't currently have information regarding cause of death to determine what caused the excess deaths"[6]. Public health experts attribute most excess deaths to COVID-19 infections themselves and other pandemic-related factors, not vaccines.

The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) is often cited in such claims, but as the CDC explicitly states: "A report to VAERS does not mean that a vaccine caused an adverse event"[5]. The system accepts all reports regardless of causality, serving as an early warning system rather than confirmation of vaccine effects.

Comparative Outcomes in Vaccinated vs. Unvaccinated

The claim that "the vaccinated are 20% more likely to get COVID-19, and 6x as likely to be hospitalized, and are over-represented in death statistics" is contradicted by research evidence.

A study examining real-world outcomes found that "ED encounters/hospitalizations related to COVID-19 were 96% lower in fully vaccinated patients compared to unvaccinated patients"[7]. This demonstrates substantially reduced risk of severe outcomes among vaccinated individuals, directly contradicting the claim of increased hospitalization risk.

The scientific evidence consistently shows that vaccination reduces COVID-19 severity, hospitalization risk, and mortality compared to being unvaccinated.

(con't below)

#38 | Posted by rstybeach11 at 2025-05-02 04:26 PM | Reply

(con't)

Based on scientific evidence from multiple studies, most claims presented in the query are not accurate. While no pandemic mitigation measure was perfect, research shows that social distancing, lockdowns, and vaccines demonstrated measurable effectiveness in reducing COVID-19 transmission and severe outcomes. Claims attributing mass casualties to vaccines or suggesting worse outcomes among vaccinated individuals contradict the empirical evidence.

When evaluating statements about public health measures, it's critical to rely on peer-reviewed research, systematic reviews, and data from established health institutions rather than unsubstantiated claims that circulate without scientific verification.

Citations:
[1]
www.sciencedirect.com
[2] www.pnas.org
[3] business.ucr.edu
[4] assets.publishing.service.gov.uk
[5] www.cdc.gov
[6] www.usatoday.com
[7] pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
[8] assure-test.com
[9] sites.krieger.jhu.edu
[10] academic.oup.com

#39 | Posted by rstybeach11 at 2025-05-02 04:27 PM | Reply

[11] www.nature.com
[12] https://vaers.hhs.gov
[13] pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
[14] www.phc.ox.ac.uk
[15] www.cdc.gov
[16] www.medrxiv.org
[17] www.pnas.org
[18] vaers.hhs.gov
[19] www.scielo.br
[20] www.nebraskamed.com
[21] www.ronjohnson.senate.gov
[22] pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
[23] jornaldepneumologia.com.br
[24] research.umd.edu
[25] www.nature.com

#40 | Posted by rstybeach11 at 2025-05-02 04:27 PM | Reply

[26] www.thelancet.com
[27] pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
[28] www.healthsystemtracker.org
[29] academic.oup.com
[30] www.nature.com
[31] pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
[32] pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
[33] iea.org.uk
[34] pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
[35] www.cdc.gov
[36] pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
[37] jamanetwork.com
[38] www.infectiousdiseaseadvisor.com
[39] gh.bmj.com
[40] business.ku.edu
[41] wonder.cdc.gov
[42] apnews.com
[43] jamanetwork.com
[44] www.contagionlive.com
[45] www.thecardiologyadvisor.com
[46] www.bmj.com
[47] www.ajmc.com
[48] pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
[49] factcheck.afp.com
[50] pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
[51] www.thelancet.com(21)00312-6/fulltext
[52] www.nature.com
[53] www.thelancet.com(23)00248-1/fulltext
[54] www.factcheck.org
[55] www.medrxiv.org
[56] pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
[57] www.sciencemediacentre.org

#41 | Posted by rstybeach11 at 2025-05-02 04:28 PM | Reply

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