FDA Claims COVID-19 Vaccines Linked to Deaths of 10 Children, Lacks Evidence

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently stated that at least 10 children have died following COVID-19 vaccinations, a claim that has sparked controversy due to the absence of supporting evidence. This announcement has prompted the FDA to consider tightening its regulations concerning vaccines, raising questions about the safety and efficacy of these inoculations.

Why It Matters

This assertion comes amid ongoing debates about COVID-19 vaccine safety, particularly for children. With vaccine uptake crucial for public health and mitigating pandemic impacts, claims regarding fatalities are significant as they could influence parental choices and vaccination rates among children.

Key Developments

• FDA officials indicated that 10 children have died post-vaccination without providing evidence for this claim.

• Dr. Vinay Prasad, head of the FDA’s vaccine division, asserted in an internal email that these deaths occurred "after and because of receiving COVID-19 vaccination."

• FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary echoed this claim during a recent broadcast appearance, although neither provided specific details about the deaths.

• The Department of Health and Human Services did not respond to requests for further clarification regarding the deaths mentioned.

• Prasad’s email also discussed myocarditis, a rare side effect associated with mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, contradicting the established consensus that vaccination outweighs its risks.

Full Report

Claims of Vaccine-Linked Deaths

In communications to FDA staff, Dr. Vinay Prasad referenced the deaths of at least 10 children attributed to the COVID-19 vaccine, a claim that has raised alarms among public health officials and parents alike. However, he, alongside Commissioner Makary, did not provide any data or specific circumstances surrounding these fatalities, leaving the public in a state of uncertainty. The health agency’s broader move to toughen vaccine regulations further compounds the concern over transparency and evidence-based decision-making.

Myocarditis and Risks

Within the context of vaccine safety, Dr. Prasad’s email noted myocarditis, a rare inflammation of the heart muscle linked to mRNA vaccines. Despite growing evidence and assurances from health professionals about the safety of vaccines, he seemed to suggest a more detrimental view. Historical data shows that the risk of developing myocarditis from COVID-19 itself surpasses the risk associated with the vaccine. In fact, a comprehensive study reveals that myocarditis risk is seven times higher in those infected with the virus compared to those who received the vaccine.

COVID-19 Death Toll Among Children

Since the onset of the pandemic, over 2,000 children under 18 in the U.S. have succumbed to COVID-19. The most vulnerable groups include infants, especially those under six months old. A majority of pediatric COVID-19 fatalities have occurred in children with pre-existing health conditions. Vaccination remains a critical tool to combat the disease, and health experts stress the importance of weighing the risks and benefits.

Perspectives on Recovery

Experts, including Dr. Mark Schleiss, emphasize that while vaccine-related myocarditis can occur, the outlook for affected children is generally positive. They report that complete recoveries are common, with no deaths or severe complications among the children studied.

Context & Previous Events

Early in the pandemic, federal health agencies consistently reassured the public about the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination, particularly in relation to its protective effect against severe illness, hospitalization, and complications associated with the virus. Continuous advocacy for vaccination underscored the risks of COVID-19, especially its impact on children, further emphasizing the need for vaccination as a public health measure.

As the FDA considers further regulatory measures, clarity and evidence will be paramount to maintaining public trust in vaccination efforts aimed at combating COVID-19.