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| - Last Updated on September 18, 2024 by Nivedita
Quick Take
Several social media posts have accused the CDC of redacting a 148-page report on COVID -19 vaccine induced myocarditis. We fact-checked the assertion and discovered that it is false.
The Claim
Some social media posts assert that in March 2024, the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, also known as the CDC, redacted a highly contentious 148-page report on COVID-19 vaccine-induced myocarditis outcomes. Furthermore, these online postings emphasise that the report covers both the findings and outcomes of the vaccine-induced cardiac issues, which had previously been withheld from public view.
Several assertions regarding the COVID-19 vaccines are being made on many social media channels. These include assertions that the shots are harmful, that they add a third strand to DNA, and that they produce blood clots. We verified their accuracy with thorough fact-checking.
Fact Check
What is the root cause of the assertion?
The subject of the purportedly suppressed CDC study on myocarditis was amplified at the Novel Coronavirus Intergovernmental Committee meeting, which was live-streamed on March 15, 2024. This conspiracy theory called into question the transparency of the United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
The Novel Coronavirus Intergovernmental Committee assesses public health protocols, studies government complaints, investigates COVID-19 medical care funding and rules, prevents pandemic harm in Arizona, creates actions under AZ Const. Art. IV, pt. 2, § 8, and compiles relevant COVID-19 testimonies.
Interestingly, one of the attendees at the aforementioned meeting is Dr. Peter McCullough, a cardiologist, epidemiologist, and vocal critic of COVID-19 vaccines. He stated that spike protein, not a natural protein, enters the body with a COVID viral infection, resulting in a condition known as long-term COVID. He goes on to allege that certain medical journal publishers are suppressing over 4000 research studies and case reports indicating post-vaccine complications, such as myocarditis.
To fully understand the implications of reported deaths in Monterrey, it’s crucial to examine the CDC’s findings on vaccine-related myocarditis and the potential impact on public health narratives.
Dr. McCullough continues to say that the CDC has confirmed that about 18,500 Americans have died as a result of vaccination, with 1150 dying on the same day and 1200 dying the following day of the vaccination. This has led to accusations that the CDC is underreporting vaccine-related deaths.
Dr. McCullough’s words suggest that there is an ongoing cover-up of a gigantic consumer safety crisis that affects the entire planet. The author’s claim that the CDC, FDA, and regulatory authorities in Europe and Australia were involved in the purported cover-up strengthens the conspiracy idea.
All of this culminated in the widespread distribution of exaggerated video excerpts from the meeting via various personal accounts on social media platforms.
However, it should be highlighted that this body has no official authority to modify the legislation. The committee has been tasked with compiling and submitting its findings to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House before December 31, 2024.
Is the 148-page redacted report on vaccine-induced myocarditis truly released by the CDC?
No, not really. The EPOCH Times requested access to the allegedly redacted report under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This release was requested for the CDC’s MOVING Project, also known as Myocarditis Outcomes Following the mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination. It should be mentioned, though, that this was not a study.
The Epoch Times reporter who requested the report claimed that the CDC report contained blank sheets with the inscription (b)(5) on his X platform account, creating ambiguity. It is worth noting that the same individual has repeatedly criticised the CDC’s COVID-19 monitoring methods and protocols.
In our research, we discovered sheets with the inscription (b)(5). This inscription appears in the upper-left corner of every page of the report. We’ve attached a screenshot of one of the pages below for your reference.
It should be emphasised that the inscription (b)(5) pertains to information exempt from FOIA requests.
According to the official website of the United States Justice Department, “Exemption 5 of the FOIA protects inter-agency or intra-agency memorandums or letters which would not be available by law to a party other than an agency in litigation with the agency.”
Consequently, this implies that the 148-page redacted report did not include a study on COVID-19 vaccine-induced cardiac problems but rather conversations within the CDC or between the CDC and other agencies.
We have also reached out to the CDC for their response to the allegation made; we will update this article as soon as we receive their response.
Is COVID-19 Vaccine associated with Myocarditis?
Yes, there have been reports suggesting the COVID-19 vaccination induces myocarditis. This issue has mostly been associated with mRNA-based vaccines such as Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna.
Myocarditis is a rare complication brought on by COVID-19 vaccines. The medical condition is described as acute infective, toxic, or autoimmune inflammation of the myocardium or heart muscle. This condition affects otherwise healthy individuals and is caused by infectious agents, systemic disorders, medications, and chemicals, with viral infections being the most common cause, particularly in affluent countries.
It should be noted that the CDC has identified cases of myocarditis and pericarditis as post-COVID-19 vaccination outcomes. However, the CDC has stated that such occurrences are rare. The CDC tracks post-vaccine outcomes by integrating VAERS.
VAERS is a US passive surveillance system that serves as an early warning system for suspected vaccine-related adverse events. VAERS is overseen by both the CDC and the US Food and Drug Administration. The spontaneous reporting system acknowledges complaints of suspected adverse effects from the COVID-19 vaccination. Although VAERS accepts cases of vaccine-induced myocarditis, it only includes reports that meet the case definition for confirmed myocarditis and have no other known cause of death.
The CDC estimated 146 instances of myocarditis per 100,000 people infected with COVID-19. Males, older persons (>50 years), and children under 16 years have a significantly higher risk.
Patients with vaccine-related myocarditis often present with chest pain, which may still be reversible with appropriate measures. This early detection of vaccine-related myocarditis is crucial to prevent progression to a more severe clinical course and any life-threatening stage.
Please be advised that COVID-19 vaccines may be associated with myocarditis cases; however, it is critical to understand that the complication is rare, can be treated if detected early, and, most importantly, the benefits of the vaccine in preventing and spreading infectious outbreaks outweigh such rare risks.
Has the CDC been monitoring COVID vaccine-induced myocarditis?
Yes, the CDC has prioritised COVID-19 vaccine tracking by providing transparent and evidence-based information about vaccine safety and effectiveness.
The CDC participates in the WHO-led Vaccine Safety Net (VSN) project. The CDC’s website contains credible, evidence-based information about vaccines and immunisations. In addition, the website provides access to a variety of services, including patient education and training resources. The CDC’s vaccine safety section is extensive and organised. In addition, many publications and resources are available for free.
The CDC has been significantly monitoring rare cases of post-COVID-19 vaccination-induced myocarditis and pericarditis, establishing research and investigations to compile clinical data on such adverse effects. These investigations include the evaluation of myocarditis and pericarditis caused by mRNA vaccines. Active surveillance in adolescents and young adults has also been implemented to assess vaccine-related cases of myocarditis.
Most importantly, the CDC has launched specific investigations, such as “Myocarditis Outcomes Following mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination.” This initiative evaluates the follow-up reports of post-vaccine myocarditis submitted to the VAERS.
Does CDC address COVID-19-related misinformation?
Yes. This discussion of the CDC’s vigilance process for COVID-19 is incomplete without addressing how the CDC deals with the extensive spread of false information on various social media platforms that led to the delayed acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines.
To tackle the widespread misinformation, the CDC employed a multimodal approach. When it comes to reporting adverse effects brought on by vaccines, CDC provides credible information on vaccine safety. As per the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, it is mandatory for the vaccine manufacturers and providers report certain adverse events following vaccinations. This led to the establishment of Vaccine Adverse Event Report system or VAERS in the year 1990. This surveillance system is jointly controlled by CDC and FDA, which monitors and evaluates the incidence, risk factors, and long-term effects of the COVID-19 vaccines.
First and foremost, the organisation efficiently provides evidence-based information on its main website, dispelling myths about COVID-19 vaccines. The CDC’s engagement with numerous health organisations contributes to the development of effective strategies to disseminate credible misinformation. Furthermore, the CDC communicates with the public via various social media platforms, addressing their concerns.
Finally, the CDC emphasises that educational campaigns involving community leaders and healthcare professionals can help promote vaccine uptake and reduce vaccine hesitancy.
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