The Vaccine Controversy Is Dividing America

We have written hundreds of articles on divisive health topics. They include cholesterol and heart disease, seed oils, statins, opioids for pain, COVID treatments, food fights, vitamins, home remedies and thyroid medicines, to name just a few. The vaccine controversy tops them all. It has become one of the most contentious issues in modern medicine!

Vaccines were once hailed as miracles, protecting people from devastating diseases like measles, polio, and tetanus. The arrival of COVID-19 changed everything.

In the highly polarized environment of the pandemic, what was once routine became a flashpoint. People actually died during fights over masking. It’s hard to comprehend that a police officer was shot and killed at a basketball game when he tried to enforce the masking regulation at a high school sports event. There were other deaths during arguments over masks.

People in Japan, South Korea and China were astonished to learn that masking could turn into a political upheaval. Americans seem ready to fight about almost everything related to COVID-19.

The Vaccine Controversy Took Off During COVID:

Before the pandemic, most Americans were happy to have their children vaccinated against measles, mumps, rubella, polio, HepB, HepA, RSV, rotavirus, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, varicella and Hib (Haemophilus influenza type B). Such shots were intended to protect vulnerable kids from serious illness.

There were exceptions, of course. Some religious sects opposed vaccines on the grounds that whatever happens to people is God’s will and vaccines were unnecessary.

Others mistrusted most government institutions and medical recommendations. Anything the FDA, the CDC or the NIH recommended was suspect. We understand that many people have lost faith in modern medicine. Goodness knows, we have been critical of some FDA decisions and CDC recommendations ourselves.

That said, vaccines are personal for me. It’s because I spent mind-bendingly horrific weeks in traction in a polio ward when I was a child. And whooping cough almost did me in a bit later in my life. As a result of my personal experience I am grateful that most children in America will never be exposed to polio or whooping cough. I spent my early years on a dairy farm where tetanus was a risk if you stepped on a nail or were severely scratched by a barbed wire fence.

Tetanus Has Virtually Disappeared in the US:

The majority of adults were happy to avoid tetanus by getting a Tdap booster shot every 10 years. Tetanus is really rare because so many people are vaccinated.

Before the vaccine, though, the fatality rate was as high as 80% if Clostridium tetani spores entered the body from a puncture wound. Stepping on a rusty nail or experiencing a deep splinter could allow the bacteria to gain a foothold.

Muscle spasms around the jaw can make it hard to open the mouth (lockjaw). Swallowing can become difficult as can breathing. There are lots of other complications including incontinence, hypertension and seizures. Suffice it to say, you do not want to get tetanus! It’s a horrible way to die!

The Tdap Shot Works:

According to the CDC, the rate of tetanus has declined dramatically since the vaccine became widespread in the 1940s. Today, the Tdap shot also protects against diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough). Thousands of children died annually from pertussis before the vaccine became available.

Influenza Vaccine:

Many people prefer a flu vaccine to catching influenza, even if the jab is not perfect protection. We have written a lot about the inadequacy of the influenza vaccines. You can read some of our critiques at these links:

“Will You Get a Flu Shot? How Well Will It Work?”
“The CDC wants you to get a flu shot before you come down with the flu. How well will it work? In past years, it wasn’t all that great.”

“Not All Flu Shots Are Created Equal”
“How effective were flu shots last year? What about in past years? You might be surprised to discover that vaccine effectiveness is often disappointing.” 

On the other hand, influenza can be disastrous for some people, especially those who have chronic lung problems or weakened immune systems. Here’s an unanticipated bonus. There are data suggesting that flu shots might reduce the risk of developing dementia:

“Will Flu Shots Protect You from Alzheimer Disease?”
“Several studies suggest that flu shots protect older adults from dementia as well as from infection. Regular immunizations seem to work best.”

There are, of course, no guarantees that an influenza vaccine will provide perfect protection against the flu or dementia. But even if it reduces the likelihood a little bit, that seems worth the risk for many people.

There is growing evidence that the shingles vaccine might have surprising benefits. Don’t believe me? Here is a link with lots of data to support this headline:

“Shingles Vax Reduces Risk of Heart Attack, Stroke, and Alzheimer’s!”
Common infections–colds, flu, COVID, UTIs and SHINGLES–are linked to heart attacks and strokes. Could a shingles vax reduce the risk of AD?

Is BCG A Powerful Vaccine Unappreciated in the US?

A very old vaccine called Bacillus Calmette-Guérin or BCG for short has mostly been forgotten in the US. It has been around for more than 100 years. BCG was originally developed against tuberculosis and it is still used widely around the world for this purpose.

Does BCG have immunomodulatory activity that could prevent or treat cancer? These days, immunotherapy is all the rage against cancer. BCG is widely used in the treatment of bladder cancer. A fascinating review from Russia was published in Frontiers in Pediatrics, July 31, 2025. The authors offer this interesting observation:

A “Natural” Experiment in Germany with BCG:

“Of special interest is use of BCG vaccine for activation of anti-neoplastic [anti-cancer] immunity. In treatment of bladder cancer, the BCG vaccine has been used locally for over 45 years. After intravesical administration of the BCG vaccine, a local immunological reaction of bladder mucosa was detected with increase in the number and activity of local immunocompetent cells. The comparative epidemiological data from East Germany (where BCG vaccination was mandatory between 1953 and 1991 and recommended during 1951-1952 and in 1992-1998) and West Germany (where it never was mandatory, just voluntary recommended in 1955-1998) witness for lower incidence of lymphomas and acute lymphoblastic leukemia in cohorts immunized by BCG compared to those non-immunized by this vaccine. After cancellation of mandatory BCG vaccination the incidence of lymphoid malignancies in Eastern lands of Germany tended to increase reaching the level of its Western part.”

The Russian reviewers describe COVID-19 and BCG Vaccination:

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, the BCG vaccine attracted considerable attention due to accumulating evidence suggesting a correlation between BCG vaccination and reduced COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. Comparative analyses of COVID-19 outcomes in countries with and without universal BCG vaccination programs revealed that nations lacking such policies—such as Italy, the Netherlands, the USA, Belgium, Spain, and Sweden—experienced higher morbidity and mortality rates compared to countries with longstanding BCG vaccination practices, including former Soviet republics, Eastern European nations, South and East Asian countries, Japan, Finland, and several African states…Furthermore, some studies observed that countries where older generations had received BCG vaccination exhibited comparatively lower COVID-19 morbidity and mortality.”

“Multiple epidemiological studies have documented a negative correlation between national BCG vaccination policies and COVID-19 incidence and mortality.”

Finally, is the BCG vaccine helpful against Alzheimer’s?

Could BCG, a 100-Year-Old Vaccine, Protect You From Dementia?

There is a suspicion that some infections may increase the risk for dementia. We have written extensively about herpes and its relationship with Alzheimer disease. Here is just one link. Another article offers potentially positive outcomes from BCG:

“Could BCG, a 100-Year-Old Vaccine, Protect You From Dementia?“
There is a suspicion that some infections may increase the risk for dementia. Could vaccines like BCG against TB protect against Alzheimer’s?

Some researchers describe the BCG potential against Alzheimer’s disease (Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, March 19, 2024):

“Vaccines such as Bacille Calmette–Guérin (BCG) can apparently defer dementia onset with an efficacy better than all drugs known to date, as initially reported by Gofrit et al. (PLoS One 14, e0224433), now confirmed by other studies. Understanding how and why is of immense importance because it could represent a sea-change in how we manage patients with mild cognitive impairment through to dementia.”

Why the Vaccine Controversy Intensified After COVID-19:

Everything changed after COVID. That was partly because the vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 did not work as well as most people initially expected. The early hype suggested they would be highly effective at preventing infection. Yet many people who got a COVID shot still came down with the coronavirus. Although there is evidence that the vaccines saved lives, an anti-vax sentiment began sweeping the nation.

Readers Speak Out for and against Vaccines:

When it comes to vaccines, messages from readers of this column have been some of the most emotional we have ever received. COVID shots have initiated the most anger.

One reader wrote:

“If we are to get vaccines, the government shouldn’t have lied to us about COVID or COVID shots. I don’t have any faith in the CDC, FDA or WHO.”

Another reader thinks that the flu shot causes influenza:

“I read a study that showed during the 2024-25 flu season in Ohio, the flu vaccine made you 27 percent more likely to catch influenza.”

The opposite perspective is presented by this mother:

“I will take any and all protection offered by vaccines. I haven’t had the flu since taking the shot annually for the past 25+ years, but I’ve seen others who refuse the vaccine, arguing it is ineffective. Then they complain when kids are sick at home with the flu.”

Another mother adds:

“As a child I had measles, mumps, chicken pox, meningitis and polio. My sister had polio at the same time. My father’s business partner’s son died and the boy across the street was badly crippled.

“My children were fully vaccinated and only had chicken pox because that vaccine was not yet available. Even if you survive, so much illness is terribly disruptive in a family and there could be devastating complications.”

This man takes a different perspective:

“For many people, refusing vaccines is a result of becoming educated on just how harmful vaccines really are. Quit relying on experts that have a vested interest in promoting vaccines.”

A daughter shared that she refuses vaccines:

“My mother had her first ALS symptom a few days after receiving a flu shot in 1999. She died at age 67. I blame the flu shot for her ALS.”

Mark is grateful for the polio vaccine:

“Like you Joe, I too had polio but I am one of the luckier people because the Salk vaccine was available. The disease was caught early. People who neglect vaccinations for themselves and relatives do everybody a great amount of harm.”

Andi was unhappy about the COVID vaccine:

“As others have commented, I developed shingles after receiving a COVID vaccine. Both my doctor and nurse practitioner said they had treated many patients, mostly female, in the same situation. I am grateful my case was mild.

“I have a relative who developed Guillain-Barré syndrome after a COVID shot. He was on a ventilator for over two years. I am not anti-vax but I will not be taking any more covid vaccines.

“I appreciate The People’s Pharmacy’s reporting on this topic. All vaccines, and medications, carry risk and informed choice can only be made when we have reliable information.”

Debra is convinced that vaccines were helpful:

“I’ve had all the Pfizer COVID shots since the beginning. I have also had all my flu shots, pneumonia and shingles vaccinations. I can report that I haven’t had the flu, shingles, pneumonia or any complications from any of the vaccines.

“My sister and her family are non vaxers.  They are sick with everything all winter long starting at Thanksgiving. They have all had COVID several times over and get strep throat and flu every year.

“The vaccines work for the vast majority.  As with anything, there is a small percentage that it just doesn’t work for. The people I know who are vaccinated do not get as sick, if ever, as those who don’t.”

Sharon is sure that the COVID-19 vaccination was responsible for her brother’s death:

“Here is a condition associated with the COVID-19 ‘vaccination’ – death. My 54-year-old brother was hospitalized for 3 months after his first shot. No doctor would tell him it was related to the ‘vaccine.’ I did and begged that he not take another. He ‘died suddenly’ 4 days after his Pfizer booster. Shame on anyone who supported these untested gene therapies. Shameful and so many sick or dead.”

Doni believes he caught COVID very early:

“I am a firm believer in vaccines. I had COVID before it was confirmed. I had never been that sick in my entire life. I was sick for the whole month of that December. I never want to go through anything like that again. I was praying for death.

“When our health care professionals start warning of potential threats, take them seriously. When we no longer get any information about what is going on, or why people are sick and dying, you will be wishing we could be informed again.”

Jeanni says COVID was no big deal:

“We have lived with pandemics all our lives. It is just a way of life. Remember smallpox or polio etc.? To live in fear is not healthy. You can die from a car wreck but you will still drive a car. You could die when you go to a beach or lake by drowning but you still do it! Living in fear is not how I want to live my life.

“I got covid in 2022 at age seventy seven, and I did not get any of the covid vaccines or boosters. At my age then it was just a bad flu and only lasted five days. Then I was back to normal, and two years later I am still fine.

“Since the covid outbreak I have taken vitamin C, D3 and Zinc daily. All are immunity boosters. As you age you have less immunity to fight off a virus, and this is why covid affects more of the elderly and those who have other health conditions. So my advice is to beef up your immunity to help you fight off any virus. I also never touch my face when out in public, always use sanitizer while out in public, and wash my hands well as soon as I get back home.”

Anonymous is convinced that her tinnitus went away after a COVID shot:

“Your article about the COVID-19 vaccines triggering tinnitus hit home but in the opposite direction. I have had tinnitus for years and it has gotten worse as I get older. After my second Moderna shot, my tinnitus actually diminished and is no longer affecting my sleep.”

Edie, like many others, is convinced her tinnitus got worse after a COVID vaccine:

“I got severe tinnitus 4 days after my first Moderna COVID vaccine. On a scale of 1-10, it was a 10! It lasted for months and was the worst experience of my life! I couldn’t sleep and my blood pressure skyrocketed from the anxiety it caused. I also developed hyperacusis and just about every noise bothered me (TV, music)….it was awful.

“After several months of eating nothing but anti-inflammatory foods, the tinnitus slowly decreased to about a level 5. It’s been almost 3 years since my shot and the tinnitus stays at about a level 2, which is manageable (thank God!). I have no doubt that the shot caused the tinnitus and I will never get another COVID vaccination.”

Finally, one reader offers this thoughtful overview:

“What I see in these comments, more than anything, is insensitivity–from the young toward seniors, from the healthy toward the ailing, from those who reject the vaccine to those who think it has saved them. Why not just accept that the vaccine saved some lives and whoever wants it should get it? Those who are sick did not necessarily fail to take care of their bodies. Let each person care for themselves however they wish.”

We agree that more compassion would be welcome.

Final Words About the Vaccine Controversy:

Americans can be opinionated people. Nuance and statistics are challenging for many. If you believe that a vaccine has protected you from influenza, whooping cough or COVID, you believe it will be helpful for many others. If you catch the flu or COVID after getting a shot, you might conclude that vaccines are worthless.

Personal experience is always trumped by large, well-designed clinical trials. That’s not to say, however, that personal experience is unimportant. For the people who are affected positively or negatively, the reaction to a drug or shot is very real.

We have been watchdogs for medications and vaccinations for decades. That is why we report negative as well as positive responses. Each person reacts differently to various treatments. That’s also true of home remedies. What may work really well for one person may be totally ineffective or harmful for another.

Many of the people who take gabapentin for pain tell us that it is a wonderful drug. Others tell us it is ineffective and causes terrible side effects. It is almost impossible to predict in advance who will benefit and who will be harmed. You can read more about the gabapentin conundrum at this link. The same thing can be said about the pain reliever tramadol.

We would appreciate your opinion about the vaccine controversy in the comment section below. Please be respectful of people with a different opinion. If you think this article might be helpful for a friend or family member, please send it along by scrolling to the top of the page and clicking on email or social media. If you can donate, we would be grateful.