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Sharyl Attkisson

How Big Pharma Misleads, Obscures, and Prevails

2.9 (207 ratings)
19 mins

Brief summary

Follow the Science by Sharyl Attkisson examines the politicization of science and how public health decisions often deviate from scientific principles. It offers a critical view of the intersection between politics, media, and science.

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    Follow the Science
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    Hidden risks in the race to prevent bioterrorism

    In the aftermath of 9/11, the US faced a heightened sense of vulnerability, leading to dramatic shifts in national security policies. Among these, one of the lesser-known but far-reaching consequences was the rapid expansion of bioterrorism preparedness measures, particularly involving vaccines. Fears that terrorists could use smallpox as a weapon prompted the government to roll out a mass vaccination program aimed at military personnel and health-care workers. Although the initiative was intended to protect against bioterror threats, it quickly raised serious concerns about vaccine safety and government oversight.

    While the smallpox vaccine had been critical in eradicating the disease in the US,, it came with significant risks. Experts estimated that one to three individuals per million vaccinated could suffer fatal complications, such as heart inflammation. As the program progressed, adverse reactions began to emerge, but experts believed the true scope of harm was vastly underreported. For every documented case, potentially thousands more went unnoticed, keeping the full scale of harm hidden from the public.

    A striking example of this underreporting came with the death of NBC journalist David Bloom, who passed away from a blood clot after receiving both smallpox and anthrax vaccines while embedded with troops in Iraq. Initially, his death wasn’t linked to the vaccines, but further investigation raised questions about a potential connection. Bloom’s case highlighted how many similar deaths or injuries may have been overlooked due to insufficient reporting.

    By mid-2003, as more side effects came to light, including cases of heart inflammation and civilian deaths, the vaccination program was quietly scaled back. The decision underscored the need for transparency and rigorous oversight in public health initiatives, particularly when lives are at risk.

    This relates to a broader issue within health care – the ethics surrounding informed consent in medical research. We’ll look at that in the next section.

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    What is Follow the Science about?

    Follow the Science (2024) investigates the deep influence of the pharmaceutical industry on medicine, government, and media. It highlights how profit motives and high-level collusion have led to misinformation, ethical violations, and the suppression of critical voices. It encourages you to examine the sources of your health care information critically.

    Who should read Follow the Science?

    • Investigative journalism enthusiasts interested in exposing industry corruption
    • Healthcare professionals critical of pharmaceutical industry practices
    • Anyone skeptical of mainstream media and medical narratives

    About the Author

    Sharyl Attkisson is an Emmy Award–winning investigative journalist known for her in-depth reporting and nonpartisan approach. She’s worked for major networks like CBS and authored several best-selling books, including Stonewalled and The Smear, which explore media bias and government transparency. Her work focuses on uncovering hidden truths in journalism, politics, and health care​.

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