The hottest Health Politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health Politics Topics

The $3.3M debate: Wilf fails to falsify KCOR's determination that the COVID vaccine caused net harm

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 4 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Epidemiology Vaccination COVID-19 Healthcare policy
  1. The KCOR method shows that getting more COVID vaccine doses is linked to higher mortality rates. This suggests that the vaccines might have caused more harm than good for some people.
  2. The evidence from the Czech Republic's data is strong and consistent, showing a clear difference in mortality rates between vaccinated and unvaccinated people. The methodology used in the analysis has been checked and found reliable.
  3. The debate over the COVID vaccine's effects may not fully consider the data. It's important for judges and decision-makers to focus on the evidence rather than get confused by complex arguments.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Nov 24

Force of Infection • 59 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Infectious Diseases Public Health Vaccination Epidemiology Health Guidelines
  1. Influenza-like illness is rising, especially in young children, as we approach the busy holiday season. It's expected to hit the national baseline soon.
  2. COVID-19 activity is currently low across the country, with minimal emergency department visits and hospitalizations remaining low.
  3. As Thanksgiving approaches, be cautious about norovirus transmission, especially when preparing food for others. It's best to avoid cooking for others for a few days after being sick.

VSRF LIVE TONIGHT: Episode 211: Dr. Brian Hooker, PhD, Dr. Karl Jablonowski, PhD and Rick Jaffe, Esq.

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 1 implied HN point • 22 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Vaccine Policy Public Health Medical Research Regulatory Oversight Legal issues Data Transparency
  1. Peer-reviewed research presented raises serious biological and neurological concerns about cumulative aluminum adjuvant exposure from vaccines in children.
  2. A preprint asserting increased mortality after 2-month infant vaccinations was removed by the platform’s advisory board, and the authors plan to republish the findings on an open-science platform, highlighting concerns about suppression of uncomfortable data.
  3. A newly filed federal RICO lawsuit accuses the American Academy of Pediatrics of financial conflicts and misleading vaccine safety claims, which could have major implications for pediatric policy and public trust.

URGENT: Cancer deaths rose in Japan in 2022 and 2023, post-mRNA Covid shots

Unreported Truths • 43 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination Cancer Research Epidemiology
  1. In Japan, cancer deaths rose by about 12,000 more than expected in 2022 and 2023. This increase is small but considered statistically significant.
  2. Leukemia was the type of cancer that had the highest increase in deaths, showing an 8% rise each year. The timing of this rise coincided with the rollout of mRNA Covid vaccines.
  3. While researchers can't definitively link the rise in cancer deaths to the vaccines, they stressed the need for a thorough investigation due to the patterns observed.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

[VIDEO] My advice as you pick a health insurance plan for 2023

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 99 implied HN points • 07 Dec 22
🏥 Health Politics Health Insurance Public Health Policy advocacy
  1. When choosing a health insurance plan, look beyond just the monthly premium. Consider the total out-of-pocket costs before your benefits start.
  2. It's important to compare different plans and understand what you'll have to pay for services and prescriptions.
  3. Be mindful of enrollment deadlines so you don't miss out on getting the coverage you need.

Did FDA know a child had died in Moderna's Covid jab clinical trial? If so, what did the agency do about it?

Unreported Truths • 49 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Regulatory Affairs Pharmaceuticals Vaccination policy Clinical Trials
  1. A child died during Moderna's Covid vaccine trial, and there's confusion about whether the FDA was informed about this death.
  2. The FDA's responses seem deliberately vague, avoiding a clear acknowledgment of the child's death.
  3. Senator Ron Johnson plans to investigate further, which could lead to more transparency from the FDA.

The only real solution to vaccine skepticism: We need more randomized trials and a new phase IV safety system

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 206 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Public Health
  1. Experts need to rely on randomized trials for authorizing medical products to ensure effectiveness and safety.
  2. Implement a new safety system to detect rare vaccine adverse events, using observational and real-world randomization.
  3. Re-examine older vaccines for safety to address growing public distrust, regardless of expert opinions.

Trump's top healthcare priority must be repealing Big Pharma's legal immunity for vaccines

Unreported Truths • 60 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccine Safety Public Health Healthcare Reform
  1. Big Pharma currently has legal immunity for vaccines, which makes it hard for people to sue them for injuries caused by vaccines. This immunity creates a system where companies might not feel responsible for ensuring their products are safe.
  2. The law that protects vaccine manufacturers was made for simpler and cheaper vaccines, not today's advanced and costly ones. This means that the rules should change to hold companies accountable for the newer, more complex vaccines.
  3. Removing this legal protection would help ensure that vaccines are treated like regular products. It would make sure that they are evaluated for risk and safety properly, just like any other medical product.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Dec 9

Force of Infection • 53 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Infectious Diseases Public Health Health Policy Outbreaks Epidemiology
  1. There is an increase in influenza-like illnesses, especially among young children. Outpatient visits for these symptoms have gone up recently.
  2. COVID-19 activity remains low across the country, but there are signs it could pick up soon in certain regions. Hospitalizations are currently at the lowest levels of the past year.
  3. Norovirus cases are on the rise, with the highest rates in the West. It's important to keep washing your hands to stay healthy.

The rot in medicine and public health is growing worse and worse

Unreported Truths • 64 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Medical Ethics Health Systems COVID-19
  1. Many people don't realize that, for most, Covid causes no long-term heart issues. It's important to spread good news instead of only focusing on fear.
  2. Despite spending a lot on healthcare, life expectancy in the U.S. hasn't improved in the last 20 years. We need to rethink how effective our health strategies really are.
  3. Public health experts often exaggerate the problems they can solve, leading to distrust among people. Honesty about what can be achieved is crucial for rebuilding that trust.

Allopathic Violence

The Carousel • 51 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system Pharmaceuticals Mental health Public Health Insurance Issues
  1. The American health and pharmaceutical system is viewed as harmful and profit-driven, often prioritizing financial gain over patient well-being. This can lead to unnecessary medical treatments and a cycle of dependency on medications.
  2. Many medical issues, especially chronic pain, can be rooted in psychological factors rather than purely physical ones. This shows a need for a more holistic approach to health instead of just treating symptoms with drugs and surgeries.
  3. When dealing with health insurance like UnitedHealthcare, it's important to understand that their role is complex. They can be a part of the problem, but often the real issue lies with healthcare providers and pharmaceutical companies who create unnecessary treatments.

URGENT: Authors of a big new paper on Covid's heart risks presented its results in a misleading way likely to scare people the paper itself shows are not in danger

Unreported Truths • 64 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Medical Research Pandemic response Misinformation
  1. A recent study found that most people who had Covid do not have an increased risk of heart problems long-term, contrary to scary headlines. It's important for people to have accurate information about their health risks.
  2. The reported increased risks mainly came from hospitalized Covid patients, who are already known to be at higher risk. Most people who were infected but did not need hospitalization had similar heart health to those who never contracted Covid.
  3. The misleading presentation of the study's findings could create unnecessary fear for those who had mild Covid cases. It’s crucial for people to understand their actual risk so they can manage their health appropriately.

How Moderna hid the death of a child in a Covid vaccine clinical trial - even as it seemed to disclose the trial's results

Unreported Truths • 45 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Clinical Trials Public Health Health Policy Regulatory issues
  1. A child died during Moderna's Covid vaccine trial, but the company didn't report it properly. This raised concerns about transparency in vaccine testing.
  2. Moderna published trial results that excluded details about the child's death, which created confusion about the safety of their vaccines for children.
  3. The company has not provided further details about the child's health condition or the circumstances of the death, leaving important questions unanswered.

Some Candid and Scathing Opinions from a Former NIH Insider

The Good Science Project • 48 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Government Policy Biomedical Research Health Reform
  1. NIH has many institutes, but their setup often comes from political pressure, not careful planning. This can create issues when trying to reorganize for better efficiency.
  2. The Scientific Management Review Board (SMRB) was meant to help with changes at NIH, but it lost effectiveness under pressure from leadership, showing the challenges of making serious reforms.
  3. Collins, as the NIH director, was seen as domineering and sometimes pushed decisions without considering others’ views. This behavior can lead to problematic decisions and lack of support within the organization.

An offer, and a poll

Unreported Truths • 17 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Public Health Policy Vaccines
  1. The author is focusing on healthcare and Big Pharma issues, aiming to bring light to underreported truths in these areas. They feel they are on the right path with their writing.
  2. Subscribers are being offered a discount on membership and a chance to receive exclusive merchandise as a thank you for their support. Signing up now could be beneficial before a price increase.
  3. There is a poll regarding whether the author should join a new podcast with other thinkers. They are uncertain about the time commitment and want feedback from their readers.

The single most convincing COVID vaccine harm signal to date

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 13 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccines Epidemiology Medical Ethics Health Policy
  1. Every time a new dose of the COVID vaccine was given, mortality rates increased in vaccinated individuals. This suggests a strong link between the vaccine and harm.
  2. Data from Koganei, Japan, shows that unvaccinated people had stable mortality rates, while those who received the vaccine showed increased death rates. This is seen as clear evidence of vaccine harm.
  3. Despite the evidence, many in the medical community may be hesitant to acknowledge these findings due to job security and fear of losing their licenses.

Do you want to know the real reason RFK Jr. isn't banning the mRNA shots? It's not what you think!

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 12 implied HN points • 09 Aug 25
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Public Health Policy Politics Controversy
  1. RFK Jr. is aware of the dangers of mRNA shots but hasn't banned them. His reasoning is logical and thoughtful.
  2. The article hints at a deeper strategy behind RFK Jr.'s decision not to take action against these vaccines.
  3. There is potential for change regarding the availability of these shots, and the author feels empowered to contribute to that change.

How Big Insurance, PBMs, the FDA, Congress and AstraZeneca made me pay so much for my inhaler.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 139 implied HN points • 25 May 22
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Costs Pharmaceuticals Insurance Legislation Regulation
  1. The cost of inhalers in the U.S. has been rising, mainly due to a lack of generic options and practices by insurance companies and manufacturers that keep prices high.
  2. Most inhalers approved since the 1980s are brand-name drugs, and companies use tactics like patent extensions to block generic versions, resulting in long periods of high costs.
  3. People can save money on medications by ordering from countries like Canada or New Zealand, where prices are often much lower and generics are more readily available.

Another Pro-Mask Study Has Just Been Debunked

Unmasked • 58 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Pandemic Policy Misinformation Child welfare
  1. A recent study that supported mask-wearing has been proven wrong. This adds to the ongoing debate about the effectiveness of masks.
  2. Some people believe that experts used misleading information to support their views on mask mandates, especially for children.
  3. There's a growing concern that some mask policies may have hurt kids more than helped them, highlighting a need to rethink health measures.

Donating money to make medical school free just make rich doctors richer; It's the worst use of philanthropic giving

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 109 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Education
  1. Donating money to make medical school free benefits rich doctors more than those in need.
  2. Lowering rates for government-backed student loans could improve medical education finances.
  3. Creating a better pipeline for low and middle-income kids to access medical school may lead to fairer admissions.

Why is Apoorva Mandavilli giving lectures on misinformation when her own articles require so many corrections?

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 110 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Misinformation Corrections
  1. Apoorva Mandavilli is giving lectures on misinformation even though her articles have many corrections
  2. The errors in Apoorva Mandavilli's articles raise concerns about her credibility
  3. It's important to address the issue of misinformation and accuracy in journalism

Must-read for US employers and lawmakers: 43% of working adults are functionally uninsured

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 99 implied HN points • 05 Oct 22
🏥 Health Politics Insurance Access Costs Legislation Public Health
  1. 43% of working adults in the US have inadequate health insurance, making them functionally uninsured. This is a significant concern for many families.
  2. Costs are a big problem; 46% of people delayed or skipped medical care because they couldn't afford it, and many struggle with medical bills.
  3. Low-income individuals and people of color are more likely to be underinsured, facing bigger gaps in coverage and high out-of-pocket costs.

Bird Flu Is a Rerun of the Covid Playbook

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 34 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Pandemics Bioweapons Food security Vaccination
  1. Bird flu is being compared to Covid in how authorities handle public fear and control. Just like with Covid, some people believe there's a plan to push vaccines on the population.
  2. Many think that the mass killing of birds during outbreaks mirrors the lockdowns during Covid, suggesting it's more about control than actual health. Letting animals build natural immunity is seen as a smarter approach.
  3. There's a call to change leadership in agencies handling health and safety because of their past actions. The belief is that fresh perspectives could help prevent repeating mistakes from the past.

How can the number of deaths go down?

Force of Infection • 46 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Outbreak Management Epidemiology Public Health Infection Control Data Reporting
  1. The number of reported deaths can change a lot during disease outbreaks. This usually happens because health officials are constantly updating their definitions of what counts as a case.
  2. When investigating an outbreak, new information can refine the case definitions. This means some earlier counts may go down as they find more accurate cases.
  3. Different reports might count cases in various ways, leading to inconsistent numbers. Some reports include all suspected cases, while others only look at confirmed ones.

My video comment letter on FTC meeting today regarding PBM business practices

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 159 implied HN points • 17 Feb 22
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Health Insurance Pharmaceuticals Public Health Consumer Advocacy
  1. Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) are having a big impact on drug prices and people's ability to afford medications. Many Americans are struggling with high out-of-pocket costs and can't pick up their prescriptions.
  2. Big companies like UnitedHealth, CVS Health, and Cigna dominate the PBM market and have merged with health insurers. This has led to higher deductibles and premiums, putting families in financial trouble, even as these companies are making huge profits.
  3. The practices of these large PBMs can hurt independent pharmacies and might not benefit consumers. There is a call to investigate how these companies operate and how their actions affect patients and healthcare costs.

Millions of Americans can't afford their out-of-pocket costs. We want to tell those stories.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 99 implied HN points • 21 Sep 22
🏥 Health Politics Medical costs Health Insurance Patient Advocacy Legislation Healthcare Reform
  1. Many Americans struggle to afford their out-of-pocket healthcare costs, often leading them to delay necessary medical care. High-deductible health plans are making it harder for people to afford the care they need.
  2. The Affordable Care Act has a flaw, with high out-of-pocket costs causing many insured individuals to feel like they are 'functionally uninsured'. This means they have insurance but can’t afford to use it.
  3. Insurance companies continue to raise costs, which puts more financial pressure on families. Without action, more people will find themselves unable to afford their healthcare, even if they have insurance.

Over 300 pages of evidence from the CDC show that vaccines cause autism

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 46 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Public Health Government Accountability Medical Ethics Autism Research
  1. There are claims that new evidence suggests vaccines might be linked to autism. Some people believe these documents show that public health agencies have not been honest.
  2. Certain doctors report seeing more cases of rapid onset autism after vaccinations in their patients. They find it hard to explain why this happens if vaccines are safe.
  3. Some studies show that unvaccinated children have lower rates of autism compared to vaccinated kids. This is surprising and raises questions about the reasons behind autism.

The Diminishing Returns of Selling a Kidney

Torture Chamber Small Talk • 99 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics
  1. Selling organs for profit may not be as lucrative in the future due to advancements in pig organ transplants.
  2. Biotech companies are exploring using genetically modified pigs as a source for human organ transplants.
  3. The demand for transplants far exceeds the current organ supply, leading to potential shifts towards mass-produced pig organs in the future.

Bi Jingquan on China’s pharmaceutical evolution and int'l cooperation

Pekingnology • 37 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Pharmaceuticals International cooperation Drug regulation Public Health Innovation
  1. China has made big improvements in its pharmaceutical industry by working with international partners. This helps them develop better drugs and get them to the market faster.
  2. Despite progress, China still faces challenges in drug innovation and access. Most new drugs are imitations, and prices are often too low, which can discourage companies from investing in new developments.
  3. To create a better future in healthcare, it's important for different countries to cooperate. This teamwork can help tackle global drug shortages and ensure people can get the medicines they need.

VSRF LIVE TONIGHT: Episode 210: MAHA, Mandates, and the War on Health Freedom

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 1 implied HN point • 15 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Vaccine Mandates Medical freedom Public Health Health Policy
  1. Federal leaders are signaling a pullback on vaccine recommendations and a greater focus on nutrition, but that doesn’t necessarily mean mandates are ending in practice.
  2. States and institutions are quietly tightening enforcement: hospitals, universities, licensing boards, and schools are denying exemptions, blocking students from clinicals, and derailing careers.
  3. Enforcement is becoming more localized and opaque, making challenges harder, so awareness and organized action are necessary to defend medical freedom and protect affected families and healthcare workers.

Outbreak Outlook - October 14

Force of Infection • 54 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Infectious Diseases Epidemiology Health Policy Health Communication
  1. Covid-19 cases are decreasing across the country, with many states reporting low activity, especially in the Western region.
  2. Norovirus is on the rise, particularly in the South, and it can cause stomach pain and vomiting. Good hand hygiene is important to prevent its spread.
  3. Colds and respiratory viruses are becoming more common as the cold season starts, so it's important to stay vigilant about hygiene and health.

A Top FDA Official Makes Stunning Admission About Initial COVID Vaccine Approval

Unmasked • 102 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines COVID FDA Pandemic
  1. COVID vaccines have faced challenges like waning protection, ineffective boosters, and increased side effect risks.
  2. The CDC approved multiple additional vaccine doses, bringing the total up to nine, but none guarantee protection against infection or transmission.
  3. Recent congressional testimony raised concerns about the early days of COVID vaccine approval.

9 studies vaxxed vs. unvaxxed, all published in the peer-reviewed literature, show vaccinated are worse off in every measure

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 11 implied HN points • 07 Aug 25
🏥 Health Politics Vaccination Public Health Medical Research Health Outcomes Pediatric health
  1. All nine studies show that vaccinated children have worse health outcomes compared to unvaccinated children.
  2. The studies cited are peer-reviewed, meaning experts in the field examined the work before publication.
  3. There is a claim that no studies exist that show vaccinated children are better off, raising questions about the evidence supporting vaccination.