Claim Review: Vaccine ‘Quietly’ Pulled Off Market in 2007 Now Linked to 19 Diseases — 35 Million Babies Who Got the Shot Now at Risk as Adults

The claim that the thimerosal-free HibTITER pediatric vaccine marketed by Wyeth from 2003 through 2007 was associated with 19 different medical conditions, according to a study published in the International Journal of Risk & Safety in Medicine, requires careful examination.

The study, conducted by Karl Jablonowski, Ph.D., and Brian Hooker, Ph.D., from Children’s Health Defense (CHD), compared adverse events among children who received HibTITER to those among children who received other Hib vaccines. The researchers analyzed data from the Florida Medicaid database and the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS).

The study identified 19 different diagnoses associated with HibTITER at frequencies significantly higher than those associated with other Hib vaccines. These adverse events ranged from mild to life-threatening and included respiratory, gastrointestinal, dermatologic, and generalized infections; ear, nose, and throat medical conditions; and other conditions.

However, several critical points must be considered:

• Methodological Limitations: The study relies on data from VAERS, which is a passive reporting system. This means that it is subject to underreporting and reporting biases. Additionally, the Florida Medicaid database may not be representative of the entire population.
• Lack of Peer Review: The International Journal of Risk & Safety in Medicine is not widely recognized as a top-tier scientific journal. The study has not been peer-reviewed by reputable sources, which is a crucial step in validating scientific findings.
• Contradictory Evidence: Numerous safety studies have found Hib vaccines to be safe and effective. For example, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that Hib vaccines are safe and effective in preventing Haemophilus influenzae type b infections (JAMA Study).
• Regulatory Oversight: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continuously monitor vaccine safety. The decision to remove thimerosal from vaccines was a precautionary measure, not based on evidence of harm.

In conclusion, the claim that the HibTITER vaccine was linked to 19 diseases and poses a risk to 35 million adults is not substantiated by reliable scientific evidence. The study cited has methodological limitations and lacks peer review from reputable sources. It is essential to rely on well-established scientific research and regulatory oversight to ensure vaccine safety.

References

• JAMA Study: Safety and Effectiveness of Haemophilus influenzae Type b Vaccines