reSee.it Podcast Summary
Dr. Meryl Nass joins Unlimited Hangout to discuss corruption at the FDA, the EUA framework, and how vaccine mandates have been justified. Nass, an internal medicine physician with expertise in biodefense, explains EUAs' history: during the Gulf War the defense medical surveillance system was created; the anthrax vaccine program began in 1998; the FDA initially shut down an anthrax vaccine plant due to substandard lots, and a federal judge removed the license in 2004 after determining that the vaccine was used under an EUA to continue a military program. The EUA, Nass says, was created to allow use of experimental products and to reduce liability, but it also defines conditions for informed consent and monitoring of adverse events. She notes that under 21 US code 360bbb-3, an EUA product cannot be legally mandated, because it is still experimental, and the Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program has paid only 29 claims in 15 years, with none for COVID products.
The discussion then covers licensure and the politics of mandates: Pfizer’s Comirnaty license, versus non-licensed EUA lots, and the reported military relabeling of EUA vials as licensed products. Nass argues that the government sought a license to enable mandates, but many products remained under EUA; although the childhood schedule and liability shields could shift once licensed. The booster dose controversy is described: Marion Gruber and her deputy Phil Krausz resigned; FDA and CDC advisory committees reportedly faced conflicts of interest and political pressure. Janet Woodcock is cited for past conflicts, and the broader pattern of industry influence on regulatory decisions is emphasized, including Aduhelm and vaccine adviser replacements.
The Omicron variant is addressed as a scare tactic to sustain fear and justify surveillance and control, though Nass notes a lack of data on serious illness. Finally, Nass discusses public-private links, Califf’s ties to industry and Verily, and the broader theme of government policy being shaped by corporate interests. Nass's own websites and Children’s Health Defense are cited as resources for further reading.