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CDC Emails On Changing Definitions
CDC Emails On Changing Definitions
Alycia
From: Lowndes, Andrew (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <llx2@cdc gov>
Sent: Friday, August 13, 2021 3:47 PM
“To: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <gfy@cdc.£0v>; LaRocque, Marcie (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/0D)
(CTR) <[email protected]>; St James, Jacqueline N. (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <[email protected]>
Ce: Ponder, Marilyn (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <[email protected]>; Witbart, Lauren Ann
(CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <xap3@cde gov>
Subject: RE: Who owns this page?
HiAlycia,
People have been asking us if COVID-19 vaccines are not technically vaccines. They often cite that page
25 CDC’ definition for what counts as a vaccine. Here are a few examples (more in the attached
spreadsheets):
« Isittrue that this shot for Covid is not actuallya vaccine per your definition? Does this shot
make you immune to the Covid virus? If not, why should | get the shot?
« Reading the CC's definition of vaccine i says ..10 produce immunity to. specific
disease." Everything you read today says this shot doesn't give you immunity but helps a
person fight off the infection. Our question is how is the CDC and the rest of the world allowed
to call the shota vaccination when it doesn't even meet your own definition
hitps://www cde gov/vaceines/vac-gen/imz-basics him The definition of the word vaccine used
on this page states that avaccine produces immunity. Further, immunity is defined as being.
exposed tot the pathogen) without becoming infected. There are several vaccines, including
the new COVID vaccines that do not produce immunity as defined. Would t be possible for you
to update the page to be more clear on the definition ofa vaccine? | was directed to this page
by someone attempting to use it asproof that the EUA COVID vaccines are not really vaccines
since they do not provide immunity as defined on the linked page. Hopefully this can help clear
up some disinformation that has been spread during the pandemic.
« Please update the definition of vaccine on your website found at
hitps://www.cde gov/vacines/vacgen/imz-basics htm People are citing this as proof that the.
mRNA vaccines are not really vaccines. The definition needs to include new technological
advances (miriam webster has done this). Thanks
Right-wing covid-19 pandemic deniers are using your "vaccine" definition to argue that mRNA
vaccines are not vaccines: Here is the definition from the CDC website: Vaccine: A product that
stimulates a person's immune system to produce immunity to a specific disease, protecting the
person from that disease. Vaccines are usually administered through needle injections, but can
also be administered by mouth or sprayed into the nose. The phrase "to produce immunity” was
interpreted to mean “complete” or “perfect” immunity. This was twisted to claimthat the
existing covid-19 vaccines were not vaccines because they only prevented severe fines. | think
it would be more accurate to say thata vaccine function is "to stimulate an immune response"
10beclear that perfect immunity isnot what defines a vaccine.
Best,
Andrew
From: Downs, Alycia E. (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)<[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, August 13, 2021 3:29 PM
To: LaRocque, Marcie (CDG/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <lox3@cde gov; St James, Jacqueline N.
(COC/DDID/NCIRD/0D) (CTR) <[email protected]>
Cc: Ponder, Marilyn (COC/DDID/NCIRD/0D) (CTR)<avl8@cdcgov»; Lowndes, Andrew
(CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR)<Ihx2 @cde.gov>; Witbart, Lauren Ann (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)
<ap3@cdegor>
‘Subject: RE: Who owns this page?
Yes, there are a fewofthese pages we are reviewing.
What are the questions coming in?
Alycia
From: LaRocque, Marcie (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <lox3@cdcgov>
‘Sent: Friday, August 13, 2021 2:56 PM
To: st James, Jacqueline N. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <ibx9@cdc gov; Downs, Alycia E.
(CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <gfyd@cdc gov>
Ce: Ponder, Marilyn (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <[email protected]>; Lowndes, Andrew
(CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <lx2@cdegov; Witbart, Lauren Ann (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)
<ap3@cicgov
Subject: RE: Who owns this page?
‘Adding Alycia
~Alycia we've talked about this page/section of pages recently. See below.
From: St James, Jacqueline N. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, August 13, 2021 2:53 PM
To: LaRocque, Marcie (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <[email protected]>
Cc: Ponder, Marilyn (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <[email protected]>; Lowndes, Andrew
(CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR)<[email protected]>; Witbart, Lauren Ann (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)
<xap3@cdcgov>
Subject: RE: Who owns this page?
Marcie, who own this page- Immunization Basics|COC?
JACQUIE ST JAMES, MPH | Web Designer/ UX Wiiter
Peraton | Health Protection Solutions.
ContractorforNIRD.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
:404-498.2683 | C: 404-502-4231 | [email protected]
From: Witbart, Lauren Ann (CDC/ODID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, August 13, 2021 2:49 PM
To: st James, Jacqueline N. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <ibx9@cdc gov>
Ce: Ponder, Marilyn (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <[email protected]>; Lowndes, Andrew
(CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <[email protected]>
Subject: Who owns this page?
HiJacauie,
“Thank you!
Lauren
Lauren Witbart | MEG. | EGS. | MPH
NCIR|D HCSO
VIF |DataUnit
oe
From:
To:
ae
Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)
NCIRDwebteam (CDC)
[CDC-1962483-B1N3Y9] CRM:00701034
re SRE
Requestor is suggesting we update to match imz-basics.
[I=
Please broaden the glossary entry for "vaccine"
es
(https://www.cde.gov/vaccines/terms/glossary.html#v) to match the definition on the CDC
The too-narrow definition in the Glossary is being used by anti-vaxxers to spread the lie that the
mRNA COVID vaccines are not "vaccines."
su,
From: NIPINFO (CDC) <[email protected]>
A
glossary content).
ss
To ——
Subject: COC INFO; Topic Glossary entry for "vaccine" is too narrow; [COC-1962483-BIN3Y9)
CRM:00701034
“Thank you for contacting CDC-INFO. For more information, please call 1-§00-CDC-INFO
(800-232-4636), visitwww.cde.gov and click on “Contact CDC-INFO,” or go to
‘www ede. gov/info. This e-mail was sent from an unmonitored mailbox, and CDC-INFO will not
respond to replies sent to this mailbox. Ifyou have questions or comments, please send them via
our online form at ww. cde.gov/info.
CDC-INFO is a serviceofthe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). This service is provided by the
Verizon and MAXIMUS contract with CDC and ATSDR.
VG1109
errr Original Message----—--------
Sent: 8/20/2021
From: General Public
Subject: Glossary entry for "vaccine" is too narrow
Email Address: rE
Question: Please broaden the glossary entry for "vaccine"
(https://wwiw. cde. gov/vaceines/terms/glossary. htmi#v) to match the definition on the CDC
Immunization Basics page: htps://www.cde.zov/vacines/vac-gen/imz-basics him
“The too-narrow definition in the Glossary is being used by anti-vaxxers to spread theli that the
mRNA COVID vaccines are not "vaccines."
Optional Information
Name:
Title:
Phone:
Other Email:
Address:
PII Extraction:
From: Jones, James (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/0D) (CTR)
Sent: Wed, 15ep 2021 18:35:21 +0000
To: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)
Subject: RE: Immunization Basics update - due by COB
HiAlycia,
“This request has been completed and pushed lve:
Immunization Basics| CDC
Thanks,
Mike
James Michael Jones (Mike)
Hoalth Communication SpocialstWober Shandwick
ContractorforHCSONCIRDICDC.
0404.718:5522 | C: 678-416-1541 | [email protected]
RR
From: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
”
From: Jones, James (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <[email protected]>
‘This page will eventually redirect to anotherbutwe need to keep it for now.
From: Jones, James (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR)<[email protected]>
‘Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 2021 1:45 PM
To: Downs, Alycia £. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)<[email protected]>
‘Subject: RE: Immunization Basics.
Hi Alycia,
“Thanks,
Mike
James Michael Jones (Mike)
Hoalth Communication SpocialstWober Shandwick
Contrac forHCSONCIRDICDC.
tor
0/404.718:5522 | C: 678-416-1541 | [email protected]
Your request: Changes to “Immunization Basics" page has been completed and pushed live.
Immunization Basics| CDC
Mike
From: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <gfy4@cdc gov>
Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 2021 11:59 AM
To: Jones, James (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <oiwS@cde gov>
Subject: Immunization Basics
On this page: immunization Basics| COC
Due Friday, 8/27.
Thanks!
Alycia
From: Kroger, Andrew (CDC/DDIO/NCIRD/ISD)
sent: Thu, 9 Sep 2021 16:23:41 +0000
To: Nordlund, Kristen (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD); Morell, Valerie
(CDC/DDID/NCIRO/ISD)
Subject: RE: Issue (MIS-126231) fact checking social media lam of COC changing its
definition of vaccine- NEW
EET
Andrew
Thanks,
Kristen
From: Kroger, Andrew (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/ISD)<aok2@cdegov>
Sent: Wednesday, September 8, 2021 6:45 PM
To: Morell, Valerie (CDC/0DID/NCIRD/ISD) <xmé@cdc. gov>
a: Nordlund, Kristen (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)<hoké@cdc.gov>
Subject: RE: Issue (MIS-126231) fact checking social media claim of COC changing its definition of
vaccine - NEW
Andrew
Andrew Kroger MD, MPH
Communication and Education Branch
Immunization Services Division
National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Roybal Campus
1600 Clifton Road, M/S A-19
Adanta, GA 30329-4027
=
From: Nordlund, Kristen (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
‘Sent: Wednesday, September 8, 2021 2:42 PM
To: Morell, Valerie (COC/DDID/NCIRD/ISD) <[email protected]>
Ce: Grusich, Katherina (Kate) (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <yhb3@cdegov>
‘Subject: FW: Issue (MIS-126231) fact checking social media claim of COC changing its definition of
vaccine - NEW
Valerie,
We have a fact check from Miami Herald abouta tweet calling out the change in CDC's definition of “vaccine”
onthe website. Are you okay if we provide the below?
Thanks,
Kristen
From: NMB Media Inquiry System (COC) <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, September 8, 2021 10:48 AM
To: Pauley, Scott (CDC/OD/OADC) <[email protected]>
‘Subject: Issue (MIS-126231) fact checking social media claim of COC changing ts definition of vaccine-
New
Inquiry MIS-126231 has been created and assigned to Pauley, Scott (CDC/OD/OADC)
Mobile Link | Details
Priority: Normal
Deadline DateTime: 2021-09-08 16:34:00.0
Summary: fact checking social media claimof COC changing ts definition of vaccine.
Status: PO Review
Media Outlet : [Miamiterald]
‘Team: Deputy Team
Media Reporter: Katie Camero
Email Address: [email protected]
Inquiry Description:
Hello,
Its spreading on Twitter that the CDC changed its definitionofthe term "vaccine." and some
people are using that to say the COVID-19 vaccines do not work.
Can the CDC clarify this change, explain why it was changed and share what the definition
of "vaccine" was before.
Regards,
Katie Camero
National Real-Time Team
Science Reporter, McClatchy
Twitter: @camerokt_
Some Wed 8500 2021 202218.40000
From: Morelli, Valerie (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/ISD)
LE |
1
Sent Wednesday, sepromer 8, 2001242 OD)
From: Nordlund, Kristen (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/ <[email protected]>
Toa,
ni
gov
rom: NMS Media Inquiry System (600) <msira@cdc
Sent Wednesday, Septemer 5, 2021 10.43 AM
To: Pauley, Scott (CDC/OD/OADC) <[email protected]>
New
‘Subject: Issue (MIS-126231) fact checking social media claim of CDC changing its definition of vaccine -
Inuit MIS-126231 has boon created and assigned t Pauly, Scot (CDGIODIOADC)
Mobile Link | Details
Priority: Normal
Inquiry Description:
Hello,
Its spreading on Twitter that the CDC changed its definitionofthe term "vaccine," and some
people are using that to say the COVID-19 vaccines do not work.
Can the CDC clarify this change, explain why it was changed and share what the definition
of "vaccine" was before.
Regards,
Katie Camero
National Real-Time Team
Science Reporter, McClatchy
Twitter: @camerokt_
From: Jones, James (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR)
sent: Wed, 1Sep 2021 18:57:54 +0000
To: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)
Subject: RE: Need to update vaccine definition on website
Currently posted:
Vaccination: The act of introducing a vaccine into the body to produce
immunity to a specific disease.
Please update to:
Vaccination: The act of introducing a vaccine into the body to produce
protection from a specific disease.
And please have the date las reviewed updated. Thanks Mike!
1fthis can get done today, that'd be great but if not next week will work, Thanks again and enjoy the
wedding this weekend!
Alycia
From: Morelli, Valerie (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/ISD) <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, September 1, 2021 1:06 PM
To: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)<gfy4@cdcgov>
Subject: RE: Need to update vaccine definition on website
Andrew
Andrew Kroger MD, MPH
Communication and Education Branch
Immunization Services Division
National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Roybal Campus
1600 Clifton Road, M/S A-19
Atlanta, GA 30329-4027
HiValerie,
1know you ae busy so really appreciate your help. Th definition of vaccine we have posted is
problematic and people are using it to claim the COVID-19 vaccine is not a vaccine based on our own
definition. Does the updated version look okaytoyou? Thank you!
Currently posted:
Vaccine: A product that stimulates a person's immune system
to produce immunity to a specific disease, protecting the
person from that disease. Vaccines are usually administered
through needle injections, but can also be administered by
mouth or sprayed into the nose.
From: Downs, Alycia £. (COC/DDID/NCIRD/0D)
Sent: Thursday, August 19, 2021 11:56 AM
To: Morell, Valerie (COC/DDID/NCIRD/ISD)<uxmd@cde. gov>
Subject: Need to update vaccine definition on website
Hi Valerie,
Alycia
From: Downs, Alycia E. (COC/ODID/NCIRD/OD)
sent: Fri, 10 Sep 2021 12:29:19 40000
To: Jones, James (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR)
Subject: RE: Need to update vaccine definition on website
Alycia
From: Downs, Alycia E. (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)
Sent: Wednesday, September 1, 2021 2:57 PM
To: Jones, James (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <oiwa@cde gov>
‘Subject: FW: Need to update vaccine definition on website.
Immunization Basics|CDC
Currently posted:
Vaccination: The act of introducing a vaccine into the body to produce
immunity to a specific disease.
Please update to:
Vaccination: The act of introducing a vaccine into the body to produce
protection from a specific disease.
And please have the date ast reviewed updated. Thanks Mikel
et done today, that'dbegreat butif not next week will work. Thanksagainand enjoy the
ens weekend!
Alycia
From: Morelli, Valerie (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/ISD) <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, September 1, 2021 1.06 PM
‘To: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)<[email protected]>
Subject: RE: Need to update vaccine definition on website
“Thank you for your inquiry. COC updated the definition of a vaccine to improve the clarity of this
information. Thank you again for contacting COC.
eh
[CDC-2019568-X5C2P8] CRM:00701417
—emeeeenaees Original Message---w----s---
Sent: 9/7/2021
From: General Public
Subject: Change in definition
Optional Information
Title:
Organization:
Other Ef o
Address:
PII Extraction:
=
From:
To:
ie
Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)
Tt
i
Te
From: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
‘To: Bretthauer-Mueller, Rosemary (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
‘Subject: RE: SID to webteam 9/13 - FW: RESPONSE REQUIRED; Priority Medium; Mode WebForm; Topic
Change in definition; [CDC-2019568-X5C2P8] CRM:00701417
——
Question: why did the definition of a vaccine change from “a product that stimulates a person's immune.
system to produce Immunity” to “a preparation that s used to stimulate the body's immune response”
Optional Information
to —
Title: Buil
Organization:
Phone: [INN
Other Email:
Address:
From: Downs, Alycia E. (COC/ODID/NCIRD/OD)
sent: Wed, 18 Aug 2021 14:01:05 +0000
To: Fisher, Allon Michelle (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/0D)
Subject: RE:Vaccines_TheBasics_updated
Thanks!
From: Fisher, Alison Michelle (CDC/0DID/NCIRD/0D) <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, August 18, 2021 10:00 AM
To: Downs, Alycia . (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)<[email protected]; Jorgensen, Cynthia (COC/ODID/NCIRO/0D)
<oje@cdcgov
Subject: RE: Vaccines_TheBasics_updated
Yes, 1 thought the edits were good.
From: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <gfyA@cc gov
Sent: Wednesday, August 18, 2021 9:59 AM
“os Fisher, Allon Michelle (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <ark2@cdcgov>; Jorgensen, Cynthia
(CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)<ciid@cdcgov>
‘Sublect: RE: Vaccines_TheBasics_updated
Did my edits look okay, Alison?
Alycia
From: Fisher, Alison Michelle (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/0D) <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, August 18, 2021 9:54 AM
“To: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <afyd@cci go>; Jorgensen, Cynthia (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)
<a@cdcgov>
‘Subject: RE: Vaccines_TheBasics_updated
From: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Sent Wednesday, August 15,2021 5:24 AM
To: orgensen, Cynthia (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/0D)<cidcc go>
Ce: Fisher, Allison Michelle (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: Vaccines_TheBasics_updated
I
Best,
Andrew
Vaccine Task Force (VTF) | Communications, CDC-INFO
Kate is out today. Andrew, when you get in can you weight in on what you see in CDCINFO and the
definitions on
gov/vaccines/vac-gen/imi-basics
tos:fs cdc tm
https www.cde gou/vaccines/vac-gen/immunity-types.btm - this page is being assessed as wel. Any
feedback from CDCINFO on this as well?
Original Message
From: Downs, Alycia E. (CC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <gfyd@cdcgov>
Sent: Friday, September 10, 2021 8:23 AM
To: Witbart, Lauren Ann (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <xap3@ecdegow; Bretthauer-Muellr, Rosemary
(CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Cc: CDC IMS 2019 NCOV Response VIF COC INFO Comms Inquiries <eocevent5a6@cde gov; Grusich,
Katherina (Kate) (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: WashPost: Vaccine skeptics claim a new COC gotcha moment — but they haven't got much
Original Message
From: Witbart, Lauren Ann (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, September 10, 2021 8:22 AM
“To: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <gfyd@cdcgov; Bretthauer-Mueller, Rosemary
(CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Ge: CDC IMS 2019 NCOV Response VIF COC INFO Comms Inquiries <eocevent5a6 @cdegov;Grusich,
Katherina (Kate) (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: WashPost: Vaccine skeptics claim a new CDC gotcha moment — but they haven't got much
0, awesome! Thank you for being soon top of ist! (ERS vt
you know if we hear any feedback through CDCINFO.
Thank youll
Lauren
Original Message-——
From: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, September 10, 2021 8:19 AM
“To: Bretthauer-Mueller, Rosemary (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>; Witbart, Lauren Ann
(CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Cc: CDC IMS 2019 NCOV Response VIF COC INFO Comms Inquiries <eoceven t5as
@cdegov;Grusich,
Katherina (Kate) (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: WashPost: Vaccine skeptics claim a new CDC gotcha moment - but they haven't got much
Sorry responded too early.
Orginal Message
From: Bretthauer-Mueller, Rosemary (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, September 10, 2021 7:54 AM
To: Witbart, Lauren Ann (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Cc: CDC IMS 2019 NCOV Response VIF COC INFO Comms Inquiries <eocevent5as@cde gov; Grusich,
Katherina (Kate) (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>; Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)
<shvi@cdcgor
Subject: RE: WashPost: Vaccine skeptics claim a new CDC gotcha moment —- but they haven't got much
Hey Lauren:
Yes, ahscta, we am pti eewing heefitons page. Rated, we iveaeam ember
reviewing https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vac-gen/immunity-types.htm so please let us know if you all
--
Wave recomevendations for updating et poge.
I 1ve bck inpocke Tuesday afternoon. Let me know f need
2 get this mavingin our queue before then,
Thanks, Rose,
orginal Message
From: Witbart, Lauren Ann (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Sent. Thursday, September , 2021.65 PM
To: retthauerMoeller, Rosemary (COC/ODID/NCIRD/OD)<Lhk0@lcgo>
Ce CDCIMS 2019 NCOV Response VIF CDC INFO Comms Inquiries <eocevent5A6@cde gov: ruse,
Katherina (Kate) (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Sublect AW: WashPost: Vaccine skeptics cam a new CDC gotcha moment bt they haven't ot much
i Rosie, How goes it?
Many thanks,
So
Original Message--—
From: Grusich, Katherina (Kate) (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, September 3, 2021 5:24 PM
To: Witbart, Lauren Ann (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Subct AW: WashPost. Vaccine skeptics com a ne COC gotcha moment. bt they haven’ got much
This s what 1was talking bout eres
orignal Message.
From: Mike Cooper <[email protected]>
Sot. Thursday, September 3, 2021 425 PM
eer
Subject: WashPost: Vaccine skeptics claim a new CDC gotcha moment -- but they haven't got much
Vaccine skeptics claim a new CDC gotcha moment — but they haven't got much
8y Aaron Blake
Senior reporter
Today at 12:10 p.m. EOT
The forces seeking to undermine both the coronavirusvaccines and the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's handling of them have
landed on a new gotcha moment.
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) has been oneofCongress's biggest critics
of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the vaccination
push. An intern recently resigned from his officeover the congressman
‘comparing vaccine "passports" to the Holocaust. (Massie later deleted
the tweet)
On Wednesday, Massie elevated something others had noticed in the days
prior: that the COC had updated a definition of "vaccination" on one of
its webpages. Asof late August, the page described vaccination as "The
actof introducing avaccine into the body to produce immunity to a
specific disease” (emphasis ours). The definition has since been
changed from producing "immunity" to producing "protection."
“Check out @CDCgov's evolving definition of ‘vaccination,* Massie
said. He then dropped another comparison ~ to George Orwell's 1984:
“They ve been busy at the Ministry of Truth."
The tweet hasgone somewhat viral, with more than 9,000 retweets and
‘more than 19,000 likes. Other social media posts noting the change have
also been shared widely among the vaccine-skeptic community.
The ideai that the COC is watering down the definition of vaccination
in response to the coronavirus vaccines proving less effective against
infection from the delta variant than previously. (The vaccines,
"however, remain very good at preventing serious cases and
hospitalizations.)
“Afterthe Covid-19 vaccines were introduced, and itwasdiscovered
they do not necessarily ‘prevent disease’ or “provide immunity," says
the website of longtime vaccine skeptic and former CBS News journalist
Sharyl Attkisson, "CDC altered the definition of vaccines again to say
that they merely ‘produce protection.’"
Massie responded toa critic bystating that "the goal posts have
moved.” Some have even suggested that the definition needed to be
changed to still consider the coronavirus vaccines to be vaccines at
all.
It's interesting that the CDC changed the Web page. But as for the
conclusions being drawn about is significance? Those leavea lt to be
desired, and they rest upon continual misrepresentations and
‘misunderstandings of what vaccination and "immunity" are supposed to
mean.
From the start of the vaccination campaigns, critics have searched long
and hard for evidencethatthe vaccines don't work as well as they were
Supposed to, This has sometimes involved suggesting that anything less.
than 100 percent efficacy means they don't work.
In truth, though, medical experts have long said that no vaccine,
including the coronavirus vaccines, is 100 percent effective. If
“immunity” connotes complete protection, then no vaccine actually
provides it
Part of the reason people seem to believe immunity means 100 percent
protection stems from how i's understood in other contexts. Legally
speaking, immunity from things ike prosecution means you can't be
prosecuted, full stop. But in a medical contexts, it’s often used as a
synonym fora specific type of protection - Le. the same word the COC
now uses.
The Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary defines immunity as "a condition
of being able to resista particular disease." Taber's Medical
Dictionary defines it a, "Protection from diseases, [especially] from
infectious diseases.” Harvard's medical dictionary defines it as, "The
body's ability to resist infection and disease.” The Oxford Concise
Medical Dictionary echoes all of them, saying immunity s "the body's
ability to resist infection.”
(These definitions, it bears noting, have not been changed recently.)
The data clearly shows the coronavirus vaccines meet these definitions
of providing immunity, as do other vaccines with less than 100 percent
efficacy. Those include the flu vaccines, whose efficacy is generally
around 40 percent. The flu vaccines are still vaccines and still
provide immunity - just not complete immunity.
And to theextentthis is some supposed grand conspiracy to move the
goal posts on the coronavirus vaccines, it would also bea very
incomplete one. Throughout its website, the CDC stil refers to the
coronavirus vaccines providing immunity:
* Ona page debunking myths about the coronavirus vaccines, which was
updated this week, it still says, "After getting vaccinated, you
develop immunity to that disease.”
* On another page devoted to explaining the coronavirus vaccines, it
uses "protection and “immunity” as synonyms multiple times,
saying, "It typically takes2 weeksaftervaccination for the body
to build protection (immunity) against the virus that causes.
coviD-19."
* On another page: “COVID-19 vaccines help our bodies develop
immunity to the virus that causes COVID-19 withoutushaving to get
the illness."
The ironyofall of this is that the theories about what the change
really means actually reinforce the idea that t's probably better to
use "protection" than “immunity” - given that people don't seem to
understand what "immunity" actually means.
Advertisement
Others, though, seem to be deliberately obfuscating. On Wednesday, the
same day Attkisson's website suggested that the change was made because
perhaps the vaccines don't “provide immunity," it updated another post
acknowledging that immunity is indeed a relative term.
Of course, it did so in the service of making anotherargument Massie
and others have focused on: that the immunity from infection provides
‘more protection than, in its own words, "vaccine-induced immunity."
From: Downs, Alycia E. (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)
sent: Fri, 10 Sep 2021 16:24:46 40000
To: COCIMS 2019 NCOV Response VTF CDC INFO Comms Inquiries
Subject: RE: WashPost: Vaccine skeptics claim a new CDC gotcha moment but they.
haven't got much
Andrew
Best,
Andrew
EP —
Sr. roy, Semper 10,20013301 cdo: BretthaserMller, Rosemary
From: Witbart, Lauren Ann (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
ToGan,Avi . CoC/SPIDINCD/OD)
COCOINS 3019(CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)
NCOVResponse TF COCINFOComms
(CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
<yhb3@cdcgov>
nis<ocesents6BedzGrusih,
Katherina (Kate)
Se RE WhPot onSSim ew CBC ica amet bu they hovergtmuch
on,awesomeThankyouorbingsoon to ofis Ev
To nanor heroctu rothCoN
Thankyout
owen
~-==-Original Message---—
From: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Sr. ry, Spree 10200131001
To: Bretthauer-Mueller, Rosemary (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>; Witbart, Lauren Ann.
Original Message
From: Mike Cooper <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, September 9, 2021 4:25 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: WashPost: Vaccine skeptics claim a new CDC gotcha moment but they haven't got much
Vaccine skeptics claim a new CDC gotcha moment — but they haven't got much
By Aaron Blake
Senior reporter
Today at 12:10 p.m. EOT
The forces seeking to undermine both the coronavirus vaccines and the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’ handiing of them have
landed on a new gotcha moment
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) has been oneof Congress's biggest critics
ofthe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the vaccination
push. An intern recently resigned from his office over the congressman
comparing vaccine "passports" to the Holocaust, (Massie later deleted
the tweet)
On Wednesday, Massie elevated something others had noticed in the days
prior: that the COC had updated a definition of "vaccination" on one of
its webpages. As of late August, the page described vaccination as "The
act of introducing a vaccine into the body to produce immunity to a
specific disease" (emphasis ours). The definition has since been
changed from producing "immunity" to producing “protection.”
“Check out @CDCgov's evolving definition of ‘vaccination,* Massie
said. He then dropped another comparison ~ to George Orwell's 1984:
“They ve been busy at the Ministry of Truth."
The tweet has gone somewhat viral, with more than 9,000 retweets and
‘more than 19,000 likes. Other social media posts noting the change have
also been shared widely among the vaccine-skeptic community.
The ideai that the COC is watering down the definition of vaccination
in response to the coronavirus vaccines proving less effective against
infection from the delta variant than previously. (The vaccines,
"however, remain very good at preventing serious cases and
hospitalizations.)
"Afterthe Covid-19 vaccines were introduced, and it was discovered
they do not necessarily ‘prevent disease’ or “provide immunity," says
the website of longtime vaccine skeptic and former CBS News journalist
Sharyl Attkisson, "CDC altered the definition of vaccines again to say
that they merely ‘produce protection.’"
Massie responded toa critic bystating that "the goal posts have
moved.” Some have even suggested that the definition needed to be
changed to still consider the coronavirus vaccines to be vaccines at
all.
Its interesting that the COC changed the Web page. But as for the
conclusions being drawn about is significance? Those leavea lot to be
desired, and they rest upon continual misrepresentationsand
‘misunderstandings of what vaccination and "immunity" are supposed to
mean.
From the start of the vaccination campaigns, critics have searched long.
and hard for evidence that the vaccines don't work as well as they were
supposed to, This has sometimes involved suggesting that anything less.
than 100 percent efficacy means they don't work.
In truth, though, medical experts have long said that no vaccine,
including the coronavirus vaccines, is 100 percent effective. If
“immunity” connotes complete protection, then no vaccine actually
provides it
Part of the reason people seem to believe immunity means 100 percent
protection stems from how it’s understood in other contexts. Legally
speaking, immunity from things ike prosecution means you can't be
prosecuted, full stop. Butin a medical contexts, i’ often used as a
synonym fora specific type of protection -ie. the same word the COC
The Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary defines immunity as "a condition
of being able to resista particular disease." Taber's Medical
Dictionary defines it a, "Protection from diseases, especially) from
infectious diseases.” Harvard's medical dictionary defines it as, "The
body's ability to resist infection and disease.” The Oxford Concise
Medical Dictionary echoesallofthem, saying immunity s "the body's
ability to resist infection.”
(These definitions, it bears noting, have not been changed recently.)
The data clearly shows the coronavirus vaccines meet these definitions
of providing immunity, as do other vaccines with less than 100 percent
efficacy. Those include the flu vaccines, whose efficacy i generally
around 40 percent. The flu vaccines are stillvaccinesand still
provide immunity -just not complete immunity.
And to the extent this is some supposed grand conspiracy to move the
goal posts on the coronavirus vaccines, it would also bea very
incomplete one. Throughout its website, the CDC sil refers to the
coronavirus vaccines providing immunity:
*0n a page debunking myths about the coronavirus vaccines, which was
updated this week, it still says, "After getting vaccinated, you
develop immunity to that disease.”
* On another page devoted to explaining the coronavirus vaccines, it
uses "protection and “immunity” as synonyms multiple times,
saying, "It typically takes2 weeks after vaccination for the body
to build protection (immunity) against the virus that causes
coviD-19.*
* On another page: "COVID-19 vaccines help our bodies develop
immunity to the virus that causes COVID-19 without us having to get
the less."
The ironyofall of this is that the theories about what the change
really means actually reinforce the idea that t's probably better to
use “protection” than “immunity” ~ given that people don't seem to
understand what "immunity" actually means.
Advertisement
Others, though, seem to be deliberately obfuscating. On Wednesday, the
same day Attkisson's website suggested that the change was made because
perhaps the vaccines don't “provide immunity," it updated another post
acknowledging that immunity is indeed a relative term.
Of course, it did so in the service of making anotherargument Massie
and others have focused on: that the immunity from infection provides.
‘more protection than, in its own words, "vaccine-induced immunity."
ti
From:
To:
oS
Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)
scassoon
EE Thank you al.
Avi
From: Lowndes, Andrew (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <Ix2@cdc gov>
‘Sent: Monday, August 16, 2021 1:45 PM
“To: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)<gfy4@cdc gov; LaRocque, Marcie (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)
(CTR)<lox3@cd gov; St James, Jacqueline N. (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR)<[email protected]>
Ce: Ponder, Marilyn (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <[email protected]>; Witbart, Lauren Ann
(CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
‘Subject: RE: Who owns this page?
Hi Alycia,
9.
ber
SLE
Tora on ate. EEE
To: Lowndes, Andrew (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <[email protected]>; LaRocque, Marcie
ine
(CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <[email protected]>; St James, Jacqueline N. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR)
too)samspsae
(CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
“Thank you!
Lauren
Lauren Witbart | M.Ed. | EGS. | MPH
NCIRD | HCSO
VTF | Data Unit
oo
From:
To:
er smo mse 00m
Morelli, Valerie (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/ISD)
sito.
Soren.
From: roger,Air COC/ODD/NCHROJ
SomWhe eto 3 203 BO SD) aok2Qc go
bien
‘To: MacNeil, Jessica R. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>; Morelli, Valerie (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/ISD)
Thankyou
po
nde roger Mo, uo
sts
nmr ea sees ten n
Coates
es oreoma een
—
1600 Clifton Road, M/S A-19
er TS
From: MacNeil, Jessica R. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Sia
‘To: Kroger, Andrew (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/ISD) <aok2@cdc gov>; Morell, Valerie (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/ISD)
Wann,
ose conte.The Octobersendwie realy gh with sven workgroups ees
1am happy to help facilitate that whenever you are ready.
Tn,
From: Kroger, Andrew (COC/DDID/NCIRD/ISD) <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, September 1, 2021 8:32 AM
To: Morell, Valerie (COC/DDID/NCIRD/ISD) <vamé@cdec gov>
Ce: MacNeil Jessica R. (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <ali8 @ccc go>; Cohn, Amanda (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)
<[email protected]>
‘Subject: RE: Need to update vaccine definition on website:
Andrew
Andrew Kroger MD, MPH
Communication and Education Branch
Immunization Services Division
National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
Centers or Disease Control and Prevention
Roybal Campus
1600 Clifton Road, M/S A-19
Atlanta, GA 30329-4027
ww TTT
A
Vaccine: A product that stimulates a person's immune system
to produce immunity to a specific disease, protecting the
person from that disease. Vaccines are usually administered
through needle injections, but can also be administered by
mouth or sprayed into the nose.
From: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)
Sent: Thursday, August 19, 2021 11:56 AM
To: Morell Valerie (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/ISD)<vamé @cdc gov>
‘Subject: Need to update vaccine definition on website
Hi Valerie,
Cynthia and Alison Fisher have both reviewed but | would really appreciate your help with this.
Alycia
fo i 100m 3001 15.9716 40000
From: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)
IN
ori Mesa
Son Fn Sapna S03 3020
From: Witbart, Lauren Ann (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <xap3(@ede.gov>
OC CC go: Gri
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Se ey Snes Th 202433 AM
From: Witbart, Lauren Ann (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <xap3(@ede.gov>
On,
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“To: Bret
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C/DDID/NCIRD/OD) [email protected]>; Witbart, Lauren Ann
(CDC/DDIDNCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Ki ne (a t (CD C DD ID NC OD)
Sent RE MPs ct hes ca mow CHd
IR D S hefor
Ce: CDC IMS 2019 NCOV Response VTF CDC INFO Comms Inquiries <eoceventSd6@cdgovc.
>; Grusich,
Se nt n psk on h e e
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9 V ponse O ms iries <coceventSd6(cde.gov>; Grusich,
Katherina (Kate) (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>; Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)
su
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hit
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ps/c- ed gov vacc
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recommendations for updating that
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Tht, Rose.
Original Message
From: Witbar, Lauren Ann (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <xap3@ede gov>
Sent: Thursday, September 9, 2021 6:15 PM
“To: Brethauer.Muller, Rosemary (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <2hk0@ede gov>
Ce: CDC IMS 2019 NCOV Response VF CDC INFO Comms Inquiries<coceventS6@edegov; Grusich,
Katherina (Kate) (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)<yhb3@edegov>
Subject FW: WashPost: Vaceine skeptics claim a new CDC gotcha moment - but they haven't got much
Hi Rosie, How goes it?
Many thanks,
Lauren
Original Message
From: Grusich, Katherina (Kate) (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, September 9, 2021 5:24 PM
“To: Witbart, Lauren Ann (CDC/DDIDNCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Subject FW: WashPost: Vaceine skeptics claim a new CDC gotcha moment - but they haven't got much
“This is what was talking sbout earlier
Original Message
From: Mike Cooper<meooper(@panix.com>
Sen:Thursday,September9, 2021 4:25 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: WashPost: Vaceineskeptics claim
anew CDC gotcha moment - but they haven't got much
Vaccine skepics claim a new CDC gotcha moment but they haven't got much
By Aaron Blake
Senior reporter
Today at 12:10 pan. EDT
“The forces secking to undermine both the coronavirus vaccines and the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's handlingofthem have
landed on a new gotcha moment
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) has been oneofCongress's biggest critics
ofthe Centers fo Discase Control and Prevention and the vaccination
push. An inten recently resigned from his officeoverthe congressman
‘comparing vaccine “passports”to the Holocaust. (Massielaterdeleted
the tweet)
On Wednesday, Mass elevated something others had noticed inthe days
prior that the CDC had updated a definitionof"vaceination” on one of
its webpages. As ofate August, the page described vaccination as “The
act ofintroducing a vaceine into the body 0 produce immunity to 3
specific disease” (emphasis ours).Thedefinition has since been
changed from producing "immunity" to producing “protection.”
“Check out @CDCgov's evolving definitionof‘vaccination, * Massie
said. He then droppedanother comparison - to George Orwell's 1984:
“They've been busy at the MinistryofTruth.”
“The tweet has gone somewhat viral, with more than 9,000 retweets and
more than 19,000 likes. Other social media posts noting the change have
also been shared widely among the vacsine-skeptic community.
“The ideas that the CDC is watering down the definitionof vaccination
in response to the coronavirus vaccines proving les effective against
infection from the delta variant than previously. (The vaccines,
however, remain very good at preventing serious cases and
hospitalizations).
"After the Covid-19 vaccines were introduced, andi was discovered
theydo not necessarily “preven disease or provide immunity,* says
the website of longtime vaceine skeptic and former CBSNewsjoumalist
Sharyl Attkisson, "CDC altered the definitionofvaceines again to say
that they merely “produce protection.”
Massie responded to: ric by stating that "th goal posts have
moved." Some have even suggested tht the definition needed to be
changed o still consider the coronavirus vaceines to be vaccines at
all
11s intersting that the CDC changed the Web page. But as for the
conclusions being drawn sbout is significance? Those eave a lotto be
desired, and they est upon continual misreprescaations and
misunderstandingsofwhat vaccination and immunity” are supposed to
From the sartof the vaccination campaigns, critics have searched ong
‘and hard for evidence that he vaccines don't work ss well as they were
Supposed to. This has sometimes involved suggesting that anything less
than 100 percent efficacy means thy don't work
In truth, though, medical experts have long said that no vine,
including thecoronavirus vaccines, is 100 percent effective. If
“immunity” connotes complete protection, then no vaceine actually
provides it.
Part ofthe reason people seem to believe immunity means 100 percent
protection stems from how's understood in othercontexts. Legally
speaking, immunity from things like prosecution means you can't be
prosecuted,fullstop. Butin a medical contexts, is often used asa
Synonym for a specific typeofprotection -ic. the same word the CDC
“The Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary defines immunity as "a condition
ofbeing abl to resista particulardisease.” Taber's Medical
Dictionary defines it as, "Protection from discases, especialy] from
infectious diseases.” Harvard's medical dictionary defines it s, "The
body's ability to resist infection and disease.” The Oxford Concise:
Medical Dictionary echoes all ofthem, saying immunity is “the body’
ability o resist infection.”
(These definitions, it bears noting, have not been changed recently.)
“The data clearly shows the coronavirus vaccines mest these definitions
ofproviding immunity, as do other vaccines with les than 100 percent
efficacy. Those includ the flu vaccines, whose efficacy i generally
around 40 percent. The flu vaceines are still vaceines and sill
provide immunity- just not complete immunity.
And o the extent this is some supposed grand conspiracy tomovethe
soul posts on thecoronavirus vaccines,i wouldalsobea very.
incomplete one. Throughout its website, the CDC sil refers 0 the
coronavirus vaceines providing immunity:
Ona page debunking myths about the coronavirus vaccines, which was.
updated his week, it tll sys, "After geting vaccinated, you
develop immunity to that disease.”
Onanotherpage devoted to explaining the coronavirus vaccines, i
uses "protection" and “immunity” as synonyms multiple times,
saying. “It ypicalytakes 2 weeks aftr vaccination for the body
to build protection (immunity) against th virus that causes
COVID-19."
*Onanotherpage: "COVID-19vaccines help our bodies develop
immunity to the virus that causes COVID-19 without us having o get
theless”
“The ironyof alofthis is tha the theories about what the change
relly means actually reinforce the idea that is probably beter to
use “protection” than “immunity” —given that people don' seem to
understand what “immunity” actually means.
Advertisement
Others, though, seem to be deliberately obfuscating. On Wednesday, the
sume day Atkisson's website suggested tha the change was made because
perhaps the vaccines dont "provide immunity.” it updated another post
‘acknowledging that immanity is indeed arelative term.
Ofcourse, itdidso n the serviofmaking another argument Massie
and others have focused on: tht the immunity from infection provides
mare protection than, in its own words, "vaceinc-induced immunity."