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Head To Head Public Health

Should spreading anti-vaccine misinformation be criminalised?

BMJ 2021; 372 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n272 (Published 17 February 2021) Cite this as: BMJ 2021;372:n272

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Rapid Response:

Re: Should inadequate science be criminalised?

Dear Editor
When conscientious members of the public carry out due diligence and discover that vaccine manufacturers themselves, in their Summary of Product Characteristics, make statements like, “The efficacy of Bexsero has not been evaluated through clinical trials” (1), or, “The effect of the HBsAg on foetal development has not been assessed. However, as with all inactivated viral vaccines one does not expect harm for the foetus”, or, “Information concerning the excretion into the breastmilk is not available. No contra-indication has been established”, or, “Engerix B has not been evaluated in fertility studies” (2), is it surprising that they begin to question the ubiquitous mantra, “Safe and Effective”?
Perhaps doctors themselves should be equally curious about the contents of their syringes?
(1) https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/5168/smpc
(2) https://www.medicines.org.uk/EMC/medicine/24844/SPC/Engerix+B+20+microgr...

Competing interests: No competing interests

19 February 2021
Janet Menage
GP retired
None
Wales, UK