#2294 - Dr. Suzanne Humphries
The Joe Rogan Experience

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Bias Assessment
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Analysis Summary
The podcast episode features Dr. Humphries, a former internist and nephrologist, who discusses her research into vaccines, immunity, and medical history. Key topics include the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, which protected vaccine manufacturers from lawsuits, and the impact of vaccines on disease susceptibility. Dr. Humphries also touches on the historical context of polio, including changes in diagnostic criteria and the correlation with DDT usage. She discusses the high percentage of asymptomatic polio cases and the existence of vaccine-derived polio cases, particularly in regions using oral polio vaccines. Additionally, the episode covers the potential influence of breastfeeding on an infant\'s immune response and historical vaccine side effects, such as those associated with early smallpox vaccines.
However, the accuracy of several claims made in the episode is questionable. For instance, the assertion that flu vaccines in 2008 and 2009 led to kidney failures lacks credible evidence. Similarly, the claim that vaccinated individuals are more susceptible to diseases misrepresents vaccine efficacy. Other contentious points include the suggestion of a causal link between DDT and polio, the role of arsenic in polio misdiagnosis, and the impact of aluminum in vaccines on autoimmunity. Furthermore, claims about SV40\'s presence in vaccines and its link to cancer, as well as assertions about the COVID-19 vaccine\'s testing on pregnant women, are either unsupported or misinterpreted. Overall, while some factual information is presented, the episode contains several inaccuracies and misleading
Fact Checks
Timestamp | Fact | Accuracy | Commentary |
---|---|---|---|
00:00:00 --> 00:14:10 | The National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act was passed in 1986 due to vaccine companies facing lawsuits. | 90 ๐ข | The National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act indeed was established in 1986 to protect vaccine manufacturers from large liability claims due to injuries resulting from vaccines. This law followed the 1976 swine flu vaccine controversy which led to extensive lawsuits. |
00:00:00 --> 00:14:10 | The flu vaccine in 2008 and 2009 led to kidney failures and put people on dialysis, according to the speaker, who is a nephrologist. | 10 ๐ด | No credible evidence supports this claim; flu vaccines are safe per CDC and WHO studies. |
00:00:00 --> 00:14:10 | Vaccinated individuals are more susceptible to diseases in some cases, according to the speaker. | 10 ๐ด | Vaccines reduce disease severity and prevalence, contrary to the claim (CDC, WHO). |
00:00:00 --> 00:14:10 | Polio criteria for diagnosis changed after the vaccine was introduced, resulting in different reporting. | 60 ๐ | Polio diagnosis criteria evolved, but vaccines significantly reduced cases (WHO). |
00:00:00 --> 00:14:10 | The usage of DDT in agricultural settings increased in sync with polio diagnoses in the early 20th century. | 40 ๐ด | DDT's link to polio is unsubstantiated; vaccines reduced polio cases (CDC). |
00:00:00 --> 00:14:10 | The speaker claims that arsenic can mimic the effects of polio, leading to misdiagnosis historically. | 10 ๐ด | Arsenic causes neurological symptoms but not polio-like effects (CDC, historical data). |
00:14:11 --> 00:25:08 | 95 to 99 percent of polio cases are asymptomatic. | 90 ๐ข | Studies support that a majority of polio infections are asymptomatic, with the CDC noting around 70% to 90% of infections do not exhibit symptoms. The specific percentage can vary, but the claim is largely accurate. |
00:14:11 --> 00:25:08 | Vaccine-derived polio cases are reported, especially in regions where oral polio vaccines are used. | 90 ๐ข | This is a well-documented fact; vaccine-derived poliovirus has been reported in both India and Israel, underscoring the need for monitoring vaccine strain circulation, thus verifying the claim as mostly accurate. |
00:14:11 --> 00:25:08 | The definition of poliomyelitis refers to inflammation of the gray matter of the spinal cord. | 100 ๐ข | This definition is consistent with medical terminology: 'poliomyelitis' stems from Greek, where 'poliio' means gray and 'myelitis' means inflammation of the spinal cord, confirming claim accuracy. |
00:25:20 --> 00:26:27 | Vaccines that contain aluminum, such as DTAP, can trigger a Th2 immune response, which may set the body up for autoimmunity. | 60 ๐ | Aluminum in vaccines influences immune responses but lacks consensus on autoimmunity (CDC, WHO). |
00:28:48 --> 00:35:11 | Breastfeeding can influence an infant's immune response, potentially leading to a Th1 response if vaccinated while breastfeeding. | 60 ๐ | Breastfeeding modulates immune responses, but Th1 response link is debated (immunology studies). |
00:28:48 --> 00:35:11 | About 75% of women in the USA initiate breastfeeding today, a significant improvement compared to the polio era. | 90 ๐ข | Data from the CDC supports that approximately 75% of mothers initiate breastfeeding, reflecting increasing awareness and support for breastfeeding practices. Historical context about lower rates during the polio epidemic is accurate. |
00:28:48 --> 00:35:11 | Past vaccines, including those used during the 1700s-1900s, sometimes resulted in severe skin reactions and secondary infections. | 80 ๐ก | Historical records document that early vaccines, including smallpox, often caused serious side effects, underscoring the challenges of early immunization practices. However, modern vaccines are designed to minimize such adverse effects through rigorous testing. |
00:28:48 --> 00:35:11 | In the 1970s, 80s, and recent studies, some smallpox vaccines contained more bacteria and fungi than smallpox virus. | 10 ๐ด | Modern vaccines are rigorously tested for purity; historical contamination is documented but not current (FDA). |
00:28:48 --> 00:35:11 | The smallpox vaccine was derived from humanized horsepox and led to issues of genetically characterized entities that were later destroyed. | 40 ๐ด | Smallpox vaccine evolved, but claims about destruction lack evidence (CDC, historical vaccine data). |
00:35:12 --> 00:37:07 | During the time of the smallpox outbreak, public health conditions included streets filled with human and animal waste, no sanitation or running water, leading to widespread malnutrition and exposure to pathogens. | 80 ๐ก | Historical accounts support the claim of poor sanitary conditions in 18th and 19th-century urban areas, particularly during smallpox outbreaks. Sources like "The History of Public Health" highlight these issues, though specifics vary by region and time. |
00:37:11 --> 00:37:11 | COVID-19 co-infections, like measles, worsen the primary infection. | 90 ๐ข | Research indicates that co-infections can increase the severity of COVID-19, aligning with established medical understanding. Studies published in medical journals, like "The Lancet Infectious Diseases," confirm this phenomenon. |
00:37:18 --> 00:39:14 | In the late 1680s, doctors described smallpox as easy to treat if they simply supported the sick person. | 50 ๐ | Historical texts show varied smallpox treatment efficacy; supportive care recognized later (historical medical literature). |
00:39:26 --> 00:39:30 | Diarrhea killed more people in the Civil War than bullets. | 80 ๐ก | Dysentery was a leading cause of death in the Civil War, surpassing battlefield fatalities (National Park Service). |
00:39:30 --> 00:42:45 | Medicine in the past relied on dangerous substances like arsenicals and mercurials for treatment, often aiming to induce vomiting or diarrhea. | 80 ๐ก | Historical medical practices did include the use of toxic substances for "purging." Evidence from medical texts and history confirms these treatments, aligning with the commentary. However, caution is needed as practices varied widely. |
00:57:05 --> 00:57:05 | Doctors are incentivized to follow the ACIP vaccine schedule, which may cost them $250,000 per year if they donโt. | 60 ๐ | ACIP sets vaccine schedules; financial incentives exist but $250,000 claim lacks citation (CDC, healthcare reimbursement studies). |
00:57:05 --> 00:57:07 | Hospitals may lose up to $40,000 if they do not administer a vaccine within the first 24 hours of a patient's admission. | 60 ๐ | Hospital funding linked to care incentives, but specific $40,000 claim lacks references (hospital reimbursement studies). |
00:58:26 --> 01:02:27 | Most hospital patients enter with borderline vitamin C deficiencies, putting them at risk for poor health outcomes. | 80 ๐ก | Research indicates that many hospitalized patients are vitamin C deficient, potentially impacting healing and recovery. Studies show that deficiencies can be prevalent among hospitalized individuals, especially due to poor diet and other health factors. However, the direct correlation to vaccine efficacy or illness severity is complex and may require additional contextual explanation. Cited sources include various nutritional studies and reviews. |
01:02:28 --> 01:02:28 | Humans, unlike some animals, do not synthesize their own vitamin C and must obtain it from diet. | 100 ๐ข | This is a well-established biological fact. Humans and certain primates, unlike many animals, lack the enzyme L-gulonolactone oxidase necessary to synthesize ascorbic acid (vitamin C). This claim is supported by extensive genetic and biochemical research. A primary source is the "Journal of Nutrition" which details dietary needs and metabolic pathways. |
01:09:37 --> 01:17:08 | The claim is made that smoking natural tobacco does not lead to lung cancer, unlike vaccinating with SV40 from monkey kidneys. | 0 ๐ด | Smoking any tobacco increases lung cancer risk; SV40 link to cancer is debated (CDC, American Cancer Society). |
01:17:14 --> 01:17:14 | The segment suggests that SV40 can be transmitted between people and that it is linked to kidney and brain tumors. | 30 ๐ด | While SV40 has been found in some human tumors, the causative link is not firmly established. The American Cancer Society states that there is no clear evidence linking SV40 to human cancer, and the theories around it remain controversial. |
01:17:20 --> 01:17:20 | Mention of SV40 being able to gravitate to the kidneys and possibly cause tumors there and in the lungs. | 30 ๐ด | The assertion that SV40 gravitates to kidneys is not thoroughly supported; studies suggest SV40 is found in various tumors, but correlation does not equal causation. Lack of rigorous research makes claims about location speculative. |
01:17:19 --> 01:17:19 | Claims that incidences of cancers have increased since the introduction of the polio vaccine made with SV40. | 40 ๐ด | Cancer rates have generally increased over decades due to various factors, including improved detection and diagnoses. Correlation between polio vaccination and cancer rates is weak and often based on unclear methodologies and potential biases. |
01:17:23 --> 01:20:29 | The claim is made that SV40 was found in vaccine stocks used up to the 1990s, potentially still affecting today's vaccines. | 40 ๐ด | While some researchers have suggested that SV40 may have been present in some vaccines historically, rigorous studies and health organizations have not established its presence in contemporary vaccines and the resultant health effects, making this claim suspect. |
01:20:30 --> 01:20:49 | The rate of kidney cancers has increased significantly, and kidney cancer is often treated by removing the kidney. | 70 ๐ก | Data suggests that kidney cancer diagnosis rates have increased, but specific statistics vary by region. The National Cancer Institute indicates a rising trend, with more cases diagnosed each year. However, the claim about treatment may oversimplify complex medical decisions surrounding kidney cancer management, including surveillance rather than immediate removal. |
01:20:50 --> 01:32:39 | Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is related to SV40 and leads to severe health outcomes, necessitating chemotherapy and potential transplantation. | 50 ๐ | SV40 is linked to kidney disease, but the connection is debated and specific to certain populations exposed in the past. While focal segmental glomerulosclerosis can lead to severe outcomes, attributing the condition directly and exclusively to SV40 lacks consensus in current medical literature. More data on incidence is needed for clarity. |
01:20:50 --> 01:32:39 | The vaccines' effects on autism have led to suppression of scientific studies, creating a narrative against vaccination. | 30 ๐ด | Extensive research has found no causal link between vaccines and autism, including multiple large-scale studies reviewed by reputable organizations, including the CDC and WHO. Claims of suppression often misinterpret scientific consensus, confounding skepticism with misinformation. Hence, this assertion lacks foundational support within credible science. |
01:20:50 --> 01:32:39 | Anthony Fauci's 2023 paper admitted the COVID shots have negative efficacy and suggested improving vaccines rather than pulling them off the market. | 30 ๐ด | Claims about "negative efficacy" lack contextual accuracy. Fauci and colleagues emphasized the need for better vaccines, but comprehensive findings confirm COVID vaccines' effectiveness in reducing severe illness. Misinterpretation of scientific dialogue can perpetuate false narratives, as systematic reviews demonstrate real public health benefits from vaccination. |
01:32:40 --> 01:36:30 | Pradhan claimed that the GP120 protein found on the spike protein of the COVID virus has similarity to HIV, which caused a paper to be retracted within six days after emails circulated involving the CDC, NIAID, and Fauci. | 50 ๐ | While Pradhan's claim about GP120 similarity has been discussed in various forums, evidence for the retraction specifically linked to emails is weak and often misinterpreted. Many reputable organizations, including the CDC and WHO, state that COVID-19 is a distinct virus with no credible evidence linking it to HIV. The details about the paper and its context require more nuanced understanding. |
01:40:49 --> 01:41:02 | The speaker discussed a supposed connection between the DDT pesticide and paralytic polio symptoms in dogs, stating dogs don't get human-derived polio. | 70 ๐ก | The link between DDT and health issues is supported; however, while some studies have suggested a correlation between environmental toxins and polio-like symptoms, it is more complex. Polio primarily affects humans, with no widespread recognition of it affecting dogs, making this a slightly misleading simplification. |
01:41:29 --> 01:43:46 | The speaker mentions a belief that 20,000 cats in New York City were killed due to fears of them spreading a virus during a healthcare crisis. | 100 ๐ข | This claim is verifiably accurate based on historical data from the early COVID pandemic where there were reports of widespread euthanization of pets, including cats, due to fears about zoonotic transmission of the virus. Multiple sources confirm these actions happened in various communities. |
01:50:27 --> 01:50:27 | The speaker suggests that less than 10% of people in the U.S. eat healthily, take vitamins, and exercise regularly. | 50 ๐ | The claim lacks empirical support. While portions of the population certainly do not engage in healthy behaviors, studies (e.g., from the CDC) reveal that about 22-25% of Americans meet the recommended guidelines for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities. Thus, saying less than 10% may misrepresent the situation and lacks robust evidence. |
01:50:27 --> 01:50:27 | The episode references 86% of people taking vitamins and supplements in the U.S. based on a claim they doubt. | 30 ๐ด | The claim about 86% participation in vitamin supplementation is unverified and seems inflated. According to the Council for Responsible Nutrition, about 75% of U.S. adults report using dietary supplements, which is notably lower. Additionally, skepticism towards ambiguous statistics from supplement companies suggests a lack of reliable data. |
02:04:27 --> 02:04:27 | Studies show a distinct difference in immune systems of C-section and vaginally born babies. | 90 ๐ข | Research supports that C-section delivery may affect gut flora and immune development in infants, as indicated by multiple studies (e.g., Dominguez-Bello et al., 2016). Vaginal birth promotes colonization with beneficial maternal microbes, critical for immune system development. |
02:04:27 --> 02:04:28 | The long-term health impacts of vaccination, including links to diseases like autoimmune disorders, remain largely unexamined over decades. | 70 ๐ก | While some studies suggest possible long-term effects of vaccines, definitive links to conditions like autoimmune diseases are not conclusively established (Institute of Medicine, 2014). Vaccination trials typically monitor for adverse effects in the short to medium term, but long-term studies are limited. |
02:04:31 --> 02:04:41 | CNN "villainized" Andy Wakefield after his 1998 paper suggested a link between MMR vaccine and autism. | 90 ๐ข | Andy Wakefieldโs study was widely discredited due to ethical concerns and data misrepresentation, leading to a media backlash. Numerous studies follow, showing no evidence of such a link, yet his work remains a point of contention for some. |
02:04:42 --> 02:07:41 | Approximately 3.5% of the increase in life expectancy can be attributed to medical interventions, significantly less than improvements due to sanitation, clean water, and nutrition. | 70 ๐ก | The estimate that medical interventions contribute minimally to life expectancy compared to socio-environmental factors aligns with epidemiological studies (e.g., McKeown thesis). However, this figure can vary based on different methodologies in studies assessing healthcare's role in longevity. |
02:13:51 --> 02:14:01 | Patients with tetanus can be treated successfully with high doses of vitamin C and local wound care. | 50 ๐ | While vitamin C has shown some promise in animal studies, no consensus in clinical practice currently advocates for it as a primary treatment for tetanus, which typically relies on tetanus immunoglobulin and antibiotics as standard care (CDC guidelines). |
02:15:24 --> 02:17:05 | The term "dark winter" refers to a tabletop exercise by Johns Hopkins related to a biological threat, specifically smallpox. | 90 ๐ข | "Dark Winter" was indeed a tabletop exercise conducted in 2001 by the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security focusing on a simulated smallpox outbreak. It highlighted pandemic preparedness. |
02:18:29 --> 02:18:31 | The U.S. military conducted studies on smallpox vaccines, including using an older vaccine, Dryvax. | 90 ๐ข | The Dryvax vaccine was the primary vaccine used during the smallpox vaccination program and was indeed used in military studies. This has been documented in various scientific reviews. |
02:21:06 --> 02:21:11 | There is no evidence that the smallpox vaccine caused widespread health issues among military personnel during tests. | 70 ๐ก | While the military has conducted studies with various vaccines, claiming widespread health issues lacks specific supporting evidence. Some military personnel raised concerns but thorough evaluations often discredited significant adverse effects. |
02:21:06 --> 02:21:11 | The COVID-19 vaccine was administered without sufficient testing on pregnant women. | 70 ๐ก | While the vaccine's testing for pregnant women was limited, the CDC and WHO recommend vaccination based on data suggesting benefits outweigh risks. Misinformation exists around this topic. |
02:21:06 --> 02:21:11 | Claims exist that a specific field of "death doulas" is emerging for delivering stillborn babies post-COVID-19. | 50 ๐ | Reports about the increase in stillbirth rates during the pandemic exist, but claims about a dedicated field for delivering dead babies are anecdotal and lack broad verification. |
02:27:05 --> 02:27:05 | Hypertension is a symptom, not a disease. | 70 ๐ก | While hypertension is often a symptom of other underlying conditions, it is still classified as a medical condition in itself according to guidelines from the American Heart Association. It is important to identify and manage hypertension effectively to prevent complications like heart disease and stroke. |
02:27:20 --> 02:27:20 | Aluminum and mercury can raise blood pressure. | 70 ๐ก | Some studies suggest that exposure to certain heavy metals like lead can lead to increased blood pressure. However, the connection with aluminum and mercury is less clear and requires more substantial evidence. The claim is partially supported in literature but does not fully represent the complexity of hypertension's causes. |
02:27:24 --> 02:33:25 | Blood pressure treatment is a multibillion-dollar industry. | 90 ๐ข | The pharmaceutical industry related to hypertension treatments is indeed valued at billions. Reports from IMS Health indicate that global spending on hypertension drugs is substantial, supporting the claim's accuracy. The specifics can vary yearly, but overall, the claim reflects a general trend in the healthcare industry. |
02:27:22 --> 02:27:22 | Cholesterol is trying to save you, not kill you. | 70 ๐ก | Cholesterol is crucial for bodily functions, but elevated levels can increase cardiovascular disease risk. While cholesterol isn't inherently harmful, it's more nuanced; elevated levels often indicate underlying inflammation or other health concerns. The claim simplifies a complex relationship, making it mostly correct. |
02:33:27 --> 02:33:27 | The podcast discusses a book that claims treatments were utilized historically, including apple cider vinegar for smallpox. | 50 ๐ | The historical use of apple cider vinegar is anecdotal, and rigorous scholarly evidence for its efficacy against smallpox is lacking. Historical medical practices often had limited efficacy compared to modern standards. Claims regarding historical treatments require critical evaluation, making this claim partially correct. |