A professor at Michigan State University (MSU), Dr. Mark Skidmore, has been cleared of charges related to alleged “unethical practices” in a study suggesting a potential link between COVID-19 vaccines and a significant number of deaths in the United States.
Dr. Skidmore, a distinguished economist with a substantial body of published work, released the study in BMC Infectious Disease in January, positing that vaccine-related fatalities in the U.S. might reach as high as 278,000. The study faced criticism and was subsequently retracted by the journal.
Following a seven-month investigation by the university's Institutional Review Board (IRB), Dr. Skidmore has been exonerated. The board determined that the study did not involve clinical work, relying solely on an online survey with no risk to human participants, thus classifying it as “exempt” from clinical study protocols. This outcome is crucial for Dr. Skidmore's professional standing, as allegations of noncompliance in clinical studies can have severe repercussions on a researcher's credibility and career.
Liberty Counsel, a Christian ministry, assisted Dr. Skidmore in addressing the anonymous complaints and navigating the investigation. The complaints centered on allegations of inadequate adherence to oversight procedures mandated for clinical studies. Liberty Counsel Chairman Mat Staver emphasized that the accusations against Dr. Skidmore were unfounded and highlighted the importance of researchers with integrity employing rigorous scientific protocols.
The study involved an online survey completed by 2,840 participants, aiming to discern factors influencing Americans' decisions to get vaccinated against COVID-19. However, a post-publication peer review criticized the methodology, citing a lack of proof of causal inference of mortality and insufficiently described study limitations.
Dr. Skidmore acknowledged that the study received extensive attention due to its resonance with individuals who believed their loved ones experienced harm from the COVID-19 vaccine. He also noted that, for various reasons, it provoked anger in some quarters.
Notably, other studies have also reported connections between COVID-19 vaccines and excess deaths. A March report from Phinance Technologies estimated approximately 310,000 excess deaths in the U.S. attributable to COVID-19 vaccines.
Recent research contradicts the CDC's assertion that mRNA from COVID-19 vaccines breaks down shortly after vaccination. It reveals that spike proteins persist in the biological fluids of those who received an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine for up to six months post-vaccination. This underscores the ongoing need for comprehensive research and scrutiny in this critical area.
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