Less authoritarianism needed on vaccines

July 14, 2025

John Dwyer’s 9 July article on the epidemic of misinformation about the safety of vaccines omits in his bio his previous connections with Friends of Science in Medicine, an ultra-conservative organisation characterised by a narrow scientism. Dr Kerryn Phelps, formerly president of the Australian Medical Association, has been a strong critic of Dwyer’s approach.

Phelps herself and her partner were both damaged by the COVID vaccines, and other highly qualified medical experts have questioned the mainstream story on COVID vaccines.

For example, Wendy Hoy AO, Professor of Medicine at UQ, states in her foreword to a detailed 2022 report by Phillip M. Altman BPharm (Hons), MSc, PhD, Clinical Trial & Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs Consultant: “It is abundantly clear that there has been repression and suppression in scientific circles and the media of any views or suggestions that run counter to the government/mainstream narrative. However, many studies now indicate that the COVID-19 vaccines, especially the mRNA vaccines, are less than ‘safe and effective’, and the ramifications are truly confronting.”

Public trust in vaccines was damaged during the COVID pandemic by the relentless and authoritarian exhortations from politicians and bureaucrats. More of the same from John Dwyer is unlikely to improve matters.