An individual heavily involved in the anti-vaccine movement, who has influenced the views of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. concerning a potential link to autism, has recently joined his department to participate in a study examining this debunked theory, as reported by sources familiar with the situation.
David Geier, the new analyst, has authored numerous articles in medical literature attempting to connect mercury in vaccines to autism. In 2012, authorities in Maryland discovered that he had been practicing medicine without a license alongside his father, Mark Geier, who was a doctor at the time.
Furthermore, Maryland authorities revoked Mark Geier’s medical license due to allegations of endangering children with autism and taking advantage of their parents, according to state records.
Federal judges have dismissed their research on autism and vaccines as too unreliable to hold up in court.
The appointment of David Geier in a government position has shocked public health experts, especially given Mr. Kennedy’s recent actions canceling a vaccine meeting and cutting grants related to understanding vaccine hesitancy.
His involvement in government research raises concerns about further deterioration in vaccine confidence, particularly after Mr. Kennedy’s endorsement of questionable alternative treatments for measles amid the outbreak in Texas.
Dr. Christopher Beyrer, director of the Duke Global Health Institute, warned, “If we see an increase in vaccine hesitancy and declining immunization rates, we can expect more outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.”
Some experts believe that appointing David Geier to study vaccine safety predetermined the outcome, akin to having a biased referee in a sports match.
Edward L. Hunter, former head of the Washington office of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, commented, “You would think a fresh perspective would be desired.”