Dr. Mike Varshavski, better known as “Dr. Mike” with millions of followers on social media, is hitting back at Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s controversial claim about the MMR vaccine. Kennedy, during a recent NewsNation interview, stirred up concern by suggesting the vaccine contains “a lot of aborted fetus debris and DNA particles,” a statement that Dr. Mike immediately labeled as misleading and irresponsible.
The Facts Behind the MMR Vaccine
In a conversation with TMZ, Dr. Mike explained that while it’s true fetal cells from two ethically performed abortions were originally used more than 50 years ago to grow the virus in the MMR vaccine, the final vaccine product contains only an extremely minimal amount of any genetic material from those cells. He clarified that this amount is so infinitesimal it’s virtually nonexistent, pointing out that the vaccine is not made with “fetal tissue” but rather with a cultured virus grown from those cells.
Misleading Information?
Dr. Mike didn’t hold back in his criticism of RFK Jr., accusing him of “fear mongering” and being “reckless” with his statements. He emphasized that there is no active fetal tissue in the vaccine, addressing a common misconception about the production process. The cells from the two original fetuses were used to develop the vaccine decades ago, but today, the virus used in the vaccine is replicated from those initial cells, with no risk of harm to humans.
A Call for Accountability
Beyond correcting RFK Jr.’s statements, Dr. Mike shared his thoughts on the broader issue of misinformation in the public health debate. He stressed that professionals should be open to changing their opinions as new research emerges, but the key is to ensure that such changes are backed by evidence, rather than perpetuating false information without support.
The Role of Family Doctors in Vaccine Conversations
For parents still uncertain about the safety of the MMR vaccine, Dr. Mike urged them to consult their family doctors and rely on well-supported scientific data, rather than turning to unreliable sources or social media “experts.” He cautioned against trusting people who “got their degree from the University of Google,” a lighthearted jab at the widespread misinformation found online.
As Dr. Mike continues to use his platform to promote accurate health information, it’s clear that he’s not backing down in the fight against misleading narratives around vaccines and public health.
