Mainstream media spark backlash promoting vaccine

by Yudi Sherman

Mainstream media recently made another attempt to promote the COVID-19 vaccine and persuade readers to submit to receiving the shot. In articles titled identically or similarly to the Jerusalem Post's Two-thirds of corona jab reactions caused by placebo effect – study, a paper cited suggests that common side effects, such as headaches and fatigue, are not due to the vaccine but to other factors. This is being called the “nocebo effect.”

“Scientists at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) in Boston examined data from 12 clinical trials of COVID vaccines and found the “nocebo effect” accounted for 76% of all common adverse reactions after the first dose, and nearly 52% after the second dose,” the Post reported. “A third of clinical trial participants who received no vaccine reported systemic adverse events like headache and fatigue.”

The articles quoted author Julia W. Haas, PHD, apparently to assuage concerns that post-vaccine headaches are not due to the vaccine.

“...concern about side effects is reported to be a reason for vaccine hesitancy,” said Haas.

Contrary to the mainstream narrative, common side effects are not related to vaccine hesitancy. A 2021 study on “vaccine hesitancy” published in the Israel Journal of Health Policy Research suggests the opposite:

“In Israel, vaccination hesitancy is associated with higher education, affirming that hesitancy results from reflection and convictions, rather than ignorance,” the study states. “A recent study...implies that vaccination compliance, even among medically informed individuals, relies on a personal risk–benefit perception that may be influenced by misinformation regarding vaccine safety."

The media appear to be completely unaware that many who are hesitant to get vaccinated are concerned about long-term side effects and are not actually worried about needing to take a nap.

The backlash was fierce.

As one Jerusalem Post reader commented, “Nobody is seriously concerned with the ‘milder side-effects, such as headaches, short-term fatigue and arm pain.’ The public wants reliable data concerning serious side effects. When will those be available [from an independent source]?”

Another said, “I had a 102 degree fever, was that also imaginary? I think a lot of the vaccine ‘benefits’ are also placebo.”

“I developed myocarditis and almost died after the pfizer booster shot. I work in a hospital and its not that uncommon,” said another reader.

“Were the people with myocarditis, blood clots, strokes, heart attacks and bell's palsy also suffering from the placebo effect? What about all the potential side effects listed on the vaccine insert?” asked another.

Other notable responses from readers include:

• “They seem to be running out of ideas to keep people in fear.”
• “No doubt those dying after the jab are also suffering from the placebo effect.”
• “This is extremely hard to believe. We all know people who died from this vaccine and suddently [sic] this is a placebo reaction. Well I'm having an extreme placebo reaction to this government.”
• “What hog wash! Myocarditis; sudden death; Parkinson's disease; Gillian Barre syndrome; tinnitus, pulmonary embolism; central venous thrombosis, stroke ...... all psychosomatic. Thanks for explaining that!”
• “I love how the JPost and other news outlets have decided to become high school science teachers.”

Mainstream media appear to be summarily out of touch with its readers, prompting one Israeli commentator to ask, “With governments and pharmaceutical companies as friends, who needs readers?”