Jonathan Howard's latest podcast episode revisits the early COVID-19 predictions of Dr. John Ioannidis, a prominent figure known for his controversial stance on herd immunity and the pandemic's severity. Howard plays clips from Ioannidis' interviews and writings, highlighting significant discrepancies between his optimistic projections and the actual outcomes of the pandemic. The episode also addresses Ioannidis' views on vaccine side effects, contrasting them with the broader scientific consensus. Howard provides a thorough fact-check, drawing from various sources to debunk misleading claims and emphasize the importance of evidence-based approaches to public health.

• Dr. John Ioannidis' interview on "Perspectives on the Pandemic" (April 17, 2020)
• "A Fiasco in the Making: As the Coronavirus Pandemic Takes Hold, We Are Making Decisions Without Reliable Data" by Dr. John Ioannidis (Stat News, March 17, 2020)
• "Coronavirus Disease 2019: The Harms of Exaggerated Information and Non-Evidence-Based Measures" by Dr. John Ioannidis (March 19, 2020)
• "COVID Cases Up 250% in Two Months: This Variant Is Harder to Duck" (The Gothamist, July 4, 2024)
• "COVID Levels in Bay Area Wastewater Now as High as Winter Peak" (Bay Area News, July 2024)
• "More ER Patients in Florida Test Positive for COVID: The Surge Is Different This Time" (Florida Health News, July 2024)
• NIH Study: "Reinfections from the Virus that Causes COVID-19 Likely Have Similar Severity as the Original Infection" (July 11, 2024)
• "COVID Vax Not Linked to Sudden Deaths in Young Adults" (MedPage Today, 2024)
• "Hundreds of Young Americans Have Now Been Killed by the Coronavirus Data Shows" (Washington Post, April 8, 2020)
• Dr. Ioannidis' statements in various interviews and articles (April 2020 - June 2020)

The content presented in the "We Want Them Infected" Podcast and associated book is intended for informational and educational purposes only.

The views and opinions expressed by the speakers, hosts, and guests on the podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the creators, producers, or distributors. The information provided in this podcast should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical, scientific, or legal advice. Listeners and readers are encouraged to consult with relevant experts and authorities for specific guidance and information.

The creators of the podcast and book have made reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided is accurate and up to date. However, as the field of medical science and the understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to evolve, there may be new developments and insights that are not covered in this content.

The creators are not responsible for any errors or omissions in the content or for any actions taken based on the information provided. They disclaim any liability for any loss, injury, or damage incurred by individuals who rely on the content.

Listeners and readers are urged to use their judgment and conduct their own research when interpreting the information presented in the "We Want Them Infected" podcast and book. It is essential to stay informed about the latest updates, guidelines, and recommendations related to COVID-19 and vaccination from reputable sources, such as government health agencies and medical professionals.

By accessing and using the content, you acknowledge and accept the terms of this disclaimer.

Please consult with appropriate experts and authorities for specific guidance on matters related to health, science, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Jonathan Howard and Wendy Orent critically examine the Great Barrington Declaration, a controversial document that proposed achieving herd immunity by allowing COVID-19 to spread among low-risk populations. They explore the impracticalities and dangers of this plan, the public's rejection of it, and the declaration's failure to protect vulnerable individuals. The discussion highlights the unrealistic expectations of the declaration's authors and the real-world consequences of their recommendations. This episode underscores the importance of practical, evidence-based public health strategies.

• The Great Barrington Declaration - Original document outlining the plan for achieving herd immunity through natural infection.
• Medscape Article on Biden's Cognitive State - A piece discussing the speculation about President Biden's cognitive state during the pandemic.
• Science-Based Medicine Articles - Analysis and critiques of the Great Barrington Declaration and its premises.
• House Report: The Atlas Dogma - A detailed examination of Dr. Scott Atlas's influence on the Trump administration's COVID-19 policies.
• Changing Age Distribution of the COVID-19 Pandemic - Study highlighting the spread of COVID-19 among different age groups and its implications.
• Kit Yates' Modeling Study - A study identifying the flaws in shielding strategies like the Great Barrington Declaration's focused protection.
• Voices for Vaccines - Noah Louis Ferdinand's series on the shortcomings of focus protection strategies.
• Newsweek Article: How Fauci Fooled America - An article representing the Great Barrington Declaration authors' criticism of Dr. Anthony Fauci.
• Florida Delta Wave Reports - News articles discussing the impact of the Delta wave in Florida, including school closures and record deaths.
• CDC Guidelines and Recommendations - Official guidelines on COVID-19 prevention and vaccination strategies.

The content presented in the "We Want Them Infected" Podcast and associated book is intended for informational and educational purposes only.

The views and opinions expressed by the speakers, hosts, and guests on the podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the creators, producers, or distributors. The information provided in this podcast should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical, scientific, or legal advice. Listeners and readers are encouraged to consult with relevant experts and authorities for specific guidance and information.

The creators of the podcast and book have made reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided is accurate and up to date. However, as the field of medical science and the understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to evolve, there may be new developments and insights that are not covered in this content.

The creators are not responsible for any errors or omissions in the content or for any actions taken based on the information provided. They disclaim any liability for any loss, injury, or damage incurred by individuals who rely on the content.

Listeners and readers are urged to use their judgment and conduct their own research when interpreting the information presented in the "We Want Them Infected" podcast and book. It is essential to stay informed about the latest updates, guidelines, and recommendations related to COVID-19 and vaccination from reputable sources, such as government health agencies and medical professionals.

By accessing and using the content, you acknowledge and accept the terms of this disclaimer.

Please consult with appropriate experts and authorities for specific guidance on matters related to health, science, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jonathan Howard and Wendy Orent critically examine the premature declarations of herd immunity made by various doctors during the COVID-19 pandemic. They revisit statements by Dr. Marty McCary, Dr. Monica Gandhi, Dr. Lucy McBride, and others who incorrectly claimed that the pandemic was nearly over, even as new variants like Delta and Omicron emerged. The hosts discuss the impact of these false claims on public health and trust in medical professionals, emphasizing the need for accurate information and responsible communication. They explore how these declarations contributed to complacency and undermined efforts to control the virus. The episode underscores the importance of accountability and the role of hindsight in evaluating past public health strategies.

1. Great Barrington Declaration

2. Articles by Dr. Marty McCary:

   • "Natural immunity to COVID is powerful. Policymakers seem afraid to say so."

   • "We'll have herd immunity by April."

   • "Risk of COVID is now very low. It's time to stop living in fear."

   • "The Power of Natural Immunity"

3. Articles by Dr. Monica Gandhi:

   • "Stop panicking about COVID-19 variants"

   • "The reassuring data on the Delta variant"

   • "The cautious case for COVID optimism"

4. Article by Dr. Lucy McBride:

   • "I've been yearning for an end of the pandemic. Now that it's here, I'm a little afraid."

5. Dr. John Mandrola's tweets and articles on the end of the pandemic

6. Scott Atlas's articles:

   • "Reentry After the Panic, Paying the Health Price of Extreme Isolation"

   • "The Data Is In, Stop the Panic and End the Total Isolation"

7. Urgency of Normal initiative

8. Vinay Prasad's tweets and articles on the end of the pandemic

9. Videos and interviews from various media outlets featuring the mentioned doctors

10. Twitter feeds and public statements of the discussed doctors for further context.

The content presented in the "We Want Them Infected" Podcast and associated book is intended for informational and educational purposes only.

The views and opinions expressed by the speakers, hosts, and guests on the podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the creators, producers, or distributors. The information provided in this podcast should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical, scientific, or legal advice. Listeners and readers are encouraged to consult with relevant experts and authorities for specific guidance and information.

The creators of the podcast and book have made reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided is accurate and up to date. However, as the field of medical science and the understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to evolve, there may be new developments and insights that are not covered in this content.

The creators are not responsible for any errors or omissions in the content or for any actions taken based on the information provided. They disclaim any liability for any loss, injury, or damage incurred by individuals who rely on the content.

Listeners and readers are urged to use their judgment and conduct their own research when interpreting the information presented in the "We Want Them Infected" podcast and book. It is essential to stay informed about the latest updates, guidelines, and recommendations related to COVID-19 and vaccination from reputable sources, such as government health agencies and medical professionals.

By accessing and using the content, you acknowledge and accept the terms of this disclaimer.

Please consult with appropriate experts and authorities for specific guidance on matters related to health, science, and the COVID-19 pandemic.