anti-vaccine
Health care PACs fund campaigns of anti-vaccine legislators
Nearly 3,900 Ohioans are currently hospitalized with COVID-19, the most since mid-January, when vaccines were a scarce commodity allocated only to the neediest recipients. Through the pandemic, meanwhile, the Ohio Hospital Association’s PAC has contributed $13,000 to Republican lawmakers who co-sponsored legislation to ban vaccine mandates from hospitals, colleges, and employers in Ohio. Critics of […]
House GOP passes vaccine mandate ban after months of effort
After nearly six months of sustained efforts from anti-vaccination lawmakers and activists, Ohio House Republicans passed legislation Thursday prohibiting schools, colleges, and employers from requiring vaccination from employees and students. The legislation also extends a broad immunity for people and businesses against lawsuits alleging they negligently spread COVID-19. It passed with a nearly party line, […]
Ohio senator joined anti-vaccine panel hyping debunked, ‘alternative’ COVID treatments
An Ohio senator joined a conference of anti-vaccine advocates hyping “alternative” COVID-19 treatments, several of which like ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine are explicitly warned against by regulators, public health officials and medical associations. State Sen. Andrew Brenner, R-Delaware, was introduced as a “surprise special guest” amid a panel that included an anti-vaccination advocate who was indicted […]
Analysis: Collision looms in Ohio’s vaccination debate as more mandates stack up
In a sudden and unmistakable shift, Ohio’s vaccine debate transcended from the abstract to concrete. An inevitable collision looms. Even before the pandemic, some Ohio Republican lawmakers have sought to limit the ability of businesses — especially hospitals — to require vaccination from employees. This year, lawmakers have held repeated hearings on legislation to ban […]
Health Dept: Immunocrompromised Ohioans eligible for additional COVID-19 shot
The new head of the Ohio Department of Health said there are a few Ohioans who could be eligible for a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Based on action by the FDA and the CDC, an additional dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine is recommended for severely immunocompromised individuals. “These individuals have […]
Public health chief warns of new coronavirus variant but won’t endorse mask mandate
The United States has more than enough coronavirus vaccine and more than enough masks, yet the refusal to mask up and get vaccinated is driving a fourth wave of infection that is again crowding intensive-care units, including those for children. But Ohio Health Director Bruce Vanderhoff on Thursday said that instead of re-imposing mask mandates, […]
She says vaccines make you magnetized. This lawmaker invited her testimony, chair says.
After a discredited doctor’s conspiracy theories involving COVID-19 vaccines, magnetics and 5G towers made a mockery of the Ohio House of Representatives, the Health chairman blamed the sponsor of anti-vaccination legislation for inviting the doctor to testify before the committee. House Health Committee Chairman Scott Lipps, R-Franklin, said in an interview that fellow Republican Rep. […]
Public health officials try to battle the misinformation pandemic
Ohio continues to get good news in its fight against coronavirus. On Saturday, the infection rate dropped to less than 50 cases per 100,000 Ohioans. That’s the rate Gov. Mike DeWine originally set for removing COVID-related health orders, although he backed off of it as federal authorities eased masking guidance. The rate is a far, […]
GOP governor and lawmakers clash over vaccine policy
Through PSAs, press appearances with doctors, and even launching an unheard of $1 million lottery for immunized residents, GOP Gov. Mike DeWine wants to persuade Ohioans to choose to get vaccinated against COVID-19. He said the facts on vaccines, which are credited with saving millions of lives and eradicating smallpox from the face of the […]
House GOP takes aim at vaccine mandates from schools, employers, hospitals
Sponsor compares requesting proof of vaccination to Holocaust With demand for the COVID-19 vaccine in a recent slump, Ohio Republicans launched a pre-emptive strike Tuesday that would preclude a wide range of schools, businesses, and employers from mandating vaccinations. Rep. Jennifer Gross, R-West Chester, presented House Bill 248, the “Enact Vaccine Choice and Anti-Discrimination Act” […]