Hot Air » Blog Archive » Comedy gold: Bill Maher mumbles about vaccinations for six minutes

Comedy gold: Bill Maher mumbles about vaccinations for six minutes

posted at 9:57 pm on October 19, 2009 by Allahpundit
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Deep thoughts about swine flu and the mercury in your fillings from an anti-vaccination crank of longstanding. If anyone took him seriously, his peddling of this stuff would be worrisome. Fortunately, no one does.

Mr. Maher questioned letting someone stick “a disease into your arm,” wrongly implying that the flu shot contains a live virus. The flu shot is a killed vaccine. (Only the nasal mist vaccine contains a weakened live virus.)

He said he did not believe that healthy people were vulnerable to dying from the new H1N1 virus. This contradicts statements from the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that young, healthy people from ages 5 to 24 appear particularly vulnerable to this flu. About a third of the 76 children who have died of H1N1 since April have had no underlying health problems.

Mr. Maher also discouraged pregnant women from getting vaccinated. Studies show pregnant women are among the most vulnerable to serious complications from H1N1.

How FUBAR is this clip? Chris Matthews serves as the voice of reason. Enjoy.

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Shots for travel are suggested or required by the CDC, which is a US Federal Agency, and without paperwork proving that you have not gotten the required shots (as per the CDC), you don’t get the visa.
Is this not correct?
JeffinOrlando on October 20, 2009 at 9:20 AM

It’s correct, with two exceptions, per the CDC:

“The only vaccine required by International Health Regulations is yellow fever vaccination for travel to certain countries in sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America. Meningococcal vaccination is required by the government of Saudi Arabia for annual travel during the Hajj.”

Nichevo on October 20, 2009 at 9:52 AM

Dead people and people with severe reactions to new vaccinations would beg to differ. I am not saying that they are in the majority. But, with any new vax, we are the guinea pigs…you can only do so much lab testing before releasing it to the public. Most of our standard immunizations have gone through many, many revisions because of early side effects when they were first introduced. Granted, science has gotten much better and we know more. Still…worth it to research and have some healthy skepticism. IT’S YOUR BODY.

Diane on October 20, 2009 at 9:49 AM

Where are all these dead people?..where are all these people with severe reactions to the H1N1 vax?

If your point is to vaccinations…or any medications for that matter, its seems like an irrational position. If you’re claiming a specific problem with a particular medication or vax…what is it and what is your evidence?

Itchee Dryback on October 20, 2009 at 9:56 AM

Vaccine Heresy! That is even worse than being a crypto nazi. Charles Johnson is watching you Bill.

Mr. Joe on October 20, 2009 at 10:09 AM

Wrong. It’s not hysteria in my case. It’s an evaluation of the contents of every vaccination that enters my own body and the bodies of my children. Seems sober minded, in my opinion. I realize there are nut jobs. Dude, those are EVERYWHERE. I am a subscriber of both traditional AND holistic medicine and will research any treatment case by case to see what will best serve my medical needs. (Nope, not against chemo. sheesh.)

Diane on October 20, 2009 at 9:44 AM

You had an unfortunate experience with what you believe is a result of a vax. In the case of the allergic reaction in your son, it probably true.

The link to vax in guillain barre syndrome…not so much.

It’s an evaluation of the contents of every vaccination that enters my own body and the bodies of my children.

How are you more qualified to evaluate the contents of medications or vax?
The intent to do so is a good and caring thing, but the ability to actually arrive at rational conclusions to either take or not take a medication is an individual choice., and thats about all imo. there is no science behind it beyond the science of what makes a person feel good about their decisions.
There is the possibility of rare reactions, but there is even a greater chance of acquiring an infection during a pandemic. The choice is up to the individual. No science involved.

Didn’t mean to imply that you were against chemo..it was a general statement that, thought it doesn’t apply to you, the same type of fear and suspicion does apply to others.

Itchee Dryback on October 20, 2009 at 10:10 AM

I used to watch Maher on his ABC show. This was pre-2000, pre-Bush-hate, when he was a reasonably conservative (and reasonably funny) comedian who booked good (or at least interesting) guests.

I remember vividly the moment when I realized he was, simply, an idiot. The debate on PI had turned to health and life expectancy, and he INSISTED that in ancient times, people lived much longer than they did now – that today, cancer from pollution and stuff had shortened lives, and that in ancient Greece, for example, everybody lived to be over 90.

I was stunned, his audience was stunned, his guests were stunned. I wish I could find a clip of that.

playblu on October 20, 2009 at 10:22 AM

Next he will admit he is a closet Scientologist…

albill on October 20, 2009 at 10:44 AM

Welcome to the “reality based community”.

DJ Rick on October 20, 2009 at 10:44 AM

Gotta love Maher’s oh so relevant Republican bashing. Someone should tell him that his party controls all the branches of government.

Speedwagon82 on October 20, 2009 at 10:45 AM

As to your years of research…how was it conducted to insure the research you looked at was not biased to a particular conclusion based on your individual experience?

That I agree with…but it has absolutely noting to do with this particular topic.

Itchee Dryback on October 20, 2009 at 9:51 AM

1. My children’s traditional pedi is pro vax but gives parents the opportunity to read all ingredients and look into reactions. I’ve read the sources he provided and branched out from there. I stay away from quackery and read about every additive in each vax from their own sources. I’m a bit of a medical researcher…um…I’ve put a little too much time into it, actually. :) I gave that time frame because it’s as long as I’ve been a parent. First child’s reactions started my research.

2. Given that governments do mandate (and we also have a history of mandating vaccinations) it certainly is applicable. You seem to be a reverse Bill Maher, in that you are skeptical of government when it comes to everything else except when they join hands with a business such as pharma or med, while he isn’t skeptical of government in anything except this. Weird.

Diane on October 20, 2009 at 10:57 AM

I watched Maher’s ramblings last night on Red Eye. Puts Qaddafi to shame. I can see Qaddafi reclining in his Lazy Boy in the Libyan stronghold capital, lits dim, remote control by the side, flipping channels, and seeing Maher, and saying, “…wow. Now there’s a nutcase.”

Anywho, this is what Maher doesn’t see: it’s a combination between public health (you know, thinking of someone other than yourself) and inherit risk of anything medical. Ever had an operation? You sign several wavers–namely, because, even for the most simple operation, any complication can occur. And, unfortunately, rarely in the medical realm minor.

It boils down to this: you’re taking the absolutely remote chance of getting ill yourself to make sure that you don’t infect your neighbors, friends (okay, maybe not that much of an issue for Maher), family, etc. Prevention on your part may actually save other people’s lives.

That’s why Maher doesn’t get it. But, yeah, we need to stop man-made global warming. Why? Because it directly affect him and his island unto himself.

CatsGodot on October 20, 2009 at 11:10 AM

Itchee Dryback on October 20, 2009 at 10:10 AM

Psst. Ever heard of the last Swine Flu ourbreak when they vaccinated all those Americans who came down with guillain barre syndrome?

“dead people” is admittedly hyperbolic…I include those with other sever reactions. I also am not saying that there are widespread deaths, even reactions…I am saying that there needs to be more testing. Longitudinal testing. Particularly for those that a government mandates all people receive.

A good, balanced look at all vaccinations, hysteria-free: http://www.askdrsears.com/thevaccinebook/

Diane on October 20, 2009 at 11:13 AM

Psst. Ever heard of the last Swine Flu ~~ourbreak~~ outbreak when they vaccinated all those Americans who came down with guillain barre syndrome?

“dead people” is admittedly hyperbolic…I include those with other ~~sever~~ severe reactions.
Diane on October 20, 2009 at 11:13 AM

Insane with the typos today.

Diane on October 20, 2009 at 11:15 AM

I used to watch Maher on his ABC show. This was pre-2000, pre-Bush-hate, when he was a reasonably conservative (and reasonably funny) comedian who booked good (or at least interesting) guests….

playblu on October 20, 2009 at 10:22 AM

…um…what? Politically Incorrect, anyone? Let’s not forget the typical PI “round table”:

1. Lefty Celebrity #1
2. Noted Lefty Journalist / Politician
3. Lefty Celebrity #2
4. And, to make things all balanced, the Klu Klux Klan member to represent the right.

CatsGodot on October 20, 2009 at 11:16 AM

I heard a bit of his rant last night on BOR. Maher should watch it, his rant on this subject was so incredibly ignorant I was shocked but the positive was that it is a good indication of why we should either not listen to celebrities or fact check them

Maher is typical………..FOS.

ORconservative on October 20, 2009 at 11:33 AM

You had an unfortunate experience with what you believe is a result of a vax. In the case of the allergic reaction in your son, it probably true.

The link to vax in guillain barre syndrome…not so much.

Itchee Dryback on October 20, 2009 at 10:10 AM

No link to Guillain Barre? You might want to read the insert that comes with the vaccines.

jjjen on October 20, 2009 at 12:00 PM

Maher is still the rat faced, smart-ass punk who got slapped around in the halls in high school. Now he has some money and a following among brain dead leftists and phony elitist academics. As a matter of fact, if I saw him in a hall, anywhere, today, I think I’d just have to slap him around.

Star20 on October 20, 2009 at 12:51 PM

This tard thinks immunization is “unsettled” science and hoaxy but is all in on global warming hysteria as fact…

Wyznowski on October 20, 2009 at 1:16 PM

So he’s drunk again. What’s new about that?

Hummer53 on October 20, 2009 at 1:22 PM

My wife is pregnant and had an appointment today for a checkup. They gave her the H1N1 flu shot because from data in the state of SC, H1N1 virus has evidently been more dangerous to pregnant women.

Also during the swine flu pandemic in the early 1900’s my grandfather’s little 2yr old brother died from it. A very virulent strain evidently.

just some personal fyi’s

MechEng5by5 on October 20, 2009 at 1:54 PM

I may be the only one on here that agrees with Maher on this vaccination deal. So be it.

Livefreeordie on October 20, 2009 at 12:42 AM

No it’s not just you, I also agree with what he said about vaccinations. Not anything else he has ever said in his life, but I do agree with that. Go figure!

kg598301 on October 20, 2009 at 2:23 PM

Can’t I just punch this pseudo-intellectual fool in his doughy face? PLEASE?!!!!!

nelsonknows on October 20, 2009 at 2:29 PM

You seem to be a reverse Bill Maher, in that you are skeptical of government when it comes to everything else except when they join hands with a business such as pharma or med, while he isn’t skeptical of government in anything except this. Weird.

Diane on October 20, 2009 at 10:57 AM

My thoughts exactly. I don’t get it, unless it’s just got to be garbage because Bill Maher said it. Which, usually, is a good rule of thumb. ha ha

kg598301 on October 20, 2009 at 2:29 PM

I despise Bill Maher…

And I was never a vaccine weirdo till Obama came into power, coupled with meeting behind closed doors with Pharma lobbyists, that 80 billion dollar deal.

Then there’s the 178 percent jump in VeriChip stock after announcing it’s H1N1 patent.

An announcement today regarding the exclusive license granted to controversial chip-implant maker VeriChip (NasdaqCM: CHIP) for H1N1 detection sent CHIP shares hurtling nearly out of orbit — up 178%, or over $2 per share — to around $3.20 by Monday afternoon. Other news reports have cited that this is the biggest intra-day gain since the company went public in February 2007.

VeriChip’s development partner, RECEPTORS LLC, has granted exclusive rights to VeriChip to develop one of its patents based on the “virus triage detection system” used to treat H1N1 virus, commonly known as “swine flu.” The H1N1 virus sent shockwaves of worry about a dangerous pandemic developing world-wide, and just last week came FDA approval of the first treatments of the virus from Sanofi-Aventis SA (NYSE: SFY – News), CSL Ltd, MedImmune (now a subsidiary of AstraZeneca AZN) and Novartis AG (NYSE: NOV – News).

VeriChip is best known for its human-implantible RFID (radio frequency identification) chip, which has sparked controversy from civil rights groups and religious organizations alike. Some opponents of the technology have derided VeriChip products as “spy chips.”

However, others see the chips’ uses — such as the VeriMed Health Link System, which can quickly identify emergency room patients who cannot communicate for themselves — as part of the growing technological realm being developed to help counter both wide-scale viral outbreaks as well as the ability to ensure prompt treatment based on immediate access to medical records.

It’s just a little too freaky deaky for me. That doesn’t mean I won’t get the vaccine, I’ll just wait a while to see how the rest of the guinea pigs do first. This is when it sucks to be a parent and have to make an informed decision.

NTWR on October 20, 2009 at 2:51 PM

Sure, Maher, let´s NOT inoculate children against polio.

This guy is so unbelievably dumb, such an incredibly idiot. And this is the guy who makes fun of religious people? They found tribes in Papua-New Guinea less superstitious than this disgusting moron.

el gordo on October 20, 2009 at 5:08 PM

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