An alternative message on COVID-19 vaccinations and treatments to that of government agencies emerged loud and clear at a summit Saturday in which doctors who challenge the data, mandates and other actions were met with standing ovations.
The Florida COVID Summit was held at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala and brought together doctors from across the United States who discussed vaccines, natural immunity for those who had already been infected with the virus , vaccination mandates and related topics.
The theme of the summit could be summed up by part of Dr. Heather Gessling’s speech: “I don’t think at this point we can trust these agencies. »
Several of the doctors who spoke out were criticized for pushing misinformation.
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Also speaking was Gainesville attorney Jeff Childers, who has represented opponents of vaccination and masking mandates in Alachua County, including Gainesville city employees.
Childers spoke about mandates and the role of medical and religious exemptions.
A key topic was the immunity of people who have contracted COVID-19 and the protection it offers.
Virologist Dr. Robert Malone presented slides to explain how different vaccines work and told people who have already had COVID-19 that they should not get vaccinated, adding that studies show that natural immunity is sustainable.
Malone criticized the Centers for Disease Control’s position that people who have had the virus should get vaccinated.
“The study that the CDC published on this is very flawed,” Malone said.
Texas cardiologist Dr. Paul McCullough, who has gained attention for his stances on the virus and vaccination, received a standing ovation when he was called on stage to speak and when he left.
The COVID-19 debate is “a battle between good and evil” and government agencies are not providing comprehensive information on research into the virus, he said.
McCullough said millions of children have already had COVID-19 undetected. The immunity they enjoy, he said, is “the way to break the grip of fear.”
“Vaccines cause myocarditis,” McCullough said. “Your children are more likely to be harmed by vaccines than by COVID. »
The CDC, National Institutes of Health and agencies say vaccines are generally safe for adults and children. Myocarditis, or heart inflammation, occurs in small numbers but is less dangerous than a serious coronavirus infection.
Research cited by the CDC suggests that vaccines are about five times more effective at preventing hospitalization than prior infection.
Treatments for coronavirus infection, including ivermectin, were also discussed.
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Ivermectin is particularly controversial. It is primarily used to deworm horses, but has also been used in humans to treat parasitic worms, lice, and some skin conditions.
Doctors said Saturday it was effective in treating the coronavirus.
“Many models over 10 years from 2012 show high effectiveness as an antiviral agent,” said Dr. Pierre Kory.
Government agencies have not approved its use for COVID-19 because its safety has not been evaluated.
The summit was hosted by Dr. John Littell of Ocala, who brought the audience to its feet when he announced that a federal judge had suspended the requirement for employers of more than 100 workers to ensure they are vaccinated or tested once a week.
About 800 people registered, and the final number of participants was even higher, said Rocky Haag, who helped organize the event.
Most of the participants were from the medical profession, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists and others.
Haag said they came from Florida and several other states.
