TOM PATTERSON Unveils Why Trust in Doctors’ Advice Has Dwindled Post-COVID

By Dr. Thomas Patterson |

Vaccines, while not the flashiest achievements in modern medicine, are among its most impactful developments. They have nearly eradicated infectious childhood diseases—measles, diphtheria, mumps, rubella, smallpox, and polio—that once instilled fear in the hearts of parents.

Over the past fifty years, vaccinations have reportedly saved more than 150 million lives, decreasing infant mortality rates by 40% globally, and over 50% in African nations. In the U.S. alone, a 2005 study indicated that vaccines prevented 33,000 deaths and 14 million illnesses among infants born in 2001. The financial aspect cannot be underestimated, as vaccinations represent the most cost-effective medical intervention, delivering significant benefits for each dollar spent.

Despite their effectiveness, vaccines are not without side effects; however, these tend to be minor, such as a sore arm. Concerns about a link between vaccines and autism led to widespread scrutiny, especially as autism diagnoses soared alongside increased vaccine administration. The scientific community addressed these concerns earnestly, with extensive research involving hundreds of thousands of children confirming that vaccines do not cause autism.

Notwithstanding this successful track record, skepticism toward vaccines has increased in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S., once a leader in vaccination rates with 95% coverage, has seen a disturbing decline; approximately 70,000 fewer children have received their recommended vaccines since 2020.

This drop has sparked a resurgence of diseases previously thought eradicated. Despite being declared eliminated in 2020, measles outbreaks last year affected hundreds. Additionally, cases of chickenpox, whooping cough, and pneumonia are rising, indicating troubling trends ahead.

The erosion of trust in medical authorities appears to be a significant factor behind this public skepticism. Concerns stem from the perceived politicization of the public health establishment, which seemed more focused on promoting government policies than serving the public’s interests. This shift undermined trust, as many felt manipulated rather than informed.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the President’s Chief Medical Adviser on COVID-19, has faced extensive criticism in this context. Previously respected for his expertise, he became a controversial figure amid the pandemic. His initial warnings against mask dependence and later endorsements created confusion. This inconsistency led some to question the motives behind shifting public health messaging.

Fauci frequently changed his assessments regarding vaccination percentages needed for herd immunity, admitting these adjustments were tailored to what he believed the public could accept. He suggested arbitrary social distancing measures, later acknowledging these were not based on solid evidence. Furthermore, his initial enthusiasm for gain-of-function research in China’s Wuhan lab has come under scrutiny following concerns over a potential lab leak.

Fauci’s failure to equivalently address health risks from large gatherings—such as protests—while advocating for school shutdowns can also be seen as a failure in his communication strategy. His declaration, “I am the science,” exemplifies the problematic nature of authority-driven science in today’s context. Such statements have, regrettably, contributed to a fracture in trust that may have long-lasting repercussions for public health.

Dr. Thomas Patterson, a retired emergency physician and former Chairman of the Goldwater Institute, served as an Arizona State senator for a decade in the 1990s and was the Majority Leader from 1993 to 1996. He is also recognized for authoring Arizona’s original charter schools bill.