From: Jorgensen, Cynthia (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)

Sent: Mon, 16 Aug 2021 13:43:26 40000

To: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)
Subject: lanaguage?

From: Downs, Alycia E. (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>

Sent: Friday, August 13, 2021 4:35 PM
To: Lowndes, Andrew (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <lix2@ecdc gov»; LaRocque, Marcie
(CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <[email protected]>; St James, Jacqueline N. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/0D) (CTR)
<[email protected]>
Ce: Ponder, Marilyn (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <qvig@ede gov»; Witbart, Lauren Ann
(CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <xap3@cde gov
Subject: RE: Who owns this page?
00 you all have recommended updates for the content?

Alycia
From: Lowndes, Andrew (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <llx2@cdc gov>
Sent: Friday, August 13, 2021 3:47 PM
“To: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <gfy@cdc.£0v>; LaRocque, Marcie (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/0D)
(CTR) <[email protected]>; St James, Jacqueline N. (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <[email protected]>
Ce: Ponder, Marilyn (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <[email protected]>; Witbart, Lauren Ann
(CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <xap3@cde gov>
Subject: RE: Who owns this page?
HiAlycia,
People have been asking us if COVID-19 vaccines are not technically vaccines. They often cite that page
25 CDC’ definition for what counts as a vaccine. Here are a few examples (more in the attached
spreadsheets):
« Isittrue that this shot for Covid is not actuallya vaccine per your definition? Does this shot
make you immune to the Covid virus? If not, why should | get the shot?
« Reading the CC's definition of vaccine i says ..10 produce immunity to. specific
disease." Everything you read today says this shot doesn't give you immunity but helps a
person fight off the infection. Our question is how is the CDC and the rest of the world allowed
to call the shota vaccination when it doesn't even meet your own definition
hitps://www cde gov/vaceines/vac-gen/imz-basics him The definition of the word vaccine used
on this page states that avaccine produces immunity. Further, immunity is defined as being.
exposed tot the pathogen) without becoming infected. There are several vaccines, including
the new COVID vaccines that do not produce immunity as defined. Would t be possible for you
to update the page to be more clear on the definition ofa vaccine? | was directed to this page
by someone attempting to use it asproof that the EUA COVID vaccines are not really vaccines
since they do not provide immunity as defined on the linked page. Hopefully this can help clear
up some disinformation that has been spread during the pandemic.
« Please update the definition of vaccine on your website found at
hitps://www.cde gov/vacines/vacgen/imz-basics htm People are citing this as proof that the.
mRNA vaccines are not really vaccines. The definition needs to include new technological
advances (miriam webster has done this). Thanks
Right-wing covid-19 pandemic deniers are using your "vaccine" definition to argue that mRNA
vaccines are not vaccines: Here is the definition from the CDC website: Vaccine: A product that
stimulates a person's immune system to produce immunity to a specific disease, protecting the
person from that disease. Vaccines are usually administered through needle injections, but can
also be administered by mouth or sprayed into the nose. The phrase "to produce immunity” was
interpreted to mean “complete” or “perfect” immunity. This was twisted to claimthat the
existing covid-19 vaccines were not vaccines because they only prevented severe fines. | think
it would be more accurate to say thata vaccine function is "to stimulate an immune response"
10beclear that perfect immunity isnot what defines a vaccine.
Best,
Andrew
From: Downs, Alycia E. (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)<[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, August 13, 2021 3:29 PM
To: LaRocque, Marcie (CDG/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <lox3@cde gov; St James, Jacqueline N.
(COC/DDID/NCIRD/0D) (CTR) <[email protected]>
Cc: Ponder, Marilyn (COC/DDID/NCIRD/0D) (CTR)<avl8@cdcgov»; Lowndes, Andrew
(CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR)<Ihx2 @cde.gov>; Witbart, Lauren Ann (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)
<ap3@cdegor>
‘Subject: RE: Who owns this page?
Yes, there are a fewofthese pages we are reviewing.
What are the questions coming in?
Alycia
From: LaRocque, Marcie (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <lox3@cdcgov>
‘Sent: Friday, August 13, 2021 2:56 PM
To: st James, Jacqueline N. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <ibx9@cdc gov; Downs, Alycia E.
(CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <gfyd@cdc gov>
Ce: Ponder, Marilyn (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <[email protected]>; Lowndes, Andrew
(CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <lx2@cdegov; Witbart, Lauren Ann (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)
<ap3@cicgov
Subject: RE: Who owns this page?
‘Adding Alycia
~Alycia we've talked about this page/section of pages recently. See below.
From: St James, Jacqueline N. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, August 13, 2021 2:53 PM
To: LaRocque, Marcie (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <[email protected]>
Cc: Ponder, Marilyn (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <[email protected]>; Lowndes, Andrew
(CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR)<[email protected]>; Witbart, Lauren Ann (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)
<xap3@cdcgov>
Subject: RE: Who owns this page?
Marcie, who own this page- Immunization Basics|COC?
JACQUIE ST JAMES, MPH | Web Designer/ UX Wiiter
Peraton | Health Protection Solutions.
ContractorforNIRD.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
:404-498.2683 | C: 404-502-4231 | [email protected]
From: Witbart, Lauren Ann (CDC/ODID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, August 13, 2021 2:49 PM
To: st James, Jacqueline N. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <ibx9@cdc gov>
Ce: Ponder, Marilyn (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <[email protected]>; Lowndes, Andrew
(CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <[email protected]>
Subject: Who owns this page?
HiJacauie,

“Thank you!
Lauren
Lauren Witbart | MEG. | EGS. | MPH
NCIR|D HCSO
VIF |DataUnit
oe
From:

To:
ae
Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)

NCIRDwebteam (CDC)

[CDC-1962483-B1N3Y9] CRM:00701034

From: LaRocque, Marcie (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <[email protected]> On Behalf Of NCIRDwebteam

(coc)
nisirats ss aio
To: Downs, Alycia E. (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <gfy4@cdc gov
Subject: FW: CDC INFO; Topic Glossary entry for &quot;vaccine&quot; is too narrow; [CDC-1962483-
BIN3Y9) CRM:00701034

re SRE
Requestor is suggesting we update to match imz-basics.
[I=
Please broaden the glossary entry for "vaccine"

es
(https://www.cde.gov/vaccines/terms/glossary.html#v) to match the definition on the CDC

The too-narrow definition in the Glossary is being used by anti-vaxxers to spread the lie that the
mRNA COVID vaccines are not "vaccines."

su,
From: NIPINFO (CDC) <[email protected]>

To: NCIRDwebteam (CDC) <[email protected]>

A
glossary content).

ss
To ——
 Subject: COC INFO; Topic Glossary entry for &quotvaccine&quot; is too narrow; [COC-1962483-BIN3Y9)
CRM:00701034

“Thank you for contacting CDC-INFO.

Your comments have been forwarded to the appropriate CDC program for their information.
*+*Feedback about your experience with CDC-INFO is important to us and wil help us continue
to improve. Please rate your interaction by completing this shortsurvey:
hitps:/www.surveymonkey.com/t/FKXRCGS?Caseld=CDC-1962483-BIN3Y9
Responses are kept completely confidential. ***

“Thank you for contacting CDC-INFO. For more information, please call 1-§00-CDC-INFO
(800-232-4636), visitwww.cde.gov and click on “Contact CDC-INFO,” or go to
‘www ede. gov/info. This e-mail was sent from an unmonitored mailbox, and CDC-INFO will not
respond to replies sent to this mailbox. Ifyou have questions or comments, please send them via
our online form at ww. cde.gov/info.
CDC-INFO is a serviceofthe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). This service is provided by the
Verizon and MAXIMUS contract with CDC and ATSDR.
VG1109
errr Original Message----—--------
Sent: 8/20/2021
From: General Public
Subject: Glossary entry for "vaccine" is too narrow
Email Address: rE
Question: Please broaden the glossary entry for "vaccine"
(https://wwiw. cde. gov/vaceines/terms/glossary. htmi#v) to match the definition on the CDC
Immunization Basics page: htps://www.cde.zov/vacines/vac-gen/imz-basics him
“The too-narrow definition in the Glossary is being used by anti-vaxxers to spread theli that the
mRNA COVID vaccines are not "vaccines."
Optional Information
Name:
Title:
Phone:
Other Email:
Address:
PII Extraction:
 From: Jones, James (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/0D) (CTR)
Sent: Wed, 15ep 2021 18:35:21 +0000
To: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)
Subject: RE: Immunization Basics update - due by COB

HiAlycia,
“This request has been completed and pushed lve:
Immunization Basics| CDC
Thanks,
Mike
James Michael Jones (Mike)
Hoalth Communication SpocialstWober Shandwick
ContractorforHCSONCIRDICDC.
0404.718:5522 | C: 678-416-1541 | [email protected]

From: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>

Sent: Wednesday, September 1, 20211249 PM
To: Jones, James (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <[email protected]>
Subject: Immunization Basics update-du by COB
HiMike,
Please submita ticket to get this definition updated ASAP on this page: Immunization Basics| COC
Currently posted:
Vaccine:A product that stimulates a person's immune system to produce immunity to aspecific
disease, protecting the person from that disease. Vaccines are usually administered through
needle injections, but can also be administered by mouth or sprayed into the nose.
Update to:
Vaccine:
A preparation that is used to stimulate the body's immune response against diseases.
Vaccinesare usually administered through needle injections, but some can be administered by
mouth or sprayed into the nose.
Thanks!
Aycia
From: Jones, James (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR)

To: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)

Subject: RE: Immunization Basics

RR
From: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>

To: Jones, James (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <[email protected]>

‘Subject: RE: Immunization Basics

”
From: Jones, James (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <[email protected]>

To: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>

Subject: RE: Immunization Basics

From: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>

To: Jones, James (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <[email protected]>

‘Subject: Immunization Basics
Due Friday, 8/27.
Thanks!
Alycia
 From: Jones, James (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR)
Sent: Tue, 24 Aug 2021 18:02:22 +0000
To: ‘Downs, Alycia E. (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)
Subject: RE: Immunization Basics

Okay- thanks very much.

From: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)<gfy4@cdcgov>

‘Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 2021 2:01 PM
To: Jones, James (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <[email protected]>
‘Subject: RE: Immunization Basics.

‘This page will eventually redirect to anotherbutwe need to keep it for now.
From: Jones, James (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR)<[email protected]>
‘Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 2021 1:45 PM
To: Downs, Alycia £. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)<[email protected]>
‘Subject: RE: Immunization Basics.
Hi Alycia,

“Thanks,
Mike
James Michael Jones (Mike)
Hoalth Communication SpocialstWober Shandwick
Contrac forHCSONCIRDICDC.
tor
0/404.718:5522 | C: 678-416-1541 | [email protected]

From: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <gfy4@cdc sov>

‘Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 2021 11:59 AM
Subject: Immunization Basics
Due Friday, 8/27.
Thanks!
Alycia
 From: Downs, Alycia E. COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)
Sent: Tue, 24 Aug 2021 18:19:27 +0000
To: Jones, James (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR)
Subject: RE: Immunization Basics

‘Thanks, | should have mentioned it before!

From: Jones, James (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <oiw8@cdc. gov
Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 2021 2:19 PM
To: Downs, Alycia E. (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
‘Subject: RE: Immunization Basics.
Ofcourse = no problem.
From: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/0D) <gfy4@cdc gov>
Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 2021 2:17 PM
To: Jones, James (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <[email protected]>
‘Subject: RE: Immunization Basics.
he
definition of vaccin

From: Jones, James (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <ciw8@cdegov

Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 2021 2:14 PM
To: Downs, Alycia E. (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)<gfyé@cdc.gov>
‘Subject: RE: Immunization Basics

Your request: Changes to “Immunization Basics" page has been completed and pushed live.
Immunization Basics| CDC
Mike
From: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <gfy4@cdc gov>
Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 2021 11:59 AM
To: Jones, James (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <oiwS@cde gov>
Subject: Immunization Basics
On this page: immunization Basics| COC
Due Friday, 8/27.
Thanks!
Alycia
 From: Kroger, Andrew (CDC/DDIO/NCIRD/ISD)
sent: Thu, 9 Sep 2021 16:23:41 +0000
To: Nordlund, Kristen (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD); Morell, Valerie
(CDC/DDID/NCIRO/ISD)
Subject: RE: Issue (MIS-126231) fact checking social media lam of COC changing its
definition of vaccine- NEW

EET
Andrew

Andrew Kroger MD, MPH

Communication and Education Branch
Immunization Services Division
National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Roybal Campus
1600 Cifton Road, M/S A-19
Atlanta, GA 30329-4027

From: Nordlund, Kristen (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <hokd@cdc gov

Sent: Thursday, September9, 2021 11:21 AM
To: Kroger, Andrew (COC/ODID/NCIRD/ISD) <[email protected]>; Morell, Valerie (COC/DDID/NCIRO/1SD)
<wma@cdcgov>
Subject: RE: Issue (MIS-126231) fact checking social media claim of COC changing its definition of
vaccine - NEW
Thanks Andrew. Two questions:

Thanks,
Kristen
From: Kroger, Andrew (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/ISD)<aok2@cdegov>
Sent: Wednesday, September 8, 2021 6:45 PM
To: Morell, Valerie (CDC/0DID/NCIRD/ISD) <xmé@cdc. gov>
a: Nordlund, Kristen (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)<hoké@cdc.gov>
Subject: RE: Issue (MIS-126231) fact checking social media claim of COC changing its definition of
vaccine - NEW

Andrew
Andrew Kroger MD, MPH
Communication and Education Branch
Immunization Services Division
National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Roybal Campus
1600 Clifton Road, M/S A-19
Adanta, GA 30329-4027

From: Morell, Valerie (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/ISD) <vamé@cdc gov>

Sent: Wednesday, September 8, 20214:24 PM
To: Kroger, Andrew (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/ISD) <[email protected]>
Ce: Nordlund, Kristen (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)<hoké@cdegov>
Subject: FW: Issue (MIS-126231) fact checking social media claimof COC changing ts definition of
vaccine - NEW

=
From: Nordlund, Kristen (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
‘Sent: Wednesday, September 8, 2021 2:42 PM
To: Morell, Valerie (COC/DDID/NCIRD/ISD) <[email protected]>
Ce: Grusich, Katherina (Kate) (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <yhb3@cdegov>
‘Subject: FW: Issue (MIS-126231) fact checking social media claim of COC changing its definition of
vaccine - NEW
Valerie,
We have a fact check from Miami Herald abouta tweet calling out the change in CDC's definition of “vaccine”
onthe website. Are you okay if we provide the below?

Thanks,
Kristen
From: NMB Media Inquiry System (COC) <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, September 8, 2021 10:48 AM
To: Pauley, Scott (CDC/OD/OADC) <[email protected]>
‘Subject: Issue (MIS-126231) fact checking social media claim of COC changing ts definition of vaccine-
New
Inquiry MIS-126231 has been created and assigned to Pauley, Scott (CDC/OD/OADC)
Mobile Link | Details
Priority: Normal
Deadline DateTime: 2021-09-08 16:34:00.0
Summary: fact checking social media claimof COC changing ts definition of vaccine.
Status: PO Review
Media Outlet : [Miamiterald]
‘Team: Deputy Team
Media Reporter: Katie Camero
Email Address: [email protected]

Inquiry Description:
Hello,

Its spreading on Twitter that the CDC changed its definitionofthe term "vaccine." and some
people are using that to say the COVID-19 vaccines do not work.

see this website was last "reviewed" Sept. I.

Can the CDC clarify this change, explain why it was changed and share what the definition
of "vaccine" was before.

Regards,

Katie Camero
National Real-Time Team
Science Reporter, McClatchy
Twitter: @camerokt_
Some Wed 8500 2021 202218.40000
From: Morelli, Valerie (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/ISD)

To: Nordlund, Kristen (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)

Gemion of vaccine NEW

Subject: RE: Issue (MIS-126231) fact checking social media claim of CDC changing its

LE |

1
Sent Wednesday, sepromer 8, 2001242 OD)
From: Nordlund, Kristen (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/ <[email protected]>

‘To: Morelli, Valerie (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/ISD) <[email protected]>

Ce: Grusich, Katherina (Kate) (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
‘Subject: FW: Issue (MIS-126231) fact checking social media claimof CDC changing its definition of
acim NEW
varie,
Wekows fat check from iam bers shou tweet celing ou the change fo COCs defiton of “cso”
ei. moi ——————

Toa,
ni
gov
rom: NMS Media Inquiry System (600) <msira@cdc
Sent Wednesday, Septemer 5, 2021 10.43 AM
To: Pauley, Scott (CDC/OD/OADC) <[email protected]>

New
‘Subject: Issue (MIS-126231) fact checking social media claim of CDC changing its definition of vaccine -

Inuit MIS-126231 has boon created and assigned t Pauly, Scot (CDGIODIOADC)
Mobile Link | Details

Priority: Normal

Deadline DateTime: 2021.05.08 16:34:00.0

Summary fact checkin socal medi dim of COC chaning s definition of vaccine
Status: PO Review
Media Outlet :[MiamiHerald]
Team: Deputy Team
Media Reporter: Katie Camero
Email Address: [email protected]

Inquiry Description:
Hello,

Its spreading on Twitter that the CDC changed its definitionofthe term "vaccine," and some
people are using that to say the COVID-19 vaccines do not work.

see this website was last "reviewed" Sept. I.

Can the CDC clarify this change, explain why it was changed and share what the definition
of "vaccine" was before.

Regards,

Katie Camero
National Real-Time Team
Science Reporter, McClatchy
Twitter: @camerokt_
From: Jones, James (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR)
sent: Wed, 1Sep 2021 18:57:54 +0000
To: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)
Subject: RE: Need to update vaccine definition on website

I'll seeifwe can get this done right now!

Thank you very much!

Mike

From: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>

Sent: Wednesday, September 1, 2021 2:57 PM
‘To: Jones, James (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: Need to update vaccine definition on website
Immunization Basics| CDC
Currently posted:
Vaccination: The act of introducing a vaccine into the body to produce
immunity to a specific disease.
Please update to:
Vaccination: The act of introducing a vaccine into the body to produce
protection from a specific disease.
And please have the date lat reviewed updated. Thanks Mike!
Ifthiscan get done today, that'd be reat but if not next week will work, Thanks again and enjoy the
[EE isweekend
Alycia
From: Morel, Valerie (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/ISD) <uxmd@cdegov
Sent: Wednesday, September 1, 2021 1:06 PM
To: Downs, Alycia. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)<[email protected]>
Subject: RE: Need to update vaccine definition on website

If this is for the general public am good with the change

From: Downs, Alla €. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <fyd@cde gov>
Sent: Wednesday, September 1, 2021 1:00 PM
“To: Morel, Valerie (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/ISD) <ixmd@cdc gov>
Subject: RE: Need to update vaccine definition on website
Vaccination: The act of introducing a vaccine into the body to produce
= toa = disease.
From: Jones, James (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR)
sent: Wed, 1Sep 2021 19:34:12 +0000
To: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)
Subject: RE: Need to update vaccine definition on website

Youre all set

-your requested changes have been completed and pushed ive:
Immunization Basis| CDC

From: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <gfyd@cdc gov>

Sent: Wednesday, September 1, 2021 2:57 PM
‘To: Jones, James (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: Nee to update vaccine definition on website
ImmunizationBasics|COC

Currently posted:
Vaccination: The act of introducing a vaccine into the body to produce
immunity to a specific disease.
Please update to:
Vaccination: The act of introducing a vaccine into the body to produce
protection from a specific disease.
And please have the date las reviewed updated. Thanks Mike!
1fthis can get done today, that'd be great but if not next week will work, Thanks again and enjoy the
wedding this weekend!
Alycia
From: Morelli, Valerie (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/ISD) <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, September 1, 2021 1:06 PM
To: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)<gfy4@cdcgov>
Subject: RE: Need to update vaccine definition on website

From: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>

Sent: Wednesday, September 1, 2021 1:00 PM
To: Morelli, Valerie (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/ISD) <yxmd @cdc.gov>
Subject: RE: Need to update vaccine definition on website
Does this definition need to be updated as well?
Vaccination: The act of introducing a vaccine into the body to produce
immunity to a specific disease.
 From: Morell, Valerie (COC/DDID/NCIRD/ISD)
sent: Wed, 1'Sep 2021 17:06:14 +0000
To: Downs, Alycia E. (COC/DDID/NCIRD/0D)
Subject: RE: Need to update vaccine definition on website

From: Downs, Alycia £. (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>

Sent: Wednesday, September 1, 2021. 1:00 PM
To: Morell Valerie (COC/DDID/NCIRD/ISD)<vxma@cdegov>
‘Subiect: RE: Need to update vaccine definition on website:
Does this definition need to be updated as well?
Vaccination: The act of introducing a vaccine into the body to produce
= toa =disease.

From: Downs, Alycia E. (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)

Sent: Tuesday, August 31, 2021 4:09 PM
To: Morell, Valerie (COC/DDID/NCIRD/ISD)<vamé@cde gov>
‘Subiect: RE: Need to update vaccine definition on website:
Great. Thanks Valerie!

From: Morell, Valerie (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/ISD) <vamé@ccc gov>

Sent; Tuesday, August 31, 2021 4:06 PM
To: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: Need to update vaccine definition on website:

From: Kroger, Andrew (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/ISD) <aok2@cde gov>

Sent: Tuesday, August 31, 2021 3:53 PM
To: Morell, Valerie (COG/DDID/NCIRD/ISD) <yamé@cdc.gov>
Subject: RE: Need to update vaccine definition on website

Andrew
Andrew Kroger MD, MPH
Communication and Education Branch
Immunization Services Division
National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Roybal Campus
1600 Clifton Road, M/S A-19
Atlanta, GA 30329-4027

From: Morelli, Valerie (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/ISD) <[email protected]>

Sent: Tuesday, August 31, 2021 2:46 PM
‘To: Kroger, Andrew (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/ISD) <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: Need to update vaccine defntion on website
Importance: High
Are you ok with this change~ifyouopen the attachment youcan lick on the link to the page this is
relevantto ts a general public definition page
From: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2021 8:25 AM
‘To: Morell, Valerie (COC/DDID/NCIRD/ISD)<vxmd @cdc.gov>
‘Subject: RE: Need to update vaccine definition on website

HiValerie,
1know you ae busy so really appreciate your help. Th definition of vaccine we have posted is
problematic and people are using it to claim the COVID-19 vaccine is not a vaccine based on our own
definition. Does the updated version look okaytoyou? Thank you!

Currently posted:
Vaccine: A product that stimulates a person's immune system
to produce immunity to a specific disease, protecting the
person from that disease. Vaccines are usually administered
through needle injections, but can also be administered by
mouth or sprayed into the nose.
From: Downs, Alycia £. (COC/DDID/NCIRD/0D)
Sent: Thursday, August 19, 2021 11:56 AM
To: Morell, Valerie (COC/DDID/NCIRD/ISD)<uxmd@cde. gov>
Subject: Need to update vaccine definition on website
Hi Valerie,

Alycia
 From: Downs, Alycia E. (COC/ODID/NCIRD/OD)
sent: Fri, 10 Sep 2021 12:29:19 40000
To: Jones, James (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR)
Subject: RE: Need to update vaccine definition on website

From: Jones, James (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR)<oiw8@cdcgov

Sent: Friday, September 10, 20218:28 AM
To: Downs, Alycia E. (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
‘Subiect: RE: Need to update vaccine definition on website:

From: Downs, Alycia £. (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>

Sent: Friday, September 10, 2021 8:27 AM
To: Jones, James (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <oiwB@cdc. gov>
‘Subiect: RE: Need to update vaccine definition on website:

From: Downs, Alycia £. (COC/DDID/NCIRD/0D)

Sent: Friday, September 10, 2021 8:04 AM
To: Jones, James (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <olwB@cde. gov>
‘Sublect: RE: Need to update vaccine definition on website:
Mike,

Alycia
From: Downs, Alycia E. (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)
Sent: Wednesday, September 1, 2021 2:57 PM
To: Jones, James (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <oiwa@cde gov>
‘Subject: FW: Need to update vaccine definition on website.
Immunization Basics|CDC
Currently posted:
 Vaccination: The act of introducing a vaccine into the body to produce
immunity to a specific disease.
Please update to:
Vaccination: The act of introducing a vaccine into the body to produce
protection from a specific disease.
And please have the date ast reviewed updated. Thanks Mikel
et done today, that'dbegreat butif not next week will work. Thanksagainand enjoy the
ens weekend!
Alycia
From: Morelli, Valerie (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/ISD) <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, September 1, 2021 1.06 PM
‘To: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)<[email protected]>
Subject: RE: Need to update vaccine definition on website

From: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>

Sent: Wednesday, September 1, 2021 1:00 PM
‘To: Morelli, Valerie (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/ISD)<vxmd @cdcgov>
Subject: RE: Need to update vaccine definition on website

Does this definition need to be updated as well?

Vaccination: The act of introducing a vaccine into the body to produce
immunity to a specific disease.
From: LaRocque, Marcie (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) on behalf of NCIRDwebteam
(coc)
Sent: Wed, 15 Sep 2021 17:42:20 40000
To: Bretthauer-Mueller, Rosemary (CDC/0DID/NCIRD/OD); NCIROwebtear (COC);
Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)
Subject: RE: SID to webteam 9/13 - FW: RESPONSE REQUIRED; Priority Medium; Mode
WebForm; Topic Change in definition; [COC-2019568XSC2P8] CRM:00701417

Perfect, sent to the requestor and cc'ed nipinfo

Thank you!
From: Bretthauer-Mueller, Rosemary (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, September 15, 2021 140 PM
To: LaRocque, Marcie (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <[email protected]>; NCIRDwebteam (COC)
<[email protected]>; Downs, Alycia €. (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <gfyd@cdc gov>
Subject: RE: SID to webteam 9/13 - FW: RESPONSE REQUIRED; Priority Medium; Mode Webform; Topic
Change in definition; (CDC-2019568-X5C2PB] CRM:00701417
Heresa response to this inquiry.
Thanks for your patience.

“Thank you for your inquiry. COC updated the definition of a vaccine to improve the clarity of this
information. Thank you again for contacting COC.

From: LaRocque, Marcie (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <[email protected]>

Sent: Wednesday, September 15, 2021 9:09 AM
To: NCIRDwebteam (CDC) <nipuweb@cdc go>; Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <gfyd@cdc gov
Ca: Bretthauer-Mueller, Rosemary (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: SID to webteam 9/13 - FW: RESPONSE REQUIRED; Priority Medium; Mode Webform; Topic
Change in definition; (CDC-2019568-X5C2PB] CRM:00701417
Following up on the email below.
From: LaRocaue, Marcie (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) On Behalf Of NCIRDwebteam (COC)
Sent: Monday, September 13, 2021 3:39 PM
To: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Ce: Bretthauer-Mueller, Rosemary (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <zhk0@cdc gov>
Subject: FW: SID to webteam 9/13 - FW: RESPONSE REQUIRED; Priority Medium; Mode WebForm; Topic
Change in definition; (CDC-2019568-XSC2PB] CRM:00701417
Question below about a recent update to our fav page https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vac-gen/imz-

From:NIPINFO (CDC) <[email protected]>

To: NCIRDwebteam (CDC) <[email protected]>

Ce: NIPINFO (CDC) <NIPINFO@cdc
gov>
‘Subject: SID to webteam 9/13 - FW: RESPONSE REQUIRED; Priority Medium; Mode WebForm; Topic

forward along this inquiry?

eh
[CDC-2019568-X5C2P8] CRM:00701417
—emeeeenaees Original Message---w----s---
Sent: 9/7/2021
From: General Public
Subject: Change in definition

Optional Information

Title:
Organization:
Other Ef o
Address:
PII Extraction:
 =
From:

To:
ie
Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)

‘Bretthauer-Mueller, Rosemary (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)

Subject: RE: SID to webteam 9/13 - FW: RESPONSE REQUIRED; Priority Medium; Mode
‘WebForm; Topic Change in definition; [CDC-2019568-X5C2P8] CRM:00701417

To: Downs, Alycia E. (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)<gfy4@cdcgov

‘Subject: RE: SID to webteam 9/13 - FW: RESPONSE REQUIRED; Priority Medium; Mode WebForm; Topic
Change in definition; [CDC-2019568-X5C2P8] CRM:00701417

Tt
i
Te
From: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
‘To: Bretthauer-Mueller, Rosemary (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
‘Subject: RE: SID to webteam 9/13 - FW: RESPONSE REQUIRED; Priority Medium; Mode WebForm; Topic
Change in definition; [CDC-2019568-X5C2P8] CRM:00701417

——

To: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>

‘Subject: RE: SID to webteam 9/13 - FW: RESPONSE REQUIRED; Priority Medium; Mode Webform; Topic
Change in definition; [CDC-2019568-X5C2P8] CRM:00701417

Question: why did the definition of a vaccine change from “a product that stimulates a person's immune.
system to produce Immunity” to “a preparation that s used to stimulate the body's immune response”

From: Downs, Alycia £. (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>

Sent: Wednesday, September 15, 2021.9:22 AM
To: LaRocque, Marcie (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <[email protected]>; NCIRDwebtea (COC)
<[email protected]>
Ca: Bretthauer-Mueller, Rosemary (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
‘Subject: RE: ID to webteam 9/13 - FW: RESPONSE REQUIRED; Priority Medium; Mode Webform; Topic
Change in definition; [CDC-2019568-X5C2P8] CRM:00701417
Rosie let's you and|discuss
From: LaRocque, Marcie (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR)<[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, September 15, 2021 9:09 AM
To: NCIRDwebteam (CDC) <[email protected]>; Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <gfyd@cdc ov
Cc: Bretthauer-Mueller, Rosemary (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <zhk0@cdcgov>
‘Subject: RE: ID to webteam 9/13 - FW: RESPONSE REQUIRED; Priority Medium; Mode WebForm; Topic
Change in definition; [CDC-2019568-X5C2P8] CRM:00701417
Following up on the email below.
From: LaRocaue, Marcie (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) On Behalf Of NCIRDwebteam (COC)
Sent: Monday, September 13, 2021 3:39 PM
To: Downs, Alycia E. (COC/ODID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Ce: Bretthauer-Mueler, Rosemary (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <zhk0@cdcgov>
Subject: FW:SIDto webteam 9/13 - FW: RESPONSE REQUIRED; Priority Medium; Mode WebForm; Topic
Change in definition; [CDC-2019568 X5C2P8] CRM:00701417
Question below about a recent update to our fav page https://ww.cdegov/vaccines/vacgen/imz-
basics htm
See highlighted question from user below
Could you please provide a response and send to nipweb and nipinfo so we have it for our records if
needed? thank you!
From: NIPINFO (CDC) <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 13, 2021 11:49 AM
To: NCIRDwebteam (CDC) <nipweb@cdc gov>
Cc: NIPINFO (CDC) <[email protected]>
Subject: ID to webteam 9/13 - FW: RESPONSE REQUIRED; Priority Medium; Mode WebForm; Topic
Change in definition; [CDC-2019568XSC2P8] CRM:00701417
Hi webteam,
Could you please help me find the office/person who “owns” the content on this webpage, so | can
forward along this inquiry?
hitps:// www. cdegov/vaecines/vac gen) imz-basics htm
Thanks!
Suzanne for NIPINFO
[CDC-2019568-X5C208] CRM:00701417
eee Original Messagen--errreeeere
Sent: 9/7/2021
From: General Public
Subject: Change in definit
Email Address:

Optional Information
to —
Title: Buil
Organization:
Phone: [INN
Other Email:
Address:
 From: Downs, Alycia E. (COC/ODID/NCIRD/OD)
sent: Wed, 18 Aug 2021 14:01:05 +0000
To: Fisher, Allon Michelle (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/0D)
Subject: RE:Vaccines_TheBasics_updated

Thanks!
From: Fisher, Alison Michelle (CDC/0DID/NCIRD/0D) <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, August 18, 2021 10:00 AM
To: Downs, Alycia . (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)<[email protected]; Jorgensen, Cynthia (COC/ODID/NCIRO/0D)
<oje@cdcgov
Subject: RE: Vaccines_TheBasics_updated
Yes, 1 thought the edits were good.
From: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <gfyA@cc gov
Sent: Wednesday, August 18, 2021 9:59 AM
“os Fisher, Allon Michelle (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <ark2@cdcgov>; Jorgensen, Cynthia
(CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)<ciid@cdcgov>
‘Sublect: RE: Vaccines_TheBasics_updated
Did my edits look okay, Alison?

Alycia
From: Fisher, Alison Michelle (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/0D) <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, August 18, 2021 9:54 AM
“To: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <afyd@cci go>; Jorgensen, Cynthia (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)
<a@cdcgov>
‘Subject: RE: Vaccines_TheBasics_updated
From: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Sent Wednesday, August 15,2021 5:24 AM
To: orgensen, Cynthia (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/0D)<cidcc go>
Ce: Fisher, Allison Michelle (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: Vaccines_TheBasics_updated

rom: orgensen, Cynthia (CDC/DDID/NGIRD/0D) <4 @csc 01>

Sent: Wednesday, August 18,2021 918 AM
‘To: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)<[email protected]>
Ce: Fisher, Allison Michelle (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)<ark2@cdcgov>
‘Subject: FW: Vaccines_TheBasics_updated

Alison, can you take

aquick look at this? 1 did talk to Kis andshe (
From: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, August 16, 2021 201 PM
‘To: Jorgensen, Cynthia (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Subject: Vaccines TheBsic.updated
This my frst crt of updates to th vacine description and definitions. | certainly need some SWE
help.
Avcia
 From: Downs, Alycia E. (COC/ODID/NCIRD/OD)
sent: Fri, 10 Sep 2021 15:14:02 40000
To: CDC IMS 2019 NCOV Response VIF COC INFO Comms Inquiries
Subject: RE: WashPost: Vaccine skeptics claim a new COC gotcha moment —but they
haven't got much

‘Thankyou, Andrew! | really appreciate your response.

From: COC IMS 2019 NCOV Response VTF CDC INFO Comms Inquiries <eocevent546@ede gov>
Sent: Friday, September 10, 2021 11:01 AM
To: Witbart, Lauren Ann (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <xap3@cdc go>; Downs, Alycia E.
(CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <gfyé@ccc.gov>; Bretthauer-Mueller, Rosemary (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)
<[email protected]>
Cc: Grusich, Katherina (Kate) (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Subject; Re: WashPost: Vaccine skeptics claim a new CDC gotcha moment - but they haven't got much
Hiall,
I've only seen a couple inquiries about the change to this page. think the WaPo article explains
the problem well—that people are misinterpreting "immunity" to mean 100% protection. |
thought this was an excellent observation by the author:
“The irony of all of this is that the thearies about what the change really means actually
reinforcethe idea that its probably better to use “protection” than “immunity” — given that
people don't seem to understand what “immunity” actually means.

I
Best,
Andrew
Vaccine Task Force (VTF) | Communications, CDC-INFO

COVID-19 Pandemic Response | eocevent5d6@cdc gov

From: Witbart, Lauren Ann (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, September 10, 2021 8:25 AM
To: Downs, Alycia E. (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)<gfyd@cdcgov; Bretthaver-Mueller, Rosemary
(CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Ge: CDC IMS 2019 NCOV Response VIF COC INFO Comms Inquiries <eocevent5a6@cde gov; Grusich,
Katherina (Kate) (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
‘Subject: RE: WashPost: Vaccine skeptics claim a new CDC gotcha moment —- but they haven't got much

Kate is out today. Andrew, when you get in can you weight in on what you see in CDCINFO and the
definitions on
gov/vaccines/vac-gen/imi-basics
tos:fs cdc tm
https www.cde gou/vaccines/vac-gen/immunity-types.btm - this page is being assessed as wel. Any
feedback from CDCINFO on this as well?

Original Message
From: Downs, Alycia E. (CC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <gfyd@cdcgov>
Sent: Friday, September 10, 2021 8:23 AM
To: Witbart, Lauren Ann (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <xap3@ecdegow; Bretthauer-Muellr, Rosemary
(CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Cc: CDC IMS 2019 NCOV Response VIF COC INFO Comms Inquiries <eocevent5a6@cde gov; Grusich,
Katherina (Kate) (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: WashPost: Vaccine skeptics claim a new COC gotcha moment — but they haven't got much

Original Message
From: Witbart, Lauren Ann (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, September 10, 2021 8:22 AM
“To: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <gfyd@cdcgov; Bretthauer-Mueller, Rosemary
(CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Ge: CDC IMS 2019 NCOV Response VIF COC INFO Comms Inquiries <eocevent5a6 @cdegov;Grusich,
Katherina (Kate) (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: WashPost: Vaccine skeptics claim a new CDC gotcha moment — but they haven't got much
0, awesome! Thank you for being soon top of ist! (ERS vt
you know if we hear any feedback through CDCINFO.

Thank youll
Lauren

Original Message-——
From: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, September 10, 2021 8:19 AM
“To: Bretthauer-Mueller, Rosemary (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>; Witbart, Lauren Ann
(CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Cc: CDC IMS 2019 NCOV Response VIF COC INFO Comms Inquiries <eoceven t5as
@cdegov;Grusich,
Katherina (Kate) (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: WashPost: Vaccine skeptics claim a new CDC gotcha moment - but they haven't got much
Sorry responded too early.

Rosie, let you take it from here.

Ayia
~----Original Message-----
From: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)
Sent: Friday, September 10, 2021 8:03 AM
os Bretthauer-Muellr, Rosemary (COC/ODID/NCIRD/OD)<zhk0@edegow; Witbart, Lauren Ann
(CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Cc: CDC IMS 2019 NCOV Response VIF COC INFO Comms Inquiries <eaceven t5a6
@cdegov;Grusich,
Katherina (Kate) (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: WashPost: Vaccine skeptics claim a new COC gotcha moment but they haven't got much

Orginal Message
From: Bretthauer-Mueller, Rosemary (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, September 10, 2021 7:54 AM
To: Witbart, Lauren Ann (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Cc: CDC IMS 2019 NCOV Response VIF COC INFO Comms Inquiries <eocevent5as@cde gov; Grusich,
Katherina (Kate) (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>; Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)
<shvi@cdcgor
Subject: RE: WashPost: Vaccine skeptics claim a new CDC gotcha moment —- but they haven't got much

Hey Lauren:
Yes, ahscta, we am pti eewing heefitons page. Rated, we iveaeam ember
reviewing https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vac-gen/immunity-types.htm so please let us know if you all
--
Wave recomevendations for updating et poge.
I 1ve bck inpocke Tuesday afternoon. Let me know f need
2 get this mavingin our queue before then,
Thanks, Rose,

orginal Message
From: Witbart, Lauren Ann (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Sent. Thursday, September , 2021.65 PM
To: retthauerMoeller, Rosemary (COC/ODID/NCIRD/OD)<Lhk0@lcgo>
Ce CDCIMS 2019 NCOV Response VIF CDC INFO Comms Inquiries <eocevent5A6@cde gov: ruse,
Katherina (Kate) (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Sublect AW: WashPost: Vaccine skeptics cam a new CDC gotcha moment bt they haven't ot much
i Rosie, How goes it?

Many thanks,
So
Original Message--—
From: Grusich, Katherina (Kate) (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, September 3, 2021 5:24 PM
To: Witbart, Lauren Ann (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Subct AW: WashPost. Vaccine skeptics com a ne COC gotcha moment. bt they haven’ got much
This s what 1was talking bout eres
orignal Message.
From: Mike Cooper <[email protected]>
Sot. Thursday, September 3, 2021 425 PM
eer
Subject: WashPost: Vaccine skeptics claim a new CDC gotcha moment -- but they haven't got much
Vaccine skeptics claim a new CDC gotcha moment — but they haven't got much
8y Aaron Blake
Senior reporter
Today at 12:10 p.m. EOT
The forces seeking to undermine both the coronavirusvaccines and the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's handling of them have
landed on a new gotcha moment.
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) has been oneofCongress's biggest critics
of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the vaccination
push. An intern recently resigned from his officeover the congressman
‘comparing vaccine "passports" to the Holocaust. (Massie later deleted
the tweet)
On Wednesday, Massie elevated something others had noticed in the days
prior: that the COC had updated a definition of "vaccination" on one of
its webpages. Asof late August, the page described vaccination as "The
actof introducing avaccine into the body to produce immunity to a
specific disease” (emphasis ours). The definition has since been
changed from producing "immunity" to producing "protection."
“Check out @CDCgov's evolving definition of ‘vaccination,* Massie
said. He then dropped another comparison ~ to George Orwell's 1984:
“They ve been busy at the Ministry of Truth."
The tweet hasgone somewhat viral, with more than 9,000 retweets and
‘more than 19,000 likes. Other social media posts noting the change have
also been shared widely among the vaccine-skeptic community.
The ideai that the COC is watering down the definition of vaccination
in response to the coronavirus vaccines proving less effective against
infection from the delta variant than previously. (The vaccines,
"however, remain very good at preventing serious cases and
hospitalizations.)
“Afterthe Covid-19 vaccines were introduced, and itwasdiscovered
they do not necessarily ‘prevent disease’ or “provide immunity," says
the website of longtime vaccine skeptic and former CBS News journalist
Sharyl Attkisson, "CDC altered the definition of vaccines again to say
that they merely ‘produce protection.’"
Massie responded toa critic bystating that "the goal posts have
moved.” Some have even suggested that the definition needed to be
changed to still consider the coronavirus vaccines to be vaccines at
all.
It's interesting that the CDC changed the Web page. But as for the
conclusions being drawn about is significance? Those leavea lt to be
desired, and they rest upon continual misrepresentations and
‘misunderstandings of what vaccination and "immunity" are supposed to
mean.
From the start of the vaccination campaigns, critics have searched long
and hard for evidencethatthe vaccines don't work as well as they were
Supposed to, This has sometimes involved suggesting that anything less.
than 100 percent efficacy means they don't work.
In truth, though, medical experts have long said that no vaccine,
including the coronavirus vaccines, is 100 percent effective. If
“immunity” connotes complete protection, then no vaccine actually
provides it
Part of the reason people seem to believe immunity means 100 percent
protection stems from how i's understood in other contexts. Legally
speaking, immunity from things ike prosecution means you can't be
prosecuted, full stop. But in a medical contexts, it’s often used as a
synonym fora specific type of protection - Le. the same word the COC
now uses.
The Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary defines immunity as "a condition
of being able to resista particular disease." Taber's Medical
Dictionary defines it a, "Protection from diseases, [especially] from
infectious diseases.” Harvard's medical dictionary defines it as, "The
body's ability to resist infection and disease.” The Oxford Concise
Medical Dictionary echoes all of them, saying immunity s "the body's
ability to resist infection.”
(These definitions, it bears noting, have not been changed recently.)
The data clearly shows the coronavirus vaccines meet these definitions
of providing immunity, as do other vaccines with less than 100 percent
efficacy. Those include the flu vaccines, whose efficacy is generally
around 40 percent. The flu vaccines are still vaccines and still
provide immunity - just not complete immunity.
And to theextentthis is some supposed grand conspiracy to move the
goal posts on the coronavirus vaccines, it would also bea very
incomplete one. Throughout its website, the CDC stil refers to the
coronavirus vaccines providing immunity:
* Ona page debunking myths about the coronavirus vaccines, which was
updated this week, it still says, "After getting vaccinated, you
develop immunity to that disease.”
 * On another page devoted to explaining the coronavirus vaccines, it
uses "protection and “immunity” as synonyms multiple times,
saying, "It typically takes2 weeksaftervaccination for the body
to build protection (immunity) against the virus that causes.
coviD-19."
* On another page: “COVID-19 vaccines help our bodies develop
immunity to the virus that causes COVID-19 withoutushaving to get
the illness."
The ironyofall of this is that the theories about what the change
really means actually reinforce the idea that t's probably better to
use "protection" than “immunity” - given that people don't seem to
understand what "immunity" actually means.
Advertisement
Others, though, seem to be deliberately obfuscating. On Wednesday, the
same day Attkisson's website suggested that the change was made because
perhaps the vaccines don't “provide immunity," it updated another post
acknowledging that immunity is indeed a relative term.
Of course, it did so in the service of making anotherargument Massie
and others have focused on: that the immunity from infection provides
‘more protection than, in its own words, "vaccine-induced immunity."
From: Downs, Alycia E. (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)
sent: Fri, 10 Sep 2021 16:24:46 40000
To: COCIMS 2019 NCOV Response VTF CDC INFO Comms Inquiries
Subject: RE: WashPost: Vaccine skeptics claim a new CDC gotcha moment but they.
haven't got much

Good idea, thank you!

From: CDC IMS 2019 NCOV Response VTF COC INFO Comms Inquiries <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, September 10, 2021 12:18 PM
“To: Downs, Alycia . (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: WashPost: Vaccine skeptics claim a new CDC gotcha moment - but they haven't got much

Andrew

Vaccine Task Force (VTF) | Communications, CDC-INFO

COVID-19 Pandemic Response | [email protected]

From: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>

Sent: Friday, September 10, 2021 11:14 AM
To: COC IMS 2018 NCOV Response VTF CDC INFO Comms Inquiries <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: WashPost: Vaccine skeptics claim a new CDC gotcha moment - but they haven't got much
Thank you, Andrew! I really appreciate your response.
From: CDC IMS 2019 NCOV Response VTF CDC INFO Comms Inquiries <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, September 10, 2021 11:01 AM
To: Witbart, Lauren Ann (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <xap3@cde gov>; Downs, Alycia
(CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <gfyd@ede gov;Bretthauer-Mueller, Rosemary (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)
<thk0@cdcgov>
Ce: Grusich, Katherina (Kate) (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: WashPost: Vaccine skeptic claima new COC gotcha moment - but they haven't got much
Hial,
I've only seen a couple inquiries about the change to this page. | think the WaPo article explains.
the problem well—that people are misinterpreting “immunity” to mean 100% protection. |
thought this was an excellent observation by the author:
 “The ironyofall of this is that the theories about what the change really means actually
reinforce the idea that it’s probably better to use “protection” than “immunity” — given that
people don't seem to understand what “immunity” actually means.

Best,
Andrew

Vaccine Task Force (VTF) | Communications, CDC-INFO

COVID-19 Pandemic Response | [email protected]
From: Witbart, Lauren Ann (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, September 10, 2021 8:25 AM
To: Downs, Alycia . (CDC/ODID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>; Bretthauer-Mueller, Rosemary
(COC/DDID/NCIRD/0D) <[email protected]>
Ce:COCIMS 2019 NCOVResponse VTF CDC INFO Comms Inquiries <[email protected]; Grusich,
Katherina (Kate) (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/0D) <yhb3@cdcgov>
Subject: RE: WashPost: Vaccine skeptics claim a new CDC gotcha moment - but they haven't got much
Kate is out today. Andrew, when you get in can you weight in on what you see in COCINFO and the
definitions on

hips: [ww cde gov/accines/vac-gen/immunity-types. hm - this page isbeingassessedaswell. Any

feedback from COCINFO on this as well?
Original Message
From: Downs,AlyciaE. (COC/ODID/NCIRD/OD) <gfyd@cdcgov>
Sent: Friday, September 10, 2021 8:23 AM
‘To: Witbart, Lauren Ann (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>; Bretthauer-Mueller, Rosemary

CEO IM 2019 COVResponse VI COC NFOComms niesscesentS

(CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
458 gous rush,
See RE thot cinSSim ew CoC ttc ametbu they hovergtmuch
Katherina (Kate) (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>

EP —
Sr. roy, Semper 10,20013301 cdo: BretthaserMller, Rosemary
From: Witbart, Lauren Ann (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>

ToGan,Avi . CoC/SPIDINCD/OD)
COCOINS 3019(CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)
NCOVResponse TF COCINFOComms
(CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>

<yhb3@cdcgov>
nis<ocesents6BedzGrusih,
Katherina (Kate)
Se RE WhPot onSSim ew CBC ica amet bu they hovergtmuch
on,awesomeThankyouorbingsoon to ofis Ev
To nanor heroctu rothCoN
Thankyout
owen
~-==-Original Message---—
From: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Sr. ry, Spree 10200131001
To: Bretthauer-Mueller, Rosemary (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>; Witbart, Lauren Ann.

COCOINS 2019 NCOVRipon 17 COCINFOComms nurs<cssentSsBed Gus,

(CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>

Katherina (Kate) (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <yhb3@cdcgov>

Se AE What cinSesSim aw EOC gic amet bu hey havengtmuch
—

Rose, et outake rom ere.

avn
 From: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)

To: Bretthauer-Mueller, Rosemary (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>; Witbart, Lauren Ann.

(CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Cc: CDC IMS 2019 NCOV Response VTF CDC INFO Comms Inquiries <[email protected]>; Grusich,
Katherina (Kate) (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>

From: Bretthauer-Mueller, Rosemary (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>

To: Witbart, Lauren Ann (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>

Katherina (Kate) (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>; Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)
<[email protected]>

reviewinghttps://www.cdcgov/vaccines/vac-gen/immunity-types htm--so please let us know if you all

[EE 1c back in pocket Tuesday afternoon Let me know ft need

From: Witbart, Lauren Ann (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>

To: Bretthauer-Mueller, Rosemary (CDC/ODID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>

Hi Rosie, How goes it?

Many thanks,
Lauren
Original Message-—
From: Grusich, Katherina (Kate) (COC/0DID/NCIRD/0D) <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, September 3, 2021.5:24 PM
To: Witbart, Lauren Ann (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <xap3@ecdegov»
Subject: FW: WashPost: Vaccine skeptics claim a new CDC gotcha moment - but they haven't got much
“This is what |was talking about earlier

Original Message
From: Mike Cooper <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, September 9, 2021 4:25 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: WashPost: Vaccine skeptics claim a new CDC gotcha moment but they haven't got much

Vaccine skeptics claim a new CDC gotcha moment — but they haven't got much
By Aaron Blake
Senior reporter
Today at 12:10 p.m. EOT
The forces seeking to undermine both the coronavirus vaccines and the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’ handiing of them have
landed on a new gotcha moment
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) has been oneof Congress's biggest critics
ofthe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the vaccination
push. An intern recently resigned from his office over the congressman
comparing vaccine "passports" to the Holocaust, (Massie later deleted
the tweet)
On Wednesday, Massie elevated something others had noticed in the days
prior: that the COC had updated a definition of "vaccination" on one of
its webpages. As of late August, the page described vaccination as "The
act of introducing a vaccine into the body to produce immunity to a
specific disease" (emphasis ours). The definition has since been
changed from producing "immunity" to producing “protection.”
“Check out @CDCgov's evolving definition of ‘vaccination,* Massie
said. He then dropped another comparison ~ to George Orwell's 1984:
“They ve been busy at the Ministry of Truth."
The tweet has gone somewhat viral, with more than 9,000 retweets and
‘more than 19,000 likes. Other social media posts noting the change have
also been shared widely among the vaccine-skeptic community.
The ideai that the COC is watering down the definition of vaccination
in response to the coronavirus vaccines proving less effective against
infection from the delta variant than previously. (The vaccines,
"however, remain very good at preventing serious cases and
hospitalizations.)
"Afterthe Covid-19 vaccines were introduced, and it was discovered
they do not necessarily ‘prevent disease’ or “provide immunity," says
the website of longtime vaccine skeptic and former CBS News journalist
Sharyl Attkisson, "CDC altered the definition of vaccines again to say
that they merely ‘produce protection.’"
Massie responded toa critic bystating that "the goal posts have
moved.” Some have even suggested that the definition needed to be
changed to still consider the coronavirus vaccines to be vaccines at
all.
Its interesting that the COC changed the Web page. But as for the
conclusions being drawn about is significance? Those leavea lot to be
desired, and they rest upon continual misrepresentationsand
‘misunderstandings of what vaccination and "immunity" are supposed to
mean.
From the start of the vaccination campaigns, critics have searched long.
and hard for evidence that the vaccines don't work as well as they were
supposed to, This has sometimes involved suggesting that anything less.
than 100 percent efficacy means they don't work.
In truth, though, medical experts have long said that no vaccine,
including the coronavirus vaccines, is 100 percent effective. If
“immunity” connotes complete protection, then no vaccine actually
provides it
Part of the reason people seem to believe immunity means 100 percent
protection stems from how it’s understood in other contexts. Legally
speaking, immunity from things ike prosecution means you can't be
prosecuted, full stop. Butin a medical contexts, i’ often used as a
synonym fora specific type of protection -ie. the same word the COC
 The Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary defines immunity as "a condition
of being able to resista particular disease." Taber's Medical
Dictionary defines it a, "Protection from diseases, especially) from
infectious diseases.” Harvard's medical dictionary defines it as, "The
body's ability to resist infection and disease.” The Oxford Concise
Medical Dictionary echoesallofthem, saying immunity s "the body's
ability to resist infection.”
(These definitions, it bears noting, have not been changed recently.)
The data clearly shows the coronavirus vaccines meet these definitions
of providing immunity, as do other vaccines with less than 100 percent
efficacy. Those include the flu vaccines, whose efficacy i generally
around 40 percent. The flu vaccines are stillvaccinesand still
provide immunity -just not complete immunity.
And to the extent this is some supposed grand conspiracy to move the
goal posts on the coronavirus vaccines, it would also bea very
incomplete one. Throughout its website, the CDC sil refers to the
coronavirus vaccines providing immunity:
*0n a page debunking myths about the coronavirus vaccines, which was
updated this week, it still says, "After getting vaccinated, you
develop immunity to that disease.”
* On another page devoted to explaining the coronavirus vaccines, it
uses "protection and “immunity” as synonyms multiple times,
saying, "It typically takes2 weeks after vaccination for the body
to build protection (immunity) against the virus that causes
coviD-19.*
* On another page: "COVID-19 vaccines help our bodies develop
immunity to the virus that causes COVID-19 without us having to get
the less."
The ironyofall of this is that the theories about what the change
really means actually reinforce the idea that t's probably better to
use “protection” than “immunity” ~ given that people don't seem to
understand what "immunity" actually means.
Advertisement
Others, though, seem to be deliberately obfuscating. On Wednesday, the
same day Attkisson's website suggested that the change was made because
perhaps the vaccines don't “provide immunity," it updated another post
acknowledging that immunity is indeed a relative term.
Of course, it did so in the service of making anotherargument Massie
and others have focused on: that the immunity from infection provides.
‘more protection than, in its own words, "vaccine-induced immunity."
ti
From:

To:
oS
Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)

‘Lowndes, Andrew (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR); LaRocque, Marcie

(CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR); St James, Jacqueline N. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR)
Cx Ponder, Marilyn (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR); Witbart, Lauren Ann
(€DC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)
Subject: RE: Who owns this page?

scassoon
EE Thank you al.
Avi
From: Lowndes, Andrew (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <Ix2@cdc gov>
‘Sent: Monday, August 16, 2021 1:45 PM
“To: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)<gfy4@cdc gov; LaRocque, Marcie (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)
(CTR)<lox3@cd gov; St James, Jacqueline N. (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR)<[email protected]>
Ce: Ponder, Marilyn (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <[email protected]>; Witbart, Lauren Ann
(CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
‘Subject: RE: Who owns this page?
Hi Alycia,

9.
ber
SLE
Tora on ate. EEE
To: Lowndes, Andrew (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <[email protected]>; LaRocque, Marcie

ine
(CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <[email protected]>; St James, Jacqueline N. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR)

Cc: Ponder, Marilyn (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <[email protected]>; Witbart, Lauren Ann

too)samspsae
(CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>

Doyo shave recommended ast forthecontent?

Alycia
From: Lowndes, Andrew (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <l2@cdcgov
Sent: Friday, August 13, 2021 3:47 PM
To: Downs, Alycia £. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>; LaRocque, Marcie (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)
(CTR) <lox3@cdcgov>; St James, Jacqueline N. (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <ibxd@cdcgov>
Ca: Ponder, Marilyn (CDC/ODID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <qui8@cdgov>; Witbart, Lauren Ann
(CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <xap3@cde gov>
Subject: RE: Who owns this page?
HiAlycia,
People have been asking us if COVID-19 vaccines are not technically vaccines. They often cite that page:
a5 CDC's definition for what counts as a vaccine. Here are a few examples (more in the attached
spreadsheets):
« ls it true that this shot for Covid is not actuallya vaccine per your definition? Does this shot
make you immune to the Covid virus? If not, why should |get the shot?
Reading the CDC's definitionofvaccine is says "..to produce immunityto a specific
disease..." Everything you read today says this shot doesn'tgive you immunity but helps a
personfightoff the infection. Our question is how is the CDC and the rest of the world allowed
to call the shot a vaccination when it doesn't even meet your own definition
‘ httos://wnww.cdcgov/vaccines/vacgen/imz-basics htm The definitionof the word vaccine used
on this page states that avaccine produces immunity. Further, immunity is defined as being.
exposed to it the pathogen) without becoming infected. There are several vaccines, including
the new COVID vaccines that do not produce immunity as defined. Would it be possible for you
to update the page to be more clear on the definition ofa vaccine?|was directed to this page
by someone attempting to use it as proof that the EUA COVID vaccines are not really vaccines
since they do not provide immunity as defined on the linked page. Hopefully this can help clear
up some disinformation that has been spread during the pandemic.
+ Please update the definition of vaccine on your website found at
hitps://uww.cdc gov/vaccines/vac-gen/imz-basics.htm People are iting this asproofthat the.
MANA vaccines are notreally vaccines. The definition needs to include new technological
advances (miriam webster has done this). Thanks.
Right-wing covid-19 pandemic deniers are using your "vaccine" definition to argue that mRNA
vaccines are not vaccines: Here is the definition from the CDC website: Vaccine:A product that
stimulates a person's immune system to produce immunity to a specific disease, protecting the
 person from that disease. Vaccines are usually administered through needle injections, but can
also be administered by mouth or sprayed into the nose. The phrase "to produce immunity” was
interpreted to mean “complete” or “perfect” immunity. This was twisted to claim that the
existing covid19 vaccines were not vaccines because they only prevented severe iiness. | think
it would be more accurate to say thata vaccine function is "to stimulate an immune response"
tobeclear that perfect immunity is not what defines a vaccine.
Best,
Andrew
From: Downs, Alycia £. (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, August 13, 2021 3:20 PM
To: LaRocque, Marcie (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <lox3@edegov; St James, Jacqueline N.
(CDC/DDID/NCIRD/0D) (CTR) <[email protected]>
Ca: Ponder, Marilyn (COC/DDID/NCIRD/0D) (CTR)<avi8@cdcgov»; Lowndes, Andrew
(CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <2@cdi go>; Witbart, Lauren Ann (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)
<apd@cdcgov>
Subject: RE: Who owns this page?
Yes, there are afewof these pages we are reviewing.
Whatarethe questions coming in?
Alycia
From: LaRocque, Marcie (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <iox3@cdc gov
Sent: Friday, August 13, 2021 2:56 PM
To: St James, Jacqueline N. (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <[email protected]>; Downs, Alycia €.
(CDC/DDID/NCIRD/0D) <[email protected]>
Ca: Ponder, Marilyn (COC/DDID/NCIRD/0D) (CTR)<avi8@cdcgov»; Lowndes, Andrew
(CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <[email protected]>; Witbart, Lauren Ann (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)
<apd@cdcgov>
Subject: RE: Who owns this page?
‘Adding Alycia -Alycia we've talked about this page/section of pages recently. See below.
From: St James, Jacqueline N. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <ibxd@cciczov>
Sent: Friday, August 13, 2021 2:53 PM
To: LaRocaue, Marcie (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <[email protected]>
Ce: Ponder, Marilyn (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <avi8@cdc gov»; Lowndes, Andrew
(CDC/DDID/NCIRD/0D) (CTR)<[email protected]>; Witbart, Lauren Ann (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)
<api@cdcgov>
Subject: RE: Who owns this page?
Marcie, who own this page- Immunization Basics| COC?
JACQUIE ST JAMES, MPH | Web Designer! UX Writer
Peraton | Health Protection Solutions.
ContractorforNCIRD.
Contors for Disease Conirol and Prevention
0:404-498.2683 | C: 404-502-4231 | 29@cdc aor
From: Witbart, Lauren Ann (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
‘Sent: Friday, August 13, 2021 2:49 PM
To: St James, Jacqueline N. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR)<ibx9@cdcgov>
Ce: Ponder, Marilyn (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <quis@cdegov>; Lowndes, Andrew
(CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) (CTR) <[email protected]>
Subject: Who owns this page?
HiJacquie,

“Thank you!
Lauren
Lauren Witbart | M.Ed. | EGS. | MPH
NCIRD | HCSO
VTF | Data Unit
 oo
From:

To:
er smo mse 00m
Morelli, Valerie (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/ISD)

Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)

Subject: FW: Need to update vaccine definition on website

sito.
Soren.
From: roger,Air COC/ODD/NCHROJ
SomWhe eto 3 203 BO SD) aok2Qc go
bien
‘To: MacNeil, Jessica R. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>; Morelli, Valerie (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/ISD)

Ce: Cohn, Amanda (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>

‘Subject: RE: Need to update vaccine definition on website

Thankyou
po
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1600 Clifton Road, M/S A-19

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From: MacNeil, Jessica R. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>

Sia
‘To: Kroger, Andrew (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/ISD) <aok2@cdc gov>; Morell, Valerie (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/ISD)

Ce: Cohn, Amanda (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>

Subject: RE: Need to update vaccine definition on website

Wann,
ose conte.The Octobersendwie realy gh with sven workgroups ees
1am happy to help facilitate that whenever you are ready.

Tn,
From: Kroger, Andrew (COC/DDID/NCIRD/ISD) <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, September 1, 2021 8:32 AM
To: Morell, Valerie (COC/DDID/NCIRD/ISD) <vamé@cdec gov>
Ce: MacNeil Jessica R. (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <ali8 @ccc go>; Cohn, Amanda (COC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)
<[email protected]>
‘Subject: RE: Need to update vaccine definition on website:

Andrew
Andrew Kroger MD, MPH
Communication and Education Branch
Immunization Services Division
National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
Centers or Disease Control and Prevention
Roybal Campus
1600 Clifton Road, M/S A-19
Atlanta, GA 30329-4027

From: Morell, Valerie (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/ISD) <vamé@cccgov>

Sent; Tuesday, August 31, 2021 4:05 PM
To: Kroger, Andrew (COC/DDID/NCIRD/ISD) <[email protected]>
‘Sublect: RE: Need to update vaccine definition on website:
“Thanks just to confirm this definition would cover mRNA vaccines?
From: Kroger, Andrew (COC/DDID/NCIRD/ISD) <ack2@cde gov>
Sent; Tuesday, August 31, 2021 4:01 PM
os: Morel, Valerie (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/ISD)<uxmd@ccdcgov>
Subject: RE: Need to update vaccine definition on website

Here is ACIPs definition.

Vaccine. A suspension of live (usually attenuated) or inactivated microorganisms
(e.g., bacteria or viruses) or fractions thereof administered to induce immunity
and prevent infectious disease or its sequelae. Some vaccines contain highly
defined antigens (e.g., the polysaccharide of Haemophilus influenzae type b or
the surface antigen of hepatitis B); others have antigens that are complex or
incompletely defined (e.g., Bordetella pertussis antigens or live, attenuated
viruses).
ACIP Appx 1: Glossary for Guidelines for Immunization | COC
Thisis revised (not identical) to the one at VaccineGlossary of Terms| COC

Andrew Kroger MD, MPH

Communication and Education Branch
Immunization Services Division
National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
Centers forDiseaseControl and Prevention
Roybal Campus
1600 Clifton Road, M/S A-19
Atlanta, GA 30329-4027

From: Morelli, Valerie (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/ISD) <vxmd@cdc gov>

Sent: Tuesday, August 31, 2021 3.02 PM
‘To: Kroger, Andrew (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/ISD) <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: Need to update vaccine definition on website

Andrew — another definition for you to confirm/edit. Thanks!

From: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>

Sent: Tuesday, August 31, 2021 255 PM
‘To: Morell, Valerie (COC/DDID/NCIRD/ISD)<vxmd @cdc.gov>
Subject: RE: Need to update vaccine definition on website
That one comes from the Vaccine Glossaryof Terms| COC
From: Morelli, Valerie (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/ISD) <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 31, 2021 248 PM
‘To: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)<gfyd @cdc.gov>
Subject: FW: Need to update vaccine definition on website
From: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>

To: Morelli, Valerie (COC/DDID/NCIRD/ISD) <vxmd @cdc.gov>

From: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)

ww TTT

A
Vaccine: A product that stimulates a person's immune system
to produce immunity to a specific disease, protecting the
person from that disease. Vaccines are usually administered
through needle injections, but can also be administered by
mouth or sprayed into the nose.
From: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)
Sent: Thursday, August 19, 2021 11:56 AM
To: Morell Valerie (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/ISD)<vamé @cdc gov>
‘Subject: Need to update vaccine definition on website
Hi Valerie,

Cynthia and Alison Fisher have both reviewed but | would really appreciate your help with this.
Alycia
fo i 100m 3001 15.9716 40000
From: Downs, Alycia E. (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)

To: Jorgensen, Cynthia (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD); Fisher, Allison Michelle

(CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)
Subject: FW: WashPost: Vaccine skeptics claim a new CDC gotcha moment - but they
haven't got much

IN
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From: Witbart, Lauren Ann (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <xap3(@ede.gov>

“To: Downs, Alycia E. (CDCDDIDNCIRDIOD) <[email protected]>; Bretthauer-Mueller, Rosemary

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Original Message
From: Witbar, Lauren Ann (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <xap3@ede gov>
Sent: Thursday, September 9, 2021 6:15 PM
“To: Brethauer.Muller, Rosemary (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <2hk0@ede gov>
Ce: CDC IMS 2019 NCOV Response VF CDC INFO Comms Inquiries<coceventS6@edegov; Grusich,
Katherina (Kate) (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD)<yhb3@edegov>
Subject FW: WashPost: Vaceine skeptics claim a new CDC gotcha moment - but they haven't got much
Hi Rosie, How goes it?

Many thanks,
Lauren
Original Message
From: Grusich, Katherina (Kate) (CDC/DDID/NCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, September 9, 2021 5:24 PM
“To: Witbart, Lauren Ann (CDC/DDIDNCIRD/OD) <[email protected]>
Subject FW: WashPost: Vaceine skeptics claim a new CDC gotcha moment - but they haven't got much
“This is what was talking sbout earlier
Original Message
From: Mike Cooper<meooper(@panix.com>
Sen:Thursday,September9, 2021 4:25 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: WashPost: Vaceineskeptics claim
anew CDC gotcha moment - but they haven't got much
Vaccine skepics claim a new CDC gotcha moment but they haven't got much
By Aaron Blake
Senior reporter
Today at 12:10 pan. EDT
“The forces secking to undermine both the coronavirus vaccines and the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's handlingofthem have
landed on a new gotcha moment
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) has been oneofCongress's biggest critics
ofthe Centers fo Discase Control and Prevention and the vaccination
push. An inten recently resigned from his officeoverthe congressman
‘comparing vaccine “passports”to the Holocaust. (Massielaterdeleted
the tweet)
On Wednesday, Mass elevated something others had noticed inthe days
prior that the CDC had updated a definitionof"vaceination” on one of
its webpages. As ofate August, the page described vaccination as “The
act ofintroducing a vaceine into the body 0 produce immunity to 3
specific disease” (emphasis ours).Thedefinition has since been
changed from producing "immunity" to producing “protection.”
“Check out @CDCgov's evolving definitionof‘vaccination, * Massie
said. He then droppedanother comparison - to George Orwell's 1984:
“They've been busy at the MinistryofTruth.”
“The tweet has gone somewhat viral, with more than 9,000 retweets and
more than 19,000 likes. Other social media posts noting the change have
also been shared widely among the vacsine-skeptic community.
“The ideas that the CDC is watering down the definitionof vaccination
in response to the coronavirus vaccines proving les effective against
infection from the delta variant than previously. (The vaccines,
however, remain very good at preventing serious cases and
hospitalizations).
"After the Covid-19 vaccines were introduced, andi was discovered
theydo not necessarily “preven disease or provide immunity,* says
the website of longtime vaceine skeptic and former CBSNewsjoumalist
Sharyl Attkisson, "CDC altered the definitionofvaceines again to say
that they merely “produce protection.”
Massie responded to: ric by stating that "th goal posts have
moved." Some have even suggested tht the definition needed to be
changed o still consider the coronavirus vaceines to be vaccines at
all
11s intersting that the CDC changed the Web page. But as for the
conclusions being drawn sbout is significance? Those eave a lotto be
desired, and they est upon continual misreprescaations and
misunderstandingsofwhat vaccination and immunity” are supposed to
From the sartof the vaccination campaigns, critics have searched ong
‘and hard for evidence that he vaccines don't work ss well as they were
Supposed to. This has sometimes involved suggesting that anything less
than 100 percent efficacy means thy don't work
In truth, though, medical experts have long said that no vine,
including thecoronavirus vaccines, is 100 percent effective. If
“immunity” connotes complete protection, then no vaceine actually
provides it.
Part ofthe reason people seem to believe immunity means 100 percent
protection stems from how's understood in othercontexts. Legally
speaking, immunity from things like prosecution means you can't be
prosecuted,fullstop. Butin a medical contexts, is often used asa
Synonym for a specific typeofprotection -ic. the same word the CDC
“The Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary defines immunity as "a condition
ofbeing abl to resista particulardisease.” Taber's Medical
 Dictionary defines it as, "Protection from discases, especialy] from
infectious diseases.” Harvard's medical dictionary defines it s, "The
body's ability to resist infection and disease.” The Oxford Concise:
Medical Dictionary echoes all ofthem, saying immunity is “the body’
ability o resist infection.”
(These definitions, it bears noting, have not been changed recently.)
“The data clearly shows the coronavirus vaccines mest these definitions
ofproviding immunity, as do other vaccines with les than 100 percent
efficacy. Those includ the flu vaccines, whose efficacy i generally
around 40 percent. The flu vaceines are still vaceines and sill
provide immunity- just not complete immunity.
And o the extent this is some supposed grand conspiracy tomovethe
soul posts on thecoronavirus vaccines,i wouldalsobea very.
incomplete one. Throughout its website, the CDC sil refers 0 the
coronavirus vaceines providing immunity:
Ona page debunking myths about the coronavirus vaccines, which was.
updated his week, it tll sys, "After geting vaccinated, you
develop immunity to that disease.”
Onanotherpage devoted to explaining the coronavirus vaccines, i
uses "protection" and “immunity” as synonyms multiple times,
saying. “It ypicalytakes 2 weeks aftr vaccination for the body
to build protection (immunity) against th virus that causes
COVID-19."
*Onanotherpage: "COVID-19vaccines help our bodies develop
immunity to the virus that causes COVID-19 without us having o get
theless”
“The ironyof alofthis is tha the theories about what the change
relly means actually reinforce the idea that is probably beter to
use “protection” than “immunity” —given that people don' seem to
understand what “immunity” actually means.
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Others, though, seem to be deliberately obfuscating. On Wednesday, the
sume day Atkisson's website suggested tha the change was made because
perhaps the vaccines dont "provide immunity.” it updated another post
‘acknowledging that immanity is indeed arelative term.
Ofcourse, itdidso n the serviofmaking another argument Massie
and others have focused on: tht the immunity from infection provides
mare protection than, in its own words, "vaceinc-induced immunity."