Health experts push back on claims of COVID-19 vaccine injury, other statements made at medical freedom summit

During the event, 12 panelists from various backgrounds across medical, scientific and legal professions took aim at the coronavirus response in North Carolina.

Speakers made unverified claims including the provided COVID-19 vaccine is causing injuries.

"The FDA panel admitted they have no idea of the side effects," one of the speakers told the crowd.

The speakers also touted use of the anti-parasitic drug ivermectin and the antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine as safe and effective treatments for the virus.

But, Dr. David Wohl, an infectious disease specialist at UNC Health, said the research doesn't support those drugs as being a better option than the COVID-19 vaccine.

"It comes to, s​how me the data and show me the really big data. I can show you the really big data on where it Remdesivir -- where it works and where it doesn’t," Wohl said. "That's all we as providers want. We don't want wishful thinking."

Overdosing on ivermectin can cause stomach problems, nerve damage, seizures, disorientation, coma and death, according to the CDC.

Parts of the medical freedom summit in Raleigh focused on people suffering injuries after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

"Half of humanity, right now, have had at least one COVID-19 vaccine ... with that kind of number, if there was a side effect leading people to get sick [and] to get hospitalized, we would know it. It would not be a secret," countered Wohl.

Vaccination Offers More Protection Against COVID Than Prior Infection, CDC Study Suggests

Out of the 216 million doses of the vaccine that had been administered from December to April, 68,000 adverse reactions were reported to the FDA.

Wohl said that he respects people's rights, but he also wanted to stress the importance of getting the vaccine.

He added that if you want to be conscious about your health, and protect others, get the shot.