So: David Leonhardt specifically has disproportionate influence over policymakers who think of themselves as super-rational, and has spun this exact kind of false narrative for years—and is now gunning for the last opportunity for parents in the US to vaccinate their kids against a still-disabling virus.

The fall 2024 round of FDA and CDC debate over pediatric boosters is probably going to be extremely gnarly. This is a great year to get involved in public comment, if you haven't before.