Alastair McAlpine, MD
@alastairmca30.bsky.social
Pediatric infectious disease physician, author, runner, metal fan. Dislikes Pseudoscience and bigotry. Views ≠ my employer 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Prescription: Ice Cream available now! https://www.amazon.com/Prescription-Doctors-Journey-Discover-Matters-ebook/dp/B0CY347H4D
Prescription: Ice Cream available now! https://www.amazon.com/Prescription-Doctors-Journey-Discover-Matters-ebook/dp/B0CY347H4D
A reminder that countries that have implemented mass HPV vaccination are on course to ELIMINATE cervical cancer entirely (with no discernible common adverse effects).
RFK Jr and Lied Suddenly want women (and men) to die a painful death from a preventable disease.
RFK Jr and Lied Suddenly want women (and men) to die a painful death from a preventable disease.
August 25, 2025 at 7:57 PM
A reminder that countries that have implemented mass HPV vaccination are on course to ELIMINATE cervical cancer entirely (with no discernible common adverse effects).
RFK Jr and Lied Suddenly want women (and men) to die a painful death from a preventable disease.
RFK Jr and Lied Suddenly want women (and men) to die a painful death from a preventable disease.
This is clownish nonsense.
A) What on earth is Bhattacharya doing on this guy’s show?
B) Why is he spreading ridiculous nonsense on this guy’s show?
To claim *all* mRNA vaccines are no longer viable is just absurd.
He is an embarrassment. Bought and paid for.
A) What on earth is Bhattacharya doing on this guy’s show?
B) Why is he spreading ridiculous nonsense on this guy’s show?
To claim *all* mRNA vaccines are no longer viable is just absurd.
He is an embarrassment. Bought and paid for.
August 13, 2025 at 2:31 AM
This is clownish nonsense.
A) What on earth is Bhattacharya doing on this guy’s show?
B) Why is he spreading ridiculous nonsense on this guy’s show?
To claim *all* mRNA vaccines are no longer viable is just absurd.
He is an embarrassment. Bought and paid for.
A) What on earth is Bhattacharya doing on this guy’s show?
B) Why is he spreading ridiculous nonsense on this guy’s show?
To claim *all* mRNA vaccines are no longer viable is just absurd.
He is an embarrassment. Bought and paid for.
Insanity.
No other technology promises to provide as much protection against an array of diseases.
Now this anti-vaxx weirdo has shut them all down.
Never has America been more vulnerable.
No other technology promises to provide as much protection against an array of diseases.
Now this anti-vaxx weirdo has shut them all down.
Never has America been more vulnerable.
August 6, 2025 at 4:44 AM
Insanity.
No other technology promises to provide as much protection against an array of diseases.
Now this anti-vaxx weirdo has shut them all down.
Never has America been more vulnerable.
No other technology promises to provide as much protection against an array of diseases.
Now this anti-vaxx weirdo has shut them all down.
Never has America been more vulnerable.
EXTREMELY proud to announce that my memoir, “Prescription: Ice Cream”, has been long-listed for the Sunday Times Literary Prize.
If you’re interested in a story about working in the busiest hospital in the world, overcoming addition, or finding the meaning of life-check it out!
If you’re interested in a story about working in the busiest hospital in the world, overcoming addition, or finding the meaning of life-check it out!
August 4, 2025 at 7:05 PM
EXTREMELY proud to announce that my memoir, “Prescription: Ice Cream”, has been long-listed for the Sunday Times Literary Prize.
If you’re interested in a story about working in the busiest hospital in the world, overcoming addition, or finding the meaning of life-check it out!
If you’re interested in a story about working in the busiest hospital in the world, overcoming addition, or finding the meaning of life-check it out!
Serving sugary drinks with cane sugar in glass bottles won’t significantly change anyone’s health.
This is performative nonsense that summarizes how silly the “MAHA” movement is.
This is performative nonsense that summarizes how silly the “MAHA” movement is.
July 20, 2025 at 9:36 PM
Serving sugary drinks with cane sugar in glass bottles won’t significantly change anyone’s health.
This is performative nonsense that summarizes how silly the “MAHA” movement is.
This is performative nonsense that summarizes how silly the “MAHA” movement is.
HUGE new study of >1.2 million kids looked to see if the aluminium contained was associated with a number of childhood conditions.
Long story short: NO association with ANY of them.
The tiny amount of aluminium in vaccines is safe. #Vaccineswork
Long story short: NO association with ANY of them.
The tiny amount of aluminium in vaccines is safe. #Vaccineswork
July 18, 2025 at 1:59 PM
HUGE new study of >1.2 million kids looked to see if the aluminium contained was associated with a number of childhood conditions.
Long story short: NO association with ANY of them.
The tiny amount of aluminium in vaccines is safe. #Vaccineswork
Long story short: NO association with ANY of them.
The tiny amount of aluminium in vaccines is safe. #Vaccineswork
In case you were worried by this despicable lie:
There is ZERO association with receipt of vaccination and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
In fact, many studies have found a negative association between vaccines and SIDS (ie they’re associated with REDUCED SIDS)
There is ZERO association with receipt of vaccination and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
In fact, many studies have found a negative association between vaccines and SIDS (ie they’re associated with REDUCED SIDS)
July 7, 2025 at 5:27 PM
In case you were worried by this despicable lie:
There is ZERO association with receipt of vaccination and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
In fact, many studies have found a negative association between vaccines and SIDS (ie they’re associated with REDUCED SIDS)
There is ZERO association with receipt of vaccination and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
In fact, many studies have found a negative association between vaccines and SIDS (ie they’re associated with REDUCED SIDS)
Disingenuous nonsense.
We know why autism rates have increased.
Expanded diagnostic criteria and increased awareness.
The causes are not fully elucidated, but predominantly genetic.
(RFK Jr wants to blame vaccines. We all know it).
We know why autism rates have increased.
Expanded diagnostic criteria and increased awareness.
The causes are not fully elucidated, but predominantly genetic.
(RFK Jr wants to blame vaccines. We all know it).
July 6, 2025 at 10:35 PM
Disingenuous nonsense.
We know why autism rates have increased.
Expanded diagnostic criteria and increased awareness.
The causes are not fully elucidated, but predominantly genetic.
(RFK Jr wants to blame vaccines. We all know it).
We know why autism rates have increased.
Expanded diagnostic criteria and increased awareness.
The causes are not fully elucidated, but predominantly genetic.
(RFK Jr wants to blame vaccines. We all know it).
Kennedy provides a bunch of references for his claim that thimerosal in vaccines (barely used anymore) is harmful.
If a high-school student submitted this as their reference list, they would fail.
I will do what Kennedy didn’t - actually look at them. 🧵
If a high-school student submitted this as their reference list, they would fail.
I will do what Kennedy didn’t - actually look at them. 🧵
June 25, 2025 at 9:16 PM
Kennedy provides a bunch of references for his claim that thimerosal in vaccines (barely used anymore) is harmful.
If a high-school student submitted this as their reference list, they would fail.
I will do what Kennedy didn’t - actually look at them. 🧵
If a high-school student submitted this as their reference list, they would fail.
I will do what Kennedy didn’t - actually look at them. 🧵
The result of the antivaxx movement is death for kids.
Whooping cough can be fatal for young infants - it causes them to stop breathing.
Kids can only be vaccinated at 6-8w of life. Before then, protection is provided by vaccinating mum during pregnancy.
Whooping cough can be fatal for young infants - it causes them to stop breathing.
Kids can only be vaccinated at 6-8w of life. Before then, protection is provided by vaccinating mum during pregnancy.
June 7, 2025 at 10:20 PM
The result of the antivaxx movement is death for kids.
Whooping cough can be fatal for young infants - it causes them to stop breathing.
Kids can only be vaccinated at 6-8w of life. Before then, protection is provided by vaccinating mum during pregnancy.
Whooping cough can be fatal for young infants - it causes them to stop breathing.
Kids can only be vaccinated at 6-8w of life. Before then, protection is provided by vaccinating mum during pregnancy.
RFK Jr and MAHA promised a return to “gold standard science.”
Their report (likely AI generated) cites studies that don’t exist, and misrepresents existing ones.
“Gold standard”? I’d fail an undergrad kid for this.
Their report (likely AI generated) cites studies that don’t exist, and misrepresents existing ones.
“Gold standard”? I’d fail an undergrad kid for this.
May 29, 2025 at 2:43 PM
RFK Jr and MAHA promised a return to “gold standard science.”
Their report (likely AI generated) cites studies that don’t exist, and misrepresents existing ones.
“Gold standard”? I’d fail an undergrad kid for this.
Their report (likely AI generated) cites studies that don’t exist, and misrepresents existing ones.
“Gold standard”? I’d fail an undergrad kid for this.
Pertussis (whooping cough) causes babies to stop breathing…
I’ve seen older children cough so hard their eyes bleed…
It’s an awful illness and it’s prevented by an incredibly safe vaccine.
Mums should get it when they’re pregnant and babies when they’re old enough.
I’ve seen older children cough so hard their eyes bleed…
It’s an awful illness and it’s prevented by an incredibly safe vaccine.
Mums should get it when they’re pregnant and babies when they’re old enough.
May 6, 2025 at 12:57 AM
Pertussis (whooping cough) causes babies to stop breathing…
I’ve seen older children cough so hard their eyes bleed…
It’s an awful illness and it’s prevented by an incredibly safe vaccine.
Mums should get it when they’re pregnant and babies when they’re old enough.
I’ve seen older children cough so hard their eyes bleed…
It’s an awful illness and it’s prevented by an incredibly safe vaccine.
Mums should get it when they’re pregnant and babies when they’re old enough.
Couldn’t disagree more.
Medicine and the real world are inextricably intertwined. To advocate for our patients is to engage beyond simple academia.
Essentially, this article argues we should remain detached in our ivory towers. THAT is what causes decreased trust.
Medicine and the real world are inextricably intertwined. To advocate for our patients is to engage beyond simple academia.
Essentially, this article argues we should remain detached in our ivory towers. THAT is what causes decreased trust.
May 5, 2025 at 5:27 AM
Couldn’t disagree more.
Medicine and the real world are inextricably intertwined. To advocate for our patients is to engage beyond simple academia.
Essentially, this article argues we should remain detached in our ivory towers. THAT is what causes decreased trust.
Medicine and the real world are inextricably intertwined. To advocate for our patients is to engage beyond simple academia.
Essentially, this article argues we should remain detached in our ivory towers. THAT is what causes decreased trust.
An absolutely catastrophic consequence of the antivaxx movement.
Thousands of children potentially harmed. Some of whom will die.
All because of misinformation around a safe vaccine.
Horrific.
Thousands of children potentially harmed. Some of whom will die.
All because of misinformation around a safe vaccine.
Horrific.
April 26, 2025 at 2:43 PM
An absolutely catastrophic consequence of the antivaxx movement.
Thousands of children potentially harmed. Some of whom will die.
All because of misinformation around a safe vaccine.
Horrific.
Thousands of children potentially harmed. Some of whom will die.
All because of misinformation around a safe vaccine.
Horrific.
There are things you just don’t cut.
A hotline for suicidal youth is one of them.
Taking away a basic call for help when someone is at their lowest is not just cold.
It’s evil.
A hotline for suicidal youth is one of them.
Taking away a basic call for help when someone is at their lowest is not just cold.
It’s evil.
April 24, 2025 at 12:14 PM
There are things you just don’t cut.
A hotline for suicidal youth is one of them.
Taking away a basic call for help when someone is at their lowest is not just cold.
It’s evil.
A hotline for suicidal youth is one of them.
Taking away a basic call for help when someone is at their lowest is not just cold.
It’s evil.
To talk about children with autism like this - like they are irreparably damaged and a burden to society - is ignorant, mean and callous.
This man simply has no idea what he’s talking about. He brings shame to America.
This man simply has no idea what he’s talking about. He brings shame to America.
April 18, 2025 at 8:51 AM
To talk about children with autism like this - like they are irreparably damaged and a burden to society - is ignorant, mean and callous.
This man simply has no idea what he’s talking about. He brings shame to America.
This man simply has no idea what he’s talking about. He brings shame to America.
Aerosolized budesonide and clarithromycin don’t treat measles (it’s a virus- it doesn’t respond to antibiotics).
For the head of HHS to be messaging this in the middle of an outbreak that has killed two children is… despicable.
For the head of HHS to be messaging this in the middle of an outbreak that has killed two children is… despicable.
April 7, 2025 at 10:38 AM
Aerosolized budesonide and clarithromycin don’t treat measles (it’s a virus- it doesn’t respond to antibiotics).
For the head of HHS to be messaging this in the middle of an outbreak that has killed two children is… despicable.
For the head of HHS to be messaging this in the middle of an outbreak that has killed two children is… despicable.
*Unvaccinated child gets measles, develops pneumonia which is a well-known complication of measles, and tragically passes away.*
Anti-vaxxers: “See?! It was pneumonia, not measles, that killed her! This was medical error!”
🤦♂️ 🤦♂️ 🤦♂️
Anti-vaxxers: “See?! It was pneumonia, not measles, that killed her! This was medical error!”
🤦♂️ 🤦♂️ 🤦♂️
March 23, 2025 at 6:02 PM
*Unvaccinated child gets measles, develops pneumonia which is a well-known complication of measles, and tragically passes away.*
Anti-vaxxers: “See?! It was pneumonia, not measles, that killed her! This was medical error!”
🤦♂️ 🤦♂️ 🤦♂️
Anti-vaxxers: “See?! It was pneumonia, not measles, that killed her! This was medical error!”
🤦♂️ 🤦♂️ 🤦♂️
Good.
An immature billionaire and his crew of adolescents don’t have the right to shut down life-saving functions that benefit the poorest and neediest.
An immature billionaire and his crew of adolescents don’t have the right to shut down life-saving functions that benefit the poorest and neediest.
March 19, 2025 at 2:50 PM
Good.
An immature billionaire and his crew of adolescents don’t have the right to shut down life-saving functions that benefit the poorest and neediest.
An immature billionaire and his crew of adolescents don’t have the right to shut down life-saving functions that benefit the poorest and neediest.
Lemme get this straight - Trump inherited a booming economy with stocks at an all-time high…
And now he’s crashed it and made a recession very likely…
All over stupid tariffs and other poor decisions?
And now he’s crashed it and made a recession very likely…
All over stupid tariffs and other poor decisions?
March 10, 2025 at 5:48 PM
Lemme get this straight - Trump inherited a booming economy with stocks at an all-time high…
And now he’s crashed it and made a recession very likely…
All over stupid tariffs and other poor decisions?
And now he’s crashed it and made a recession very likely…
All over stupid tariffs and other poor decisions?
Marco Rubio announces that he has killed PEPFAR. An organization that provided critical HIV care to the poorest and neediest.
All while professing to follow the teachings of Christ.
All while professing to follow the teachings of Christ.
March 10, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Marco Rubio announces that he has killed PEPFAR. An organization that provided critical HIV care to the poorest and neediest.
All while professing to follow the teachings of Christ.
All while professing to follow the teachings of Christ.
Please don’t have “measles parties.”
Even for kids who fully recover, measles is a miserable experience.
And a substantial number will have complications.
Just get vaccinated instead.
Even for kids who fully recover, measles is a miserable experience.
And a substantial number will have complications.
Just get vaccinated instead.
March 8, 2025 at 11:20 PM
Please don’t have “measles parties.”
Even for kids who fully recover, measles is a miserable experience.
And a substantial number will have complications.
Just get vaccinated instead.
Even for kids who fully recover, measles is a miserable experience.
And a substantial number will have complications.
Just get vaccinated instead.
This is so profoundly dumb on so many levels.
Yeah- French fries cooked in beef tallow is what will make Americans healthy 🥴🥴🥴
Just a profoundly unserious man.
Yeah- French fries cooked in beef tallow is what will make Americans healthy 🥴🥴🥴
Just a profoundly unserious man.
February 27, 2025 at 8:56 PM
This is so profoundly dumb on so many levels.
Yeah- French fries cooked in beef tallow is what will make Americans healthy 🥴🥴🥴
Just a profoundly unserious man.
Yeah- French fries cooked in beef tallow is what will make Americans healthy 🥴🥴🥴
Just a profoundly unserious man.