In the early days of the pandemic, the world faced news stories of the US President recommending untested hydroxychloroquine and injecting bleach to ward off COVID-19. Medical experts, including those within his administration, rolled their eyes and warned the public not to follow through on President Trump’s unfounded and unscientific suggestions.

Fast forward to today and while hydroxychloroquine or the injection of bleach is for the most part a thing of the past, similarly unfounded alternatives to vaccination are being discussed by prominent rightwing politicians and entertainment personalities. A popular cure-all touted currently is the consumption or injection of the horse dewormer Ivermectin. Ivermectin is a medication used especially in veterinary medicine to treat parasite infections like heartworm and acariasis. 

Representative Yvette Herrell Advocates Vaccine Alternatives

New Mexico District 2 Congresswoman Yvette Herrell (R), who represents Lea County, is one of the individuals who is advocating such vaccine alternatives. “I am a huge proponent under doctor’s orders to try whatever other alternative there is, whether it’s a therapeutic [or] ivermectin. I mean anything. Whatever people want to try through their doctor, I’m all for, because we see, the studies show, some of these work for people. Some may not. But everyone should have access to what they are comfortable with and, of course, the vaccination is always an alternative. It’s a blessing we have so many options. I’m all for the ‘all of above’ approach,” said Rep. Herrell in a recent statement broadcast by KVIA ABC-7 and now available on YouTube. 

Congresswoman Herrell goes on to say that she thinks ivermectin is on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website and that over 180 million Americans were vaccinated with a vaccine that was not approved by the FDA. She concludes, “I think there’s options for people.”

While claiming the COVID-19 vaccinations were not approved by the FDA is a common anti-vax talking point, the claim is also misleading. The vaccines were approved for emergency use and more recently the Pfizer vaccine was fully approved by the FDA. Claims vaccines are are not approved by the FDA are intended to erode confidence in vaccines, though leading medical experts agree the vaccines are safe and effective.

Republicans Send Letter to Dr. Anthony Fauci

In July Herrell was one of several republicans who sent a letter to Dr. Anthony Fauci, M.D. Dr. Fauci is the Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID); he has been head of NIAID since 1984 and during his tenure has served as infectious disease advisor to US presidents, including former President Donald Trump. 

The letter to Dr. Fauci was an outgrowth of a previous false claim by former President Trump that ivermectin cures coronavirus. In the letter republicans state, “We are concerned that certain effective strategies at combating the pandemic may have been overlooked.” 

Denying that possible cures for coronavirus have been overlooked, Dr. Fauci’s response about using ivermectin to treat and/or prevent coronavirus was simple. He told CNN, “Don’t do it. There’s no evidence whatsoever that that works…” 

Congresswoman Herrell Stands Firm About Alternatives to the Vaccine

Still, Congresswoman Herrell continues to promote her stand that alternatives to treat and cure COVID under doctor’s orders should be used.

In an August 31 Tweet she states that studies show “possible applications of ivermectin in helping against COVID.” However, the congresswoman does reference these alleged studies. 

She also comments that  “Joe Biden’s party would rather politicize medicine.”

What the FDA Says

As of now, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved nor authorized the use of ivermectin to prevent and/or treat coronavirus in either humans or animals. “Ivermectin is approved for human use to treat infections caused by some parasitic worms and head lice and skin conditions like rosacea,” states the FDA. It is not approved regarding coronavirus treatment.

The FDA also states that data does not show that ivermectin is effective in treating or curing COVID-19, although clinical trials about ivermectin tablets’ effectiveness in treating and/or curing coronavirus are being conducted. 

Further the FDA warns that taking “large doses of ivermectin is dangerous. 

Finally, the FDA states in broader terms, ”Never use medications intended for animals on yourself or other people. Animal ivermectin products are very different from those approved for humans. Use of animal ivermectin for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19 in humans is dangerous.” 

Follow CDC Guidelines to Prevent COVID-19 Infection

It’s simple. Talk to your health care provider. Explore what COVID-19 vaccines and treatments are available to you. Consider your options based on your health history. In the end in the vast majority of cases, getting the jab will be the solution of choice.