Timothy Caulfield
@CaulfieldTim
Followers
89K
Following
25K
Media
6K
Statuses
84K
Professor of health law and science policy, author, speaker, and TV host. #GoScience #ScienceUpFirst Linktree: https://t.co/84fx65j5Gw
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Joined November 2011
We are in the middle of a knowledge production crisis! . Science, opinion, & “goodness” are weaponized for profit, politics, & personal gain. In my new book, I lift the curtain on the forces contributing to this chaos & look for a path forward. ORDER:
1
23
84
Dear Antivaxxers,. Early days, but this will be a tough one for you. Good luck. Best, . Science.
A new generation of cancer-preventing vaccines could wipe out tumors before they form. Learn more: @NewsfromScience #ScienceMagArchives
2K
4K
21K
@netflix Dear @Netflix, the spread of health misinformation does real harm (. In addition to promoting unproven ideas & products, it contributes to erosion of #criticalthinking. cc @DrJenGunter. In this era of #fakenews, pls do better! . Less @goop. More science.
32
659
5K
I continually get "science doesn't work" messages from vaccine deniers. Sent via email. Bounced off a satellite in space. Appearing like magic on my computer screen.
77
634
5K
Dear antivaxx world,. Appointing RFK Jr isn't "karma" for science advocates. It is karma for YOU!. Though we're not celebrating. This is bad for biomedicine. This is bad for public health. This is bad for the children of the world. This is bad for humanity.
1K
809
5K
Coincidence that a country, Finland, that teaches critical thinking skills early and often has high confidence in vaccines?. - 93% strongly agree vaccines important. - 0% disagree. via @vaccine_trust #ScienceUpFirst
636
949
4K
Base rate fallacy. Base rate fallacy. Base rate fallacy. Base rate fallacy. Base rate fallacy. Base rate fallacy. Base rate fallacy. Base rate fallacy. Base rate fallacy. Dear Hate Mailers, please make an effort to understand the f*ing base rate fallacy. It isn't hard. Promise.
103
1K
4K
Let's not let the deniers capture the COVID narrative. EVERYONE wants the pandemic to end. EVERYONE wants to get back to "normal". YES, the vaccines work!!!. YES, public health measures necessary & effective. Let's use science, sense, & compassion to move forward.
101
744
4K
92
224
3K
Often referenced "masks do harm" study retracted. See: Editors: ". complaints were valid . the article does not meet the standards of editorial & scientific soundness. ". Will likely live on as a zombie & retraction part of a conspiracy narrative.
130
1K
3K
Last night AB Premier @jkenney spoke about his concern regarding the "stigma" faced by unvaccinated. Reality: Being unvaccinated is not an immutable trait or a noble stand. It is almost always simply a decision –usually informed by misinformation & ideological spin.
72
656
3K
Dear @ABDanielleSmith. - Vaccines saved millions of lives.- Therapeutics WERE studied (#ivermectin ineffective).- Consensus (body of evid) is how science works. Pls, for AB, climb out of rabbit hole. Don't inform policies with lies, myths, & misinformation. #DanielleSmithDarkAge.
1K
757
3K
#DaniellesSmith: “I am deeply sorry for anyone who was inappropriately subjected to discrimination as a result of their vaccine status,”. Don't like seatbelts? I'm here for you. Smoking in ICU? Human right. Food safety laws? Marxist. Pooping on the street? FREEDOM!.
1K
487
3K
One of my daughters just asked: "Should I use an Oxford comma?". Yes! Of course. Always. It makes writing clearer, more readable, and logical. #TeamOxfordComma.
100
154
3K
A tale of two disasters: Missing #Titanic sub captivates the world days after deadly migrant shipwreck by @chantaladasilva via @nbcnews . @sunderland_jude: "The willingness to allow certain people to die while every effort is made to save others . it’s.
71
821
3K
Wait, am I becoming a KC fan??. @tkelce: a got the vaccine "to keep myself safe, keep my family safe, the people in this building. I stand by it. 1000%". 🙏❤️! #GoScience #VaccinesWork.
190
262
2K
I still can't believe that the Alberta government is seriously considering funding homeopathy as a way to fix our healthcare system. Terrifying that our leaders don't know how patently absurd this is. Next, flying carpets to fix delays at the airport?.
334
551
2K
Do not trust anyone who denies the existence of harmful lies. Or who wants to dodge the marketplace of ideas. Being shown you are wrong isn't suppression. Sorry, but lies exist: Sandy Hook conspiracy, the Big Lie, Holocaust denial, vaccines cause autism, etc., etc.
341
474
2K
Sorry about all the #DanielleSmith posts. It is all just so unbelievable. Surreal. Heartbreaking. #GoScience #GoCommunity #GoAlberta.
570
176
2K
“Would you have unprotected sex with someone who has syphilis or gonorrhea and not worry about because you're so ‘healthy’?” . But, but, but. my super healthy immune system, blah, blah. #VaccinesWork!.
52
498
2K
Antivaxxers love to rattle on about how vaccinated people can also get sick & be hospitalized. No one has ever denied that. #Sigh. But the difference between vaccinated and unvaccinated is ridiculously stark. Benefits of vaccination obvious. via @statnews @ericboodman
112
734
2K
There is an anti-vaccine industry. The lies & spin – which are killing people – are often pushed for profit. Antivaxxers are not noble & brave crusaders. They are grifters marketing products, unproven therapies, and conspiracy-theory brands.
240
691
2K
Important court decision!. ". choice not to get vaccinated against COVID-19 is just that — a choice.". "'COVID-19 vaccination status' is not, in our view, an analogous ground under s 15(1) of the Charter.". Out today: Court of Appeal of Alberta. Hope Premier reads carefully.
297
551
2K
A large & growing body of evidence shows the COVID vaccines:. - Saved millions of lives.- Reduce hospitalization rates.- Improve pregnancy outcomes.- Reduce severity & incidence of Long COVID.- Reduce burden on healthcare systems.- Saved billions of dollars.- Etc!. A few example.
1K
466
2K
Continue to be stunned by how fast the COVID revisionism has taken root. This happened:.- Over 45,000 Canadians died of COVID.- Hospitals were overwhelmed.- Healthcare workers (and Canadians) stepped up.- Vaccines & public health policies saved lives. Stop the COVID spin.
584
526
2K
RFK Jr isn't a "vaccine skeptic". Please, news organization, STOP calling him that. Despite his claims to the contrary, RFK Jr is an "anti-vaccine zealot". This shift in language a good example of the harm he has already done. Let's not normalize harmful lies. cc @gorskon
448
557
2K
Heartbreaking. Enraging. Deaths from measles surged 43% to 136,000 last year via @upi . ". prompted by a wave of infections among unvaccinated children. ". "The increase in measles outbreaks and deaths is staggering. ". #VaccinesWork.
594
904
2K
Study finds that 84% of Canadians with strongest belief in disinformation vote Conservative . “95% of the most disinformed Canadians are planning to vote for the CPC or PPC.”. I recognize this research by @VoiceOfFranky @EKOSResearch feels partisan &.
2K
707
2K
OK, trolls won't listen, but this 👇 is NOT a gotcha. Haters post this, like, 20+ times a day. It is a grant to research health misinformation from (the independent) @CIHR_IRSC & the result of an open & independent (v competitive) peer review process. I didn't get a dime.
376
347
2K
These are dark, dark times. But we can't let science and reason fade. We can't let lies win. The scientific community must use their voices – often and together – to push back against these regressive & hateful forces. Onward.
956
337
2K
NO! The healthcare system doesn't need more pseudoscience. NO! Naturopathy will not alleviate system concerns. Naturopathy is built on magical thinking. Most of their practices (e.g., homeopathy, IV vitamin therapy, detoxes, etc) NOT supported by science. Disappointing to see
262
310
2K
Dear Hate Mailers,. I can't believe I need to explain this, but getting a peer-reviewed CIHR grant is not a "gotcha" moment. Trudeau isn't paying me or directing our (entirely independent) work. I don't get a dime from grant. And budget oversight. Stop the defaming lies.
214
219
2K
I was just asked by an academic journal to review a "study" on homeopathy. My response attached. Ridiculous that a journal would take seriously. CC @EdzardErnst @DrJenGunter @drlabos @McGillOSS @crackedscience @NightShiftMD @NaturoDiaries @picardonhealth @carlyweeks
63
289
2K
I wasn't going to post about the invites I received to the UCP's vaccine misinformation jamboree. But since MLA Bouchard's invite was little more than a dog whistle (see below👇) and ideological theatre, here is how I responded: . "Dear Mr. Bouchard,. I am, as you know, deeply
341
431
1K
Scientists used to love Twitter. Thanks to Elon Musk, they're giving up on it by @hiltzikm . Me: "You don’t want the dark forces to win. That’s still my position, but I’m wavering.". @PeterHotez: "Now it’s just a cesspool of trolls and bots.".
517
476
1K
I know nothing will stop trolls from spreading lies about me and my colleagues. Still, for the record:. - I'm not & never have been a "gov lawyer". Sigh. I've been a researcher & professor for over 30 yrs!.- I've never received a dime (from industry, gov, etc) to spread a.
242
215
1K
Flu and COVID vaccines? ✅. Done and done.❤️. Thanks, science! 🙏.
311
92
1K
Yet ANOTHER much circulated antivaxx "study" withdrawn. This is the nonsensical autopsy study used to (allegedly) support "died suddenly" BS. Authors = antivaxx supplement salesmen supergroup. Reasons for withdrawal:.- "Inappropriate design of methodology. - Errors,
108
593
1K
"Scientists are tired of explaining why #COVID19 was not made in a lab" #coronavirus. "It's a rumour that just won't die.". Good example of how conspiracy theories take on a life of their own.
344
743
1K
Dear Premier Smith,. For future reference, the correct answer is: "This is a conspiracy theory. It isn't true.". Stunning. Now Premier Smith is legitimizing the totally off-the-rails chemtrail conspiracy theory? . How anti-science is AB gov? This anti-science. 👇.
Asked about chemtrails, Premier Smith suggests that "the US Department of Defense is spraying us". "If anyone is doing it, it's the US Department of Defense". Smith is pandering to the conspiracy theorists. #ableg #abpoli
309
430
1K
Infuriating. Polarizing. Evidence-free. Offensive. No, using the term "anti-vaccine" is not the same as racism. Ridiculous claim. Being anti-vaccine is a choice. (Which a large body of evidence tells us is informed by misinformation & in-group signalling.)
543
207
1K
An unbelievably horrible & misleading headline @TheAtlantic needs to retract immediately. It will feed conspiracy theories & hesitancy & do serious harm to public health. I know authors do not write headlines, but @KatherineJWu can you help fix this? It is wrong & DOES NOT.
634
234
1K
Dear Alberta Government,. This. 👇. "This report is anti-science and anti-evidence. It advances misinformation. It speaks against the broadest, and most diligent, international scientific collaboration and consensus in history.". via @Albertadoctors 🙏
361
540
2K
Everything has an ideological spin. Everything. Vaccines, masks, 15 min cities, yoga, supplements, unproven therapies, homeopathy, longevity, wildfires, GMOs, the weather, etc, etc. I've been studying twisted science for almost 30 yrs. This level of partisanship is new.
141
193
1K
Yes, everyone should get an updated Covid-19 vaccine via @statnews . Many reasons, including: .1) There is little downside. The vaccines are extremely safe. 4) Vaccination likely reduces the risk of long Covid. 5) Fewer infections mean less transmission.
889
279
1K
Dear Trolls,. You focus on wrong topics! Things I'm not sensitive about: my sexuality, my lack of manliness, my peer-reviewed research grants, my ugly face, & that I'm a health & science policy researcher. But I AM sensitive about my guitar skills. Four decades & I still suck.😢.
238
29
1K
This is horrifying. Either a total lack of understanding about how system works or advocating for government interference in research & results?. System not perfect. But this… ?. It seems like she doesn’t like what the science says so therefore it must be wrong. Huh? cc.
Despite being corrected that grants are determined by academic panels and not Justin Trudeau, Smith not only doubles down on that…. She then says that with the powers of Bill 18 she will block renewals of grants if they don’t align with UCP views. #abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli
175
311
1K
Majority of Canadians support return of face masks if deemed necessary: . Despite all the noise, #misinformation, & polarization, important to recognize that vast majority of Canadians support science-informed (yes, complex!) policy. #ScienceUpFirst
1K
352
1K
The Pentagon and NORAD Respond to Danielle Smith: Nope, We’re Not Spraying Chemicals Over Alberta by @_llebrun via @pressprogress . Phew! Glad we cleared that up. Now the government can move on to real issues, like all those alien lizard people!!.
210
393
1K
We are seeing more & more official legitimization – including right here in Alberta – of BS about vaccines, immigration, crime, homeopathy, chemtrails, climate change, etc. The death of knowledge & the rise of the #DeathCultDarkAge? . We can't let darkness and lies win. Onward.
200
353
1K
RFK Jr. wants to stop putting fluoride in drinking water. Here's what scientists say . "People who are non-scientists are interpreting scientific data and making policy decisions based on emotion, not on objectivity.". "Those people in society that face.
437
342
1K
Canada ranked as one of the safest countries in the world Regarding violent crime, we rank #2 in safety. There is a massive disconnect between perception of crime (often driven by political rhetoric, headlines, TV shows) & reality. Yes, crime rates –.
399
565
1K
I continually get "science doesn't work" messages from vaccine deniers. Send via email. Bounced off a satellite in space. Appearing like magic on my computer screen.
28
149
1K
Anti-vaxxer Aaron Rodgers makes a fool of himself mocking Travis Kelce as 'Mr. Pfizer' by @mikefreemanNFL @usatoday. "This isn't easy to say but it's been established for years now.". Yep. An insufferable, arrogent, Dunning-Kruger, misinformation monger.
274
139
1K
Sweden's COVID policy = More deaths + NO economic benefit. See "Sweden’s relaxed & delayed #COVID-19 health policy response did not benefit the economy in the short term, while leading to disproportionate COVID-19 hospitalizations and mortality."
40
486
1K
Classic nonsensical, substance-free, ad hominem attack. How does supporting science-informed health policy make me a communist?. Recommendation for trolls: take basic history & political science classes!
227
107
1K
One of my hate mailers just sent me a 3400 word, misinformation, rage, insult, and ALL CAPS-filled antivaxx rant. Truly touched by the effort! 🥲.
234
28
1K
The threat has arrived. RFK Jr. is now an extinction-level threat to federal public health programs and science-based health policy . "Far from 'making America healthy again,' RFK Jr.’s MAHA would have the potential to make us sicker than ever.". by.
250
373
1K
This kind of BS is killing people. Massively irresponsible. Zero evidence to support. Lots of evidence vaccines save lives. #DeathCultDarkAge
755
180
1K
I just received an invitation to contribute to a "Special Issue 'Homeopathy' in the journal / OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine." . They suggest I would "make an excellent contribution based on [my] expertise. " (Are they mocking me?). My response below.
74
151
1K
Professor named to Order of Canada by @KarynMulcahy @ctvedmonton. True story. When I heard I was "in a crappy [LA] coffee shop in a strip mall after an evening where people were yelling at me about misinformation. I was kind of at the end of my rope. ”.
147
123
1K
Does Preston Manning think "alternative" & disproven science should inform:. - Food safety regulation?.- Building codes?.- Water sanitation?.- Bridge building?.- Aviation regulations?. Or does his embrace of "alternative" just apply to public health measures used to save lives?.
151
345
1K
This is horrifying, @AdrianaLaGrange. Naturopathy based on pseudoscience. They provide:.- science-free therapies - bogus tests .- use of science-y nonsense - #antivaxx rhetoric
It was great to visit with Dr. Rob Roth, President of the College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta, to discuss the role they play in primary care. People visit naturopathic practitioners for various health-related purposes, including primary care, overall well-being, and
284
342
1K
Dear Anti Vaxxers,. Aren't you all about "doing your own research"?. Every time we (ie, the science-informed & less off-the-rails) highlight your BS, we are not obligated to provide a list of references that #vaccineswork. You are making the extraordinary claims. Onus is on you.
40
127
1K
Elon Musk's misinformation about Canada a dangerous sign by @mujtaba_haris via @torontostar . Musk deeply misinformed about freedom / rights in Canada. More harmful Elon BS. In reality, Canada ranks much HIGHER than US on "freedom index".
1K
384
1K
This kind of BS from celeb "wellness" influencers does huge harm. NO evidence to support claim naturopaths can treat cancer or that being “holistically treated” a good idea. On the contrary, using alt med assoc > mortality. by @JamieGrierson via.
109
204
1K
A plea for critical thinking from the guy that pushes conspiracy theories (those evil 15 min cities!)?. Reality: research shows it is the misinformation mongers that rely on fearmongering & hyperbole. Peterson calling for critical thinking is like the Hulk calling for calm. cc
314
184
976
Talking to a vaccine-hesitant family member or friend? Those conversations tough but so important. My (not comprehensive) list of things to consider. cc @DrJenGunter @aetiology @vaccine_trust @UAlbertaSPH @UAlberta @CBCEdmonton @GidMK @DrSherryPagoto @KizzyPhD @drkiki
147
481
1K
Ugh. Infuriating. Measles returned to Costa Rica after five years by French family who had not had vaccinations ht @23skiddsy . ". increase anxiety about the effects of the worldwide anti-vaccine movement.". #VaccinesWork.
140
410
964
This is disgusting. Horrible. And people wonder why we often frame the #antivaxx community as an evil and malevolent force?. #DeathCultDarkAge #TeamHotez.
I'm not an expert in guns/ammunition, but I think I know what this means. it's unacceptable, and has to stop.
249
103
952
Truly honoured to receive Alberta's Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal from the @LtGovAB, the Honourable Salma Lakhani. A beautiful & inspiring ceremony today. Congrats to all the amazing Albertans at the event. #Gratitude 🙏
130
27
1K
This is completely mad. If you had any question how anti-science & conspiracy theory fueled the UCP is. this is your answer. WTF? Ban the COVID vaccine? by @DonBraid. There is NO evidence to support concerns about things like "sudden deaths", etc. As.
237
356
945
". no link between Covid-19 mRNA vaccines & cardiac arrest in young people.". The CDC just killed another Covid vaccine conspiracy theory by @_Jahan . Fits with conclusion of lots of research that has shown, for example:.- "COVID infection poses higher.
1K
305
975
Musk: "Ok team, how can I make Twitter. um, X. even more toxic?". Is @elonmusk seriously considering removing the block feature?. What a fantastically terrible idea. Yet again, Musk sides with harassment, trolls, lies, and rage.
270
185
931
Just got my AZ #vaccine. No selfies allowed. So just this big thx!!! Yippee! . #ScienceUpFirst #Community #VaccinesWork
36
20
963
Our new Premier:. - Thinks "naturopaths" way to reduce use of chemotherapy.- Says "Western Medicine" (ugh, that term?) doesn't care about prevention.- Figures $300 health spending account will help save system (how, again?).- Etc, etc, etc. #DanielleSmithDarkAge.
86
211
910
Again, ugh. Alta. premier, health minister non-committal on getting COVID-19 shot this fall . Me: "The CDC has approved these vaccines for everyone. Health Canada has approved these vaccines for everyone. We have a robust body of evidence supporting.
2K
200
921
Peter McCullough stripped of his board certifications. He has spread harmful bunk about vaccines risks, ivermectin, etc. He's been at the epicentre of the infodemic. He's influenced politicians (#DanielleSmith!). Praised & platformed by Joe Rogan, Tucker Carlson, etc. Enough!.
311
188
925
Alberta premier’s support for town hall questioning COVID vaccines worries experts . Reality: 1) the "contrarian voices" were NOT, as the premier claims, silenced. Studies show that their BS was everywhere. Alas, false balance reigns! . 2) There is a huge.
1K
371
908
We are in the midst of a worldwide knowledge crisis. We need to empower children with critical thinking skills, and we need to do it now. My new piece: Teach kids about misinformation via @macleans . cc @ualberta @UAlbertaLaw @ScienceUpFirst.
133
331
949
This is stunning. So offensive. And so nonsensical. Being unvaccinated is (almost always) a decision. And research tells us it is a decision based on misinformation. @jkenney can’t see difference?.
Here's Premier Jason Kenney saying that the stigma against unvaccinated people reminds him of the stigma for HIV/AIDS patients in the 1980s. #yeg #Yyc #ableg #Covd19ab
45
184
904
B.C. woman found guilty of assault after coughing at grocery store employee in early days of pandemic.. Judge: ". cough was deliberate and intentional and, under the Criminal Code of Canada, considered assault.". Woman screaming "that COVID was fake.".
58
130
900
Canadian study finds COVID measures were effective in reducing cases, hospitalizations, mortality rate . Policies “were generally effective in mitigating the impact of the health consequences of COVID-19.”. “It is crucial to raise public awareness of the.
594
311
910
Heartbreaking. The premier says she wants to "depoliticize" this topic? . Then please listen to the experts, the evidence, and the relevant communities. cc @KristopherWells @picardonhealth.
Gender identity can be a hard thing to talk about, especially when you are involved. But this conversation is extremely important and parental involvement is critical. Kids need to know we love and support them. My message to all Albertans:
933
178
901
Sometimes I think "polarized" is the wrong word. It suggests that we need to aim for some magical and reasonable middle ground. But very often, the "somewhere in the middle" isn't rational, evidence-informed, or right. The Earth isn't kinda oval.
126
268
903
My new piece: Lies, Damn Lies, and Tucker Carlson via @thewalrus . Hanging with Tucker, an acid test for a politician’s toleration of blatant lies, the leveraging & exploitation of division, and the celebration of rage and hate?. cc @picardonhealth.
519
382
872
Deeply disturbing. The harm of misinformation. "While most Canadians – 82% – still say vaccines are important during childhood, that number has dropped 8.2% points since before the onset of COVID-19. ". Fewer Canadians believe in value of childhood vaccines.
341
215
911
Horrifying. Our Premier promoting a naturopathic clinic that provides a host of unproven therapies, including treating "vaccine injury". Legitimizing pseudoscience & promoting unproven (expensive) therapies is how she hopes to fix our healthcare system?.
@TheBreakdownAB Here's Danielle Smith promoting the naturopathic clinic @neurvanahealth. These are the kind of clinics she thinks will fix our health care. She's fallen for the pseudoscience and wants others to pay to see these quacks as well. cc:@CaulfieldTim
601
338
865
Just to be super clear, THIS is who #DanielleSmithDarkAge is inviting to AB to provide advice on public health. Chatting with the vile Alex Jones about how vaccine is a bioweapon. THIS is how deep down the rabbit hole our premier is. Horrifying. ht @hellofasandwich 🙏
171
433
829
No, no, no @ctvottawa! Please do not spread #COVID19 misinformation! @LeanneCusackCTV @grahamctv #coronavirus . Wylde has a "Diploma in Homeopathic Medicine" (aka 100% pseudoscience). "Boost natural killer cell activity"?. Pls do not legitimize this nonsense. A time for facts!
73
275
900
Both vaccine hesitancy & belief in harmful bunk increasing. A big reason? Politics. And it's killing people. My NEW article: Politics & vaccine misinformation: A horrifyingly bad mix "As anti-vaccine movements become more mainstream in conservative.
236
390
876