Witness Testimony

Dr. Jérôme Sainton testified from the perspective of public health and epidemiology, presenting analyses of mortality and hospitalization data during the COVID-19 period. He emphasized the importance of distinguishing between deaths “with” and “from” COVID-19 and highlighted the high prevalence of comorbidities among recorded COVID-19 deaths. He discussed age-stratified infection fatality rates and argued that risk was highly concentrated among elderly and medically vulnerable populations, while severe outcomes in younger populations were comparatively rare.
He reviewed excess mortality patterns and questioned whether observed increases were solely attributable to viral pathogenicity, noting the potential contribution of delayed care, social disruption, and policy-related factors. He examined vaccine effectiveness data over time, describing waning protection against infection and the evolving justification for booster campaigns. He also compared vaccine-induced immunity with natural immunity following infection, arguing that public policy did not sufficiently account for post-infection protection.
Dr. Sainton further addressed pediatric vaccination and the application of the precautionary principle, stating that risk-benefit assessments should be continuously re-evaluated as new data emerge. He expressed concern about the long-term uncertainty associated with novel vaccine platforms and about the proportionality of measures such as mandates and widespread restrictions. He concluded by calling for transparent data analysis, independent scientific debate, and a renewed emphasis on individualized risk assessment in future public health responses.