Written by Zachary Stieber for The Epoch Times, a Harvard Medical School professor was let go for not adhering to the COVID-19 vaccination requirement, as revealed by documents The Epoch Times has seen.
Martin Kulldorff, an expert in epidemiology, lost his job at Mass General Brigham in November 2021 because he did not follow the hospital’s rule on COVID-19 vaccination. His requests for exemptions were turned down. Since his role as a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School was linked to his position at the hospital, he was also put on leave there, as stated in another document.
In late 2023, Kulldorff inquired about how he could get his job back at the medical school. He was informed that his dismissal was final.
Dr. Grace Huang, the dean for faculty affairs, explained to Kulldorff that his academic position at HMS required him to have a valid appointment with a Harvard-affiliated institution. The absence of such an appointment, coupled with the college’s policy that limits leaves of absence to two years, resulted in his termination.
Kulldorff revealed his termination for the first time this month.
Although specific details couldn’t be shared due to employment confidentiality, a spokesperson for Brigham and Women’s Hospital confirmed to The Epoch Times via email that Kulldorff’s employment contract was terminated on November 10, 2021.
Out of 2,402 exemption requests, Mass General Brigham approved only 234, as per court documents from an ongoing discrimination lawsuit. The hospital had previously stated that each exemption request was thoroughly reviewed by a team of experts.
Kulldorff expressed his disappointment to The Epoch Times, noting that while many others received exemptions, he did not.
Initially hired by HMS, Kulldorff transferred to the Department of Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in 2015. This hospital is part of Mass General Brigham and is affiliated with HMS.
An HMS spokesperson clarified via email to The Epoch Times that while HMS has affiliations with several Boston hospitals, it neither owns nor directly manages them. Hospital-based faculty members like Mr. Kulldorff are employed by these affiliates and need an active hospital appointment to keep their academic position at Harvard Medical School. HMS confirmed that some faculty members, whether tenured or on the tenure track, do not need hospital appointments.
Before the availability of COVID-19 vaccines, Kulldorff had contracted and recovered from COVID-19, giving him what is known as natural immunity. Studies, including those from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, have shown that natural immunity provides better protection than vaccines. Other research indicates that those with natural immunity may face a higher risk of complications if vaccinated.
In his request for a medical exemption, Kulldorff pointed out the lack of data on vaccinating individuals with his immune profile, stating it was risky without proper efficacy and safety studies. He also sought a religious exemption, citing a study from Israel that found natural immunity offered more protection than vaccination. Unfortunately, both of his exemption requests were denied.
Kulldorff remains unvaccinated, explaining to The Epoch Times that his infection-acquired immunity means he does not need the vaccine.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Kulldorff has been a vocal critic of the general push for vaccination, regardless of prior infection. He argued against vaccine mandates and passports, stating that not everyone needs to be vaccinated, especially those who have already been infected.
Kulldorff co-authored the Great Barrington Declaration, advocating for focused protection of high-risk individuals while lifting restrictions for younger, healthier people. This approach, however, faced criticism from prominent health officials like Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Rochelle Walensky.
In an interview, Kulldorff criticized those pushing for vaccine mandates and passports, suggesting they have undermined vaccine confidence more than anti-vaxxers have in decades.
Surveys have shown a decline in public trust in health institutions like the CDC, and data indicates a decrease in the uptake of new COVID-19 vaccines.
The news of Kulldorff’s termination has sparked criticism of Harvard and support for him. Dr. Aaron Kheriaty called it a “massive and incomprehensible injustice,” while Dr. Vinay Prasad suggested Harvard has selectively enforced its policies. A petition for Kulldorff’s reinstatement has attracted over 1,800 signatures.
However, some in the medical community believe the decision was justified, emphasizing that actions have consequences. Dr. Alastair McAlpine stated that Kulldorff had publicly undermined public health.