Pete Parada of The Offspring performs during the second and final day of “Warped Tour” on June 30, 2019 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Image: AFP/Corey Perrine/Getty Images
American rock band The Offspring has dropped its drummer Pete Parada after he refused to get vaccinated for COVID-19. His refusal to be vaccinated is due to medical reasons, he claims.
“Given my personal medical history and the side effect profile of these jabs, my doctor has advised me not to get a shot at this time,” Parada said on his Instagram page last Tuesday, Aug. 3. This is because according to him, he was diagnosed with the autoimmune disorder Guillain-Barré syndrome.
“I caught the virus over a year ago, it was mild for me — so I am confident I’d be able to handle it again, but I’m not so certain I’d survive another post-vaccination round of Guillain-Barré Syndrome,” he added. The drummer explained that in his case, the risks of getting vaccinated far outweigh the benefits.
Given this, Parada will not be seen in The Offspring’s upcoming shows as he was deemed “unsafe” to be around his bandmates in studios and tours.
Parada stressed that he has no negative feelings towards his band, whom he has been with since 2007.
“They’re doing what they believe is best for them, while I am doing the same. Wishing the entire Offspring family all the best as they get back at it!” he said.
The drummer added that he supports informed consent and that people should be vaccinated without getting coerced. Parada also hopes that fans will be able to “make room for all the perspectives and fears that are happening currently.”
It is unclear whether Parada will be rejoining the band in the future, but he said he is already looking for a “new way forward.”
The United States Food and Drug Administration issued a warning on the potential risks of having Guillain-Barré syndrome to those who receive the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. The chances of getting the autoimmune disorder after vaccination was classified as “very low.”
Still, recipients of Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccines were advised to seek medical attention if they experience weakness or tingling sensations, difficulty walking or difficulty with facial movements. JB
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