377 — Chris Downey on VAX Calc: AI Tools for Informed Vaccine Choices

What happens when a tech strategist steps into the emotionally charged world of pediatric vaccines? You get VAX Calc, and a no-BS conversation that shakes the foundations of medical conformity.

In this episode, Tim and May sit down with Chris Downey, founder of VAX Calc and former NVIC volunteer, to unpack the chaos of vaccine discourse. Drawing from over two decades in software and systems design, Chris shares how he built VAX Calc to give parents real agency in their child’s healthcare — without scare tactics or censorship.

You’ll hear how AI can humanize medicine, how character-based tools like “Tony” help parents navigate power dynamics in the exam room, and why true informed consent requires courage — not compliance. This isn’t just a tech solution. It’s a wake-up call for patients and practitioners alike.

From disappearing data to the dangers of dogma, we explore:

• Why vaccine risk info is buried — and how Chris is preserving it
• The flaws in the “trust your doctor” narrative
• How AI can empower patients rather than replace providers
• What pediatric visits have in common with mob tactics (yes, Tony explains)

Our Advice!

Everything in this podcast is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute the practice of medicine and we are not providing medical advice. No Physician-patient relationship is formed and anything discussed in this podcast does not represent the views of our employers.

The Fine Print!

All opinions expressed by the hosts or guests in this episode are solely their opinion and are not to be used as specific medical advice. The hosts, May and Tim Hindmarsh MD, BS Free MD LLC, or any affiliates thereof are not under any obligation to update or correct any information provided in this episode. The guest's statements and opinions are subject to change without notice.

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