Despite the significant advances that COVID-19 vaccines represent for public health, especially decreasing hospitalizations and deaths around the globe, they are not without side effects, sometimes serious.
Apurva Mandavilli, journalist at the New York Times, emphasises the testimonies of individuals who suffered severe consequences following their vaccination.
Case of Michelle Zimmerman
Michelle Zimmerman, 37, a physician of neuroscience, describes a radical life change after her vaccination. Shortly after receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, she encountered intense pain radiating from her left arm to her ear, followed by symptoms of severe sensitivity to light and memory problems.
Three years later, diagnosed with brain damage, she lives with her parents, unable to work or even stand for long periods.
The reality of the numbers
To date, more than 270 million people in the United States have been vaccinated, representing about 677 million doses administered.
Although serious side effects are rare, more than 13,000 compensation claims have been filed with the federal government, with very few cases recognized and compensated.
Responses from health experts and officials
Voices like that of Akiko Iwasaki, an immunologist and vaccine specialist at Yale University, voice concern about the lack of recognition and support for victims of serious adverse reactions.
Health authorities, nevertheless, insist on the exceptional nature of these reactions and the effectiveness of the surveillance systems in place.
A need for recognition
Janet Woodcock, former head of the FDA, acknowledges the existence of abnormal and serious reactions in some vaccinated people.
She pleads for recognition of their suffering and taking their problems seriously.
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