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Petition title: Ensure diagnosis and treatment for people suffering from adverse Covid-19 vaccine side effects Text of petition: I suffer from Covid-19 Vaccine Adverse Reaction. As a result, my life has changed beyond recognition. I struggle to do basic tasks, in constant pain and have become dependent on my family to care for me. In my experience, many health professionals do not acknowledge the symptoms and suffering caused by vaccine injury. I call for better awareness and an appropriate pathway for diagnosis and treatment for those experiencing such debilitating side effects. |
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Every effort is made to ensure that the information contained in this briefing is correct at the time of publication. Readers should be aware that these briefings are not necessarily updated or otherwise amended to reflect subsequent changes. |
While the World Health Organisation states that Covid-19 vaccines are safe and effective, they do recognise that side effects can occur. They highlight that most of these are mild and temporary, but serious adverse events are rare.
The UK Government’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) ensures all vaccines used in the UK meet the required safety, quality, and efficacy standards, continuously analysing data to ensure their ongoing safety. The MHRA also operates the Yellow Card scheme, where healthcare professionals and the public can report suspected side effects.
In Wales, efforts have been made to enhance GPs’ awareness of vaccine side effects. Public Health Wales provides guidance documents and e-learning modules for healthcare professionals to keep them informed about vaccine safety, potential side effects, and how to communicate with patients.
When it comes to diagnosing and treating adverse reactions to the vaccine, this is based on clinical evaluations. In more severe cases, such as suspected blood clots, further diagnostic tests like blood tests or imaging may be used. For long-term symptoms like fatigue or pain, patients in Wales may be referred to the Adferiad (Recovery) programme, a community-based rehabilitation service launched in June 2021. This programme has received funding to provide multi-professional services for people living with long Covid, and it includes funding for people with conditions like ME/CFS and fibromyalgia. The programme was expanded in 2023 to offer services to individuals with ongoing physical symptoms but no clear diagnosis.
The Welsh Government state in response to the petition:
…if anyone is experiencing symptoms similar to those experienced by people with Long Covid, regardless of what may have caused them, I would encourage them to use the integrated community rehabilitation services established in all health boards via the Adferiad (Recovery) programme.
They also highlight that “those who have suffered from an adverse reaction may be eligible for a vaccine damage payment from a compensation scheme operated by the UK Government”.