COVID-19 SOUTH AFRICA – DO YOUR PART

 Statement on COVID-19 and Vaccine Safety and Adverse Reactions

At our practice, the health and well-being of our patients are our highest priorities. We are committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care, ensuring that every individual receives the support and information they need to make informed decisions about their health.

A Commitment to Patient Safety and Medical Integrity

As healthcare providers, we uphold the highest ethical standards and remain steadfast in our duty to safeguard lives. We acknowledge the profound challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and recognise the importance of transparent, informed medical choices. With deep concern, we note that vaccine manufacturers introduced vaccines with an awareness of potential life-threatening adverse reactions and debilitating long-term side effects across all age groups.

Emerging data and peer-reviewed research have documented cases of vaccine-induced injuries, ranging from mild adverse reactions to severe, life-altering conditions. The UK’s Yellow Card reporting system, the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) in the United States, and the European Medicines Agency’s EudraVigilance database have all recorded significant numbers of reported adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination [1][2][3].

While vaccines have played a role in controlling infectious diseases, it is imperative to acknowledge the reality that, for some individuals, these interventions have resulted in serious and, in some cases, fatal complications. The reluctance to discuss vaccine-related injuries only exacerbates public mistrust in healthcare institutions and prevents affected individuals from receiving the care they desperately need.

Recognising Vaccine Adverse Reactions: A Call for Transparency

We fully support all efforts to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 while prioritising our patients’ well-being. However, medical progress cannot come at the expense of truth and transparency. Denying or downplaying vaccine injuries does not contribute to public health—it suppresses crucial information needed to prevent further harm.

An increasing body of research highlights concerns about vaccine-related complications, including myocarditis, pericarditis, blood clotting disorders, neurological impairments, and immune dysregulation. Recent studies published in reputable medical journals, such as The Lancet, British Medical Journal (BMJ), and New England Journal of Medicine, have investigated these risks, underscoring the need for greater vigilance and accountability [4][5][6].

Governments and regulatory bodies have acknowledged some of these risks, yet the full extent of long-term consequences remains under-researched. According to a 2023 study in Nature Medicine, vaccine-induced myocarditis disproportionately affects younger individuals, particularly males, raising significant concerns about risk-benefit assessments for certain demographics [7].

The Need for Open Dialogue and Patient Education

We strongly encourage everyone to report any potential adverse reaction to ensure that the true scale of vaccine-related injuries is properly measured and addressed. Reporting mechanisms exist precisely to capture these data, yet historical underreporting remains a significant issue. Studies suggest that only a fraction of vaccine injuries are reported, meaning the actual prevalence could be far higher than officially recorded [8][9].

Education is fundamental. Patients have the right to understand both the benefits and risks associated with any medical intervention. Informed consent, a cornerstone of ethical medicine, necessitates that individuals are given full disclosure of potential side effects, no matter how rare. We must foster an environment where patients feel safe discussing their concerns without fear of dismissal or ridicule.

Moving Forward: Ethical Responsibility and Healing

The notion that ignoring vaccine injuries will somehow resolve the issue is deeply flawed. The ostrich effect will certainly not bring healing to those affected. Acknowledging harm is the first step toward providing proper medical care and support for those suffering from vaccine-related complications.

We call upon medical professionals, researchers, and policymakers to prioritise open scientific inquiry and patient advocacy. The pursuit of medical advancements must be accompanied by a rigorous commitment to ethical responsibility and genuine concern for patient welfare.

A Message of Compassion and Support

Our thoughts and prayers are with the countless families worldwide who have lost loved ones, many of whom were the sole breadwinners and providers for their families. The impact of these losses is immeasurable, leaving emotional, psychological, and financial scars that will last for generations. We stand in solidarity with those who are grieving, and we implore policymakers to recognise and address the suffering of those affected by vaccine injuries.

May those who have suffered find solace, strength, and healing. In times of uncertainty and adversity, may we be guided by compassion, truth, and the unwavering commitment to protecting human life.


References

  1. UK Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Yellow Card Reports on COVID-19 Vaccines [Online]. Available at: www.gov.uk/yellowcard

  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). [Online]. Available at: www.vaers.hhs.gov

  3. European Medicines Agency (EMA). EudraVigilance Database. [Online]. Available at: www.ema.europa.eu

  4. Mevorach, D., et al. (2021). ‘Myocarditis after BNT162b2 mRNA Vaccine against COVID-19 in Israel’. New England Journal of Medicine. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2110737

  5. Husby, A., et al. (2021). ‘SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccination and Myocarditis: Nationwide Cohort Study’. BMJ. DOI: 10.1136/bmj.n617

  6. Lee, E., et al. (2022). ‘Neurological Complications Following COVID-19 Vaccination’. The Lancet Neurology. DOI: 10.1016/S1474-4422(22)00164-2

  7. Patone, M., et al. (2023). ‘Risk of Cardiac Complications Following COVID-19 Vaccination: Population-Based Study’. Nature Medicine. DOI: 10.1038/s41591-022-02070-5

  8. Lazarus, R., et al. (2010). ‘Electronic Support for Public Health–Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (ESP: VAERS)’. Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Inc. Funded by AHRQ. [Online]. Available at: www.ahrq.gov

  9. Shimabukuro, T., et al. (2021). ‘COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Updates: Analysis of VAERS Reports’. CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm7030e2

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