Important information for vaccine recipients.
A letter sent to DHBs around NZ on December 15 signed by Dr. Ashley Bloomfield Director General of Health and Dr Andrew Connolly Chief Medical Officer on behalf of the Ministry of Health contains the following message:
“Our vaccination safety surveillance analysis, conducted in conjunction with Medsafe, highlights the need to reiterate the importance of timely assessment and management to prevent the serious consequences of myocarditis/pericarditis.”
The letter continues:
“In the New Zealand data, the most common symptomology described is:
- Chest heaviness, discomfort, tightness or pain
- Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
- Feeling dizzy, light-headed or faint
- Racing or fluttering heart, or feeling of ‘skipped beats’
The onset of these symptoms was usually in the first few days following the vaccine but can occur weeks later.”
The prestigious Mayo Clinic also lists the following rarer symptoms:
“Severe myocarditis weakens the heart so that the rest of the body doesn’t get enough blood. Clots can form in the heart, leading to a stroke or heart attack.”
“Fluid buildup with swelling of the legs, ankles and feet”
“Other signs and symptoms of a viral infection such as a headache, body aches, joint pain, fever, a sore throat or diarrhoea.”
The letter from Dr. Ashley Bloomfield to DHBs continues:
“Serious complications of this condition are avoidable with timely assessment and treatment.”
If any readers, friends, or relatives have suffered any of these complications subsequent to vaccination, please contact your GP or local hospital for assessment and assistance. Please also advise them to make a report to CARM via the following portal:
Making and saving this report may help you to receive assistance from ACC (Accident Compensation Commission) in the event of a major medical event.
