Summarised by Centrist
Health NZ, commissioned by Medsafe, has conducted a research study to explore the long-term health outcomes of nearly 300 individuals diagnosed with myocarditis or pericarditis after receiving the Comirnaty (Pfizer) COVID vaccine.
In a report dated September, 2024 the findings expose the government’s failure to adequately address the serious impact these adverse reactions had on participants’ daily lives, leaving many with minimal or even no assistance.
It also discusses the frustration with and shortcomings of the government’s insufficient communication about the potential risks of the COVID vaccine, and how that can lead to a distrust of government.
Surveys for this study occurred between 30 March 2022 and 1 October 2022. The participants ranged in age from 12 to 83, with 62% male and nearly 83% identifying as New Zealand European.
Of the participants, just over one-third had myocarditis, while the other two-thirds had pericarditis. Nearly half were hospitalised, and nearly 17% required intensive care. The most common symptom reported was chest pain (96.3%), followed by fatigue and shortness of breath.
More than half of the participants said their symptoms had not fully resolved by the time of the survey.
Psychologically speaking, 70% of participants were feeling nervous about their diagnosis, and many reported anxiety and depression.
Frustrations with the healthcare system were widespread, including long waits for follow-up care and difficulty obtaining diagnoses. Many complained the system seemed reluctant to acknowledge their fate.
Despite these challenges, 28% of participants chose to receive another COVID vaccine, with 15% opting for another mRNA dose and nearly 14% switching to a different vaccine.
