Vaccine safety, approval, and rollout | Haumaru rongoā āraimate

Topics raised by submitters

 

Summary of submitter views

A high degree of doubt was expressed over the safety of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Many expressed views that it is not only more harmful than reported but that this danger was known and downplayed by the Government. Many people reported personal, or second- or third-hand accounts of injury, describing a multitude of health conditions that they directly or indirectly attributed to the vaccine. The vaccine was frequently said to have been subject to insufficient testing (most often by it being referred to as 'experimental'), and to a slightly lesser degree, it was criticised for not working.

A lack of support available after having suffered a vaccine-related harm was often strongly criticised, with people reporting difficulty receiving recognition of their injury and sharing perceptions of systemic underreporting and stigma about vaccine harm.

Some submitters had concerns that vaccines were overly relied on (at the expense of other treatments that could have worked as well or better), and that international pharmaceutical companies and the Government are withholding the details of the purchase contracts. Pfizer being exempt from liability was a key concern, as was the impression that large amounts of money changed hands.

However, we also heard from people who trusted the vaccine, were grateful to have had it, considered it safe or to have saved lives, or felt the risks of side effects were minimal compared to those that COVID-19 posed. Support for the COVID-19 vaccine rollout predominantly consisted of praise for vaccination centres and positive accounts of getting vaccinated. There was some support for the prioritisation of certain groups in the vaccine rollout and people were grateful that vaccines were free.

For the future, people sought assurance that vaccines are tested for safety over a long period and by independent reviewers, they wanted more transparent information about side effects (including targeted pre-screening and exemptions for those at risk), and greater support and compensation for people who have experienced harm. Those who viewed the vaccine as safe called for better education contextualising risks and for government representatives to avoid politicising or fuelling misinformation about vaccine safety.

Vaccine safety, approval, and rollout: what went well | Haumaru rongoā ārai mate, whakaetanga me te whakaputa: Nga angitu

I was pleased to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and took advantage of the vaccination prompts received. I had a booster two days ago. 

55-64-year-old Pākehā female, Nelson-Tasman

General support for the vaccine | Tautoko whānui mō te kano āriamate

The only reason I knew I had caught COVID-19 was because I once tested positive. And I understand and trust the science behind vaccines, so I took them without hesitation. 

65-74-year-old Pākehā male, Auckland

Some people told us that they generally supported and trusted the vaccine. They described the vaccine as important, that they were grateful to have it available, and that it ultimately saved lives.

Many people reported that they got vaccinated and continue to stay up to date with their boosters. There were a number of comments in which people stated they were vaccinated and had never caught COVID-19, or that it was relatively mild post-vaccination.

People who supported the vaccine sometimes expressed trust in the scientific basis of vaccination. There were also comments in which people mentioned how vaccines are vital to public health, citing personal or familial experiences with diseases like polio and how important vaccines were in eradicating those.

Support for the vaccine rollout | Tautoko mō te whakaputanga kano āraimate

I was grateful for the ease of getting a vaccine and our local vaccination centre was very well run. My son has intellectual disabilities and health issues, and we received extra help to get him vaccinated both at the Autism centre [location] and with home vaccinators when getting him vaccinated in the centre wasn't possible. 

45-54-year-old Pākehā female, Wellington

Vaccination centres: access and experiences

Some offered wide ranging points in support for vaccination centres as being a key focus of success for vaccination rollout. A central aspect of this was the booking process, which was said to be straightforward, accessible, streamlined, and organised. People expanded upon this point, offering praise for the speed in which vaccination centres and processes were implemented.

Some also expressed gratitude for what they saw as a high level of professionalism, competency, adaptability, and friendliness of vaccinators, and they were pleased that they received advice and information about vaccination benefits and potential side effects. Working collaboratively alongside iwi, whānau, and Pacific health groups was praised by some as having helped establish trust and contribute to higher vaccination rates than what could have occurred.

 

 

General support for the vaccine rollout

I was grateful for the Government providing free vaccinations and booster shots during the pandemic. 

55-64-year-old Pākehā female, Wellington

Some expressed support for the vaccine rollout in a general sense, often simply stating that it was great or that it went well. Others praised the efficiency with which the vaccine rollout was coordinated and organised to enable optimal accessibility to vaccines. Another feature of accessibility discussed in support for the vaccine rollout, was people's appreciation for vaccination being at no cost.
 

Rollout prioritisation

Prioritising and, in doing so, protecting those most at risk was a key sentiment expressed in support of the vaccine rollout. Some people spoke to their experience with gratitude for themselves or loved ones who were of higher risk being able to get vaccinated early on, and were generally in favour of the risk-based priority rollout. Specific groups were commonly mentioned when describing higher risk groups and these typically included: immunocompromised (including chronic illnesses and underlying health conditions); older people; Māori and Pacific Peoples; and frontline healthcare workers.
 

And developing a structured vaccination programme that accounted for risk-based prioritisation (for example, frontline healthcare workers, elderly populations, and those with underlying health conditions). This strategy helped to maximise protection while managing logistical challenges.
35-44-year-old male, Manawatū-Whanganui

 
Views of the vaccine as safe; experiences of vaccine safety | Ngā tirohanga e pā ana ki te haumaru kano āraimate: Ngā wheako o ngā whara me te kino e pā ana ki te kano āraimate

Many people who supported the response described the vaccine as safe. Some of these people told us their personal experience of having the vaccine/boosters, many of which described having no side effects. There were a few people who said they received the vaccine while pregnant and/or breastfeeding, and that they were happy it was available to protect their child. In general, this group of people characterised the vaccine as safe and said they trusted the safety processes the vaccine went through prior to being rolled out.
 

We got vaccinated as soon as we were eligible, as did the children. The worst side effect any of us had was an arm that ached for a few hours. They have been proven, not just in the studies but in the real-world data that has followed, to be both safe and effective.
35-44-year-old Pākehā male, Bay of Plenty

 
Support for vaccine development and approval | Tautoko mō te whakawhanake me te whakaetanga o te kano āraimate

Vaccine as safe and effective

Our elderly mother/mother-in-law with severe respiratory disease and an inoperable abdominal aortic aneurysm was able to survive several extra years (well over all medical expectations). She had six COVID-19 vaccines, with no obvious side effects whatsoever, despite being quite medically compromised. 

45-54-year-old Pākehā female, Canterbury

People often paired aspects of safety and effectiveness when talking on this topic, and when speaking to one aspect, most commonly discussed vaccine effectiveness. The vaccine was praised for reducing the severity of COVID-19; preventing transmission; reducing hospitalisation; saving lives; and protecting the healthcare sector from overload. Some people pointed to the safety of vaccines by noting they had no adverse reactions and by making statements around being confident in the safety data and information that was provided. Some also showed support for vaccine safety and effectiveness by stating they continue to get boosters when eligible.

Approval process, general vaccine efficacy

Many people told us they were satisfied with the safety testing and clinical trials the vaccines underwent. This point was elaborated upon by people talking about trusting the regulatory approvals undertaken by Medsafe, and that of the Food and Drug Administration in the United States. People also noted that Aotearoa New Zealand benefitted from waiting for the vaccine to be rolled out in other countries, concluding that this meant the vaccines are safe and effective. Some people also expressed that the rapid development of vaccines was a testament to international cooperation and scientific innovation.

While the mRNA was a new vaccine, Medsafe only approved it after it was approved by the US FDA and after we got additional data from the States. 

Advocacy group

Support for vaccine despite side effects | Tautoko mō te kano āraimate ahakoa ngā mate āpiti

Of the people who supported the vaccine, some specifically noted side effects. Some people mentioned that they experienced minor side effects but accepted these as part of having a vaccination. Others discussed more major complications but maintained that they support the vaccine and would get it again. In these types of comments, people tended to weigh up lives saved with adverse reactions that can occur, concluding that there was net benefit.

There were a few people who specifically acknowledged the support they received post-vaccine injury as exemplary and that they felt well-supported by the system.
 

I'm grateful for the Government response, because I have a very minor heart condition. I felt it react to some of the vaccinations, and when I actually caught COVID-19 eventually (in 2024), the virus very much affected my heart. I knew that the reaction to the vaccines and boosters was minimal, in absolute contrast to what the virus would've done, if I was not vaccinated. 

45-54-year-old Pākehā female, Otago

 

 

Conditional support for vaccine approval and rollout | Tautoko here mō te whakaetanga me te whakaputanga kano āraimate

Approval, procurement and rollout process seen as too slow

While some submitters were supportive of the Government's measures pertaining to vaccine approval, procurement and vaccine rollout, some opportunities for efficiencies were identified.

In some instances, people also acknowledged the rationale for slow approval, procurement and rollout, while simultaneously offering criticisms to varying degrees.

I was happy and eager to get a vaccine. I was anxious for vaccines to be approved for my children when they were available elsewhere in the world for their age group. 
45-54-year-old female, Wellington

The Government appeared to be slow in ordering the vaccines and getting them into N.Z. 

35-44-year-old Pākehā gender diverse person, Auckland

Most commonly people said they wanted vaccines to have been available sooner and for them to have been available in greater quantities. People illustrated this point by making comparisons to other countries' procurement of vaccines (United Kingdom, Australia, United States). They wanted Novavax to have been more accessible and options other than Pfizer available. While acknowledging the approval process needs to be safe and well-evidenced, some people saw the potential for efficiencies, for example, Aotearoa New Zealand regulators using the safety data of other countries to fast-track approval. Some also voiced frustrations about the vaccine rollout being too slow, but this sentiment was less prominent.

Concerns about vaccination prioritisation and access to vaccines

Vaccines should be available to kids under five. Each time we caught COVID-19 it was ex-schoolers. 

35-44-year-old Māori/Pākehā male, Wellington

People who wanted the vaccine sometimes made points that people's age; ethnicity; and geographical location meant they were not able to get it as soon as they wanted. The most common points were those related to the vaccine rollout for young people and included that children should have had earlier access to vaccines; that children under five should have access to vaccines; and that children and under 30's should be eligible for boosters. Further, relating to other age groups, some expressed support for those 65 years and over getting vaccinated first but stated Māori and Pacific peoples, regardless of age, should have been eligible within this initial rollout.
 

The age-based 'rollout' did not work at all well for my multi-generational, rural, whānau. My sister was carer for our disabled mother. She lived 45 mins away from the nearest place to get vaccinated a 1.5 hrs return trip. Her two kids were aged 10 and 15. So, during the age-based 'rollout' she was required to make three x 1.5 hour round trips to get our mother done and then her and then her children done too!? Pathetic. So silly that she couldn't get her entire whānau done altogether in one trip. 

45-54-year-old Māori/ Pākehā male, Canterbury

 
Secondly, some people felt the vaccine rollout should have been more equitable. For some this meant greater priority for Māori and Pacific peoples, which was thought to have resulted in more equitable outcomes. Conversely, some people felt that priority for Māori and Pacific people was unfair.
 

As a GP I was disappointed in the launch of the vaccine programme completely by-passing general practice. It became evident very quickly with both testing and vaccines that general practice was rapidly scalable in a way that large pop-up testing and vaccine centres were not. If every general practice in NZ (about 1,000) did 10/day that is 10,000 done today and tomorrow and ongoing... and closer to home for the population. 

65-74-year-old Pākehā female, Canterbury

 
Thirdly, some discussed equitable access in relation to rural, isolated communities and the intricacies of getting family groups vaccinated. Some people also expressed that people living in Auckland should have been prioritised and had greater access to vaccines than less densely populated regions.

Some people offered additional unique points for Government measures pertaining to vaccine approval and rollout. Relating to alternatives to vaccines, people discussed the therapeutic value of antivirals being overlooked and the vaccine not being as effective as hoped. In relation to vaccination centres and vaccinators, people suggested that : medical centres should be the only place where vaccines are administered; other skilled health professionals should have been trained to vaccinate alongside nurses and doctors; and some mentioned the waste of the disposal of unused vaccines.

General support for vaccine decisions | Tautoko whānui mo te whakataunga kano āraimate

Some told us they generally supported vaccine related decisions by making simple or sweeping statements praising many aspects of vaccine approval, procurement, and rollout. Statements such as 'we are all happily vaccinated' conveyed general satisfaction with vaccine decisions.

Vaccine procurement went well | I angitu te hoko kano āraimate

Some people were broadly supportive of the Government's procurement of multiple vaccines (Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Novavax) and praised the speed with which these were sourced and imported. Often these submitters acknowledged and supported that other countries were in greater need of acquiring vaccines before Aotearoa New Zealand.
 

That [Dame] Jacinda [Ardern] had forged good relationships with other nations, for example, Spain that enabled us to get our vaccines reasonably early. At the time I think the Government had thought that other countries with more deaths should have more access to vaccines, earlier than us – and I also support that way of thinking. 

65-74-year-old Māori/ Pākehā female, Northland

 
Vaccine safety, approval, and rollout: what could be improved
Haumaru kano āraimate, whakaetanga me te whakaputa: Ngā mea hei whakapai ake

Experiences of vaccine injury or harm
Ngā wheako o ngā whara me te kino e pā ana ki te kano āraimate

Note: this section presents people's accounts of vaccine injury or harm that they told us happened to them or someone they are close with. People that talked about such conditions resulting from the vaccine are discussed in the next section.

My daughter- in-law who is a nurse acquired acute myocarditis after receiving the vaccine and required a hospital stay. Her heart is permanently damaged as a result. She will never be able to run again. 
65-74-year-old Pākehā female, Waikato

 
Heart conditions

Heart conditions or irregularities were the most common vaccine injury or harm event described in submissions. This was often phrased as a problem, issue, injury, event, or condition in the heart or chest region and accounts ranged from short term increase in heart rate or mild chest pain to diagnosable conditions or heart attacks. People commonly named myocarditis and pericarditis in accounts and outrage was often expressed at how injuries were managed by health professionals or the Government, considering that myocarditis and pericarditis are recognised side effects.

The Inquiry engaged directly with Voices for Freedom who presented extensive testimony challenging official safety narratives, including international experts discussing biodistribution concerns, DNA What is actually in these jabs. People close to us have died suddenly mainly of heart attacks. 

75-84-year-old Pākehā female, Nelson-Tasman

In more detailed accounts, some people described experiencing symptoms such as chest pain or inflammation, excessive sweating, fatigue, fainting, and difficulty breathing. Heart irregularities were frequently described as a pounding or racing feeling, frequently prompting people to seek medical treatment or avoid further vaccines.

My sister took one Pfizer vaccine and ended up with myocarditis. What followed were a series of strange illnesses including tinnitus, vertigo, nausea, heart palpitations. She became very suicidal during this time, and a psychologist told her that she had PTSD because of all she had endured. 
55-64-year-old Pākehā female, Taranaki

Soon after (weeks) my blood pressure went through the roof and I started experiencing a rapid pounding heart which continued to escalate into 2022. During 2022 and 2023, I collapsed over 30 times with rapid heart rate chest pains and difficulty breathing. 

45-54-year-old Pākehā female, Auckland

Specialised treatment and diagnoses were frequently sought and/or obtained from cardiologists or other specialists, with some stating that their condition was initially downplayed or dismissed by general care doctors (see 'Lack of acknowledgement and support for vaccine injuries' for more on this topic). Some people felt that the increased likelihood of these injuries should have warranted more health advice, information, and consideration of medical history within the rollout programme.

My brother got myocarditis from the vaccine and was hospitalised. Unfortunately, the doctors in Waitakere Hospital were not yet aware of this side effect. Biochemical evidence was present in my brother's blood tests yet he was dismissed and not believed. Unfortunately, this experience had a profoundly negative impact on him. I urged him to see a cardiologist as he had private health care – it was confirmed he had myocarditis. 

45-54-year-old Pākehā female

 

 

Despite seeing other young men from around the world posting videos from hospitals warning of the serious risk of pericarditis and myocarditis, my son felt he had to take this huge risk just to keep his job and income. No medical exemptions were available for anyone who applied for them. So, it was devastating when my son quickly developed heart pain and was subsequently diagnosed with vaccine induced pericarditis. 

55-64-year-old Pākehā female, Northland

Less often, some people pointed out that younger people, particularly young adult males, were at greater risk of developing these conditions from the vaccination, sometimes citing specific instances of younger people or relatives who were affected as evidence of this.

Non-specific vaccine injuries

In an act of fear of losing my job at an unstable time, I, like many others, gave in and got the vaccine. To this day I regret it as I have suffered health issues since. 

25-34-year-old Māori/Pākehā female, Auckland

Of the people who discussed being vaccine injured, many did not refer to a specific condition. These people used general phrases like 'adverse event', 'ill effect', 'health issue' or 'vaccine injury' to describe their experience.

Every one of my employees who got the vaccination had some adverse side effect reaction, some taking as long as a year to manifest. 

25-34-year-old Pākehā male, Taranaki

Some talked about non-specific health impacts or their health having 'taken a turn for the worst' since being vaccinated; similarly, not 'feeling the same' or their body not being the same since being vaccinated. These types of comments applied to personal experiences and those that were seen in others.

So many of our friends have had so many illnesses since putting that toxin in their body. 

65-74-year-old Pākehā female, Bay of Plenty

Additionally, there were some comments in which unvaccinated people mentioned that they were grateful they refused the vaccination because they had observed so many health conditions in their vaccinated acquaintances. They talked about people they know who are vaccinated now regularly getting sick, coming down with illnesses or viruses, or being ill more often than the unvaccinated.

Cancers

Some people told us that cancers were an observed side-effect from the COVID-19 vaccine. There was no clear pattern within comments about the type of cancer or parts of the body affected, but cancer diagnoses being made within weeks or months (or even a year or more) since receiving a COVID-19 vaccine were reported. Cancers were likely to be explained as 'beginning', arising, or returning after having been vaccinated. And, as with many conditions that people linked to the vaccine, there was emphasis on the novel nature of them, for example, saying things like that these issues had 'never' arisen before or that those who suffered were previously 'fit and healthy'.

An incredible number of people I know from my close family and circle get sick from cancers, immunity, can't have children, miscarriages and some die suddenly from anything blood or heart related. Never seen so many sick from such serious illnesses. 

25-34-year-old Pākehā male, Canterbury

I firmly believe the vaccine caused her breast cancer. We personally know of six other women who were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 alone. This is not a coincidence and needs to be investigated. 

45-54-year-old male, Auckland

Cancers themselves were sometimes described as a particularly aggressive, rapid onset, or accelerated in nature. This included reference to 'turbo' cancer which was often believed to be the diagnosis behind specific instances of sudden and significant health decline post-vaccination, typically resulting in death. Specific cancer diagnoses were also noted as examples of the unique 'turbo' variant caused by the vaccine. This was linked with the idea that the vaccine itself is inherently dangerous.

Then there is my friend's mother who died a painful and ugly death after receiving her booster, cancer starting in her neck and spreading in a manner now widely referred to as 'turbo cancer'... My neighbour down the street has turbo cancer, as did my friend's husband, both vaxxed multiple times. 

75-84-year-old gender diverse person, Nelson-Tasman

The prevalence and timing of illness supported some people's view that it was caused by the vaccine.

Autoimmune issues

Some people who commented on vaccine safety described developing autoimmune issues that they attributed to the vaccine. Chronic fatigue was a prominent side effect that people reported as either developing post-vaccination, or as something they had struggled with in the past that had returned after they were vaccinated. Other people referred to a variety of autoimmune diseases, including Guillain Barré Syndrome, Grave's disease and autoimmune conditions in general. There were also people who explained that their immune system had deteriorated after getting the vaccine and, as such, they were getting sick and picking up illnesses a lot more frequently than they used to.

My mum took the vaccine because she was scared of being left out of her mahjong group. Previously a very spritely, healthy woman, her health has since declined and she has developed autoimmune conditions. 

35-44-year-old Pākehā female, Waikato

Additionally, some people discussed their experiences of Long COVID, stating that not only was this caused by the vaccine (rather than a COVID-19 infection) but that this has now been established as fact.

Common or short-term side effects

Some people who reported vaccine harm told us about a range of side effects from the vaccine that fell under the list of common side effects provided by the Ministry of Health. These included a sore arm, throbbing at the injection site, nausea, fatigue, fever, aching joints, and dizziness.

The tone of the responses indicated that these people did not accept their experience as a standard vaccine reaction. They often used their reaction as evidence that the vaccine is harmful, explained that they were severely inconvenienced by the side effects, or stated that they have become distrustful of vaccines because of the ill health it caused them.

My ex-partner had to be hospitalised after his second jab as he woke up with severe chest pain that night. He called himself an ambulance, he said he thought he was going to die. When she reported the adverse effect, she was told by authorities to have her third in hospital.

55-64-year-old Pākehā female, Canterbury

After receiving my first COVID-19 vaccine, I experienced mild shortness of breath and extreme fatigue. The next morning, I could barely walk or do a 90 meter driveway. It was clear to me that the vaccine did not suit my body. 
55-64-year-old Chinese female, Auckland

Neurological conditions

Neurological conditions attributed to the vaccine were relatively common amongst the reported side effects identified. This covered general descriptions of unspecified neurological 'damage' as well as specific neurological disorders, symptoms, or diseases. Many people discussed instances of fatigue, not being able to think clearly, or headaches that lasted for weeks, months, or years post-vaccination.

Some people described that family members or friends had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease or dementia following their vaccine. Others reported instances of seizures, whether that was for the first time in their life or an increase in seizure frequency post-vaccination for those who already had the condition. Experiences of nerve-related conditions, functional neurological disorder (FND), and fibromyalgia were also reported by multiple people.

My symptoms started within ten minutes of receiving one dose in August 2021. Sensitisation, along with associated pain, fatigue and brain fog was chronic for months, and my body is still mending years later, as I only found relief through a private practitioner in late 2024. I have enjoyed very good health all my life and have not even suffered a cold for maybe twenty years, so this was quite a shock and was quite frightening for me. 
45-54-year-old Pākehā female, Wellington

Within a couple of days of her first vaccination she had a seizure, before her next vaccination she had two seizures. After her second her seizures increased in number and complexity. Finally, we got to see a neurologist a couple of years ago, who has confirmed that it is a vaccine injury. The injuries she's received over this time and the lowering of quality of life is disgusting and never needed to happen. 
45-54-year-old Pākehā female, Bay of Plenty

Non-medically recognised adverse events

Slightly less often, some people described personally experiencing or directly witnessing people they know develop symptoms or reactions that are either not scientifically verified or are not considered a diagnosable health issue within traditional medicine. Of these, 'turbo cancer' was the most prominent (discussed above). Vaccine 'shedding' was also prevalent with some people describing becoming ill from being in proximity to vaccinated people. Conditions they said they contracted varied from COVID-19 to anaphylaxis. Various descriptions of the biomechanics involved, or the vaccine technologies believed to be responsible, were also offered as explanation for the phenomenon.

A handful of people described human magnetism, the increased adherence or 'pull' of metal or electromagnetic objects towards the body, or other physical symptoms attributed to the physical proximity of magnetic or electromagnetic objects, as a side effect caused by the vaccine. Also, electromagnetic sensitivity was in a few cases a reported side effect, allegedly from the graphene that was said to have been present in the vaccine.

Strokes

I had a mini stroke on my right side which after multiple MRI scans the doctors couldn't pinpoint a cause, because strokes normally happen from the opposite side (but it was the right side I had both my injections). Now I'm on blood pressure tablets for life with no definitive reason why my blood pressure keeps spiking. 
35-44-year-old male, Auckland

Strokes were also reported post-vaccination or were believed to be linked to the vaccines. Some people described how the stroke came out of nowhere and they had previously been healthy with no prior history of strokes. People between a range of ages reported strokes, from as young as 18 years old to senior citizens. Most submitters reported strokes occurring within a short time after getting the vaccine (varying from minutes afterwards to a number of days), while some told us they had a stroke months or years post-vaccination. In this case it was often described as occurring after a culmination of worsening health conditions that had been triggered by the vaccination. Most people told us they or someone they knew had a stroke, although other ways to describe/types of strokes that occurred post-vaccination included: mini-strokes, massive, debilitating, haemorrhagic, mild, rare, spinal, as well as some who said they experienced multiple strokes. At times, people stated that timely medical intervention to prevent progression was lacking.

Blood clots

I am not at all happy with any of it. My teenage daughter was forced into vaccinating for her job and two weeks later she was in hospital with blood clots around her lungs. 
No demographic information provided

Blood clots were reported relatively often as instances of vaccine harm. Some people reported being hospitalised because of blood clots, and that they needed to be removed. In some cases, the clots resulted in serious conditions like pulmonary embolism. Location of the clots varied across submitters including: legs, knees, abdomen, lungs, brain, chest, and spleen, as well as other areas of body. Some people reported taking blood thinner medication long-term after developing blood clots post-vaccination, and there were many accounts where the health impacts of blood clots were said to be ongoing and highly debilitating. Throughout discussion on the vaccine in general, people sometimes referred to it as the 'clot shot'.

Menstrual issues

My daughter, who is a teacher and was mandated, had her period continuously for four months following her second vaccine. 
55-64-year-old Pākehā female, Bay of Plenty

A variety of menstrual cycle irregularities, cramping, and hormonal changes were described by submitters. Some people stated they had general 'period issues', while others went into more detail about changes to their menstrual cycle. This included people who reported getting their period after they had gone through menopause, sometimes for abnormally long cycles. There were reports of people who had constant or heavy/ heavier bleeding for many months post-vaccination, while others reported their cycle becoming irregular.

Organ health

I received my first vaccine and was ill for over a week with headaches and vomiting. I was forced by my employer to take the second vaccine and when I did within 12 hours, I suffered severe kidney failure. 
55-64-year-old Pākehā female, Canterbury

Some people reported a variety of ailments that impacted their organs. The most prominent area to be afflicted post-vaccination was the skin, with people describing a range of rashes, boils, discolouration, blisters, eczema, shingles, sores and itching that developed. Gastrointestinal issues that people told us about included prolonged stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and consequent weight loss. People reported cases of kidney failure or limited kidney function post-vaccination and impacts to bone health also came up in a number of submissions, particularly instances of osteomyelitis (bone infection).

As a teacher I was mandated to have the vaccine and, although the first two were fine, the booster was agony and left me with bone pain initially and now I have a lump in my arm. This lump affects my ability to move my arm and therefore get dressed/undressed, hold anything for any amount of time. 
65-74-year-old female, Auckland

Reproductive health

The vaccine destroyed the ovaries of our daughter-in-law. Several IVF attempts failed costing tens of thousands of dollars. Infertility was, even at that time, known to be a side-effect of the COVID-19 'vaccine'. 
65-74-year-old Pākehā female, Waikato

People described a variety of impacts to their reproductive health that they characterised as vaccine related. Miscarriage was described a number of times, with some submitters telling us that they lost a pregnancy or observed others miscarry in the days, weeks, or months after the vaccine. Some people were adamant that the vaccine had caused their miscarriage and opposed encouraging vaccination for pregnant people if the risks are not fully known. People reported experiencing multiple miscarriages and diagnoses of infertility post-vaccination. As well as miscarriages, people also discussed that since the vaccine rollout there has been an increase in babies dying within days of being born, or suffering from complications developed in utero.

Our daughter suffered two miscarriages which were attributed to the jab. You can't eat from a delicatessen, but our health professionals advocated jabbing pregnant women. 
55-64-year-old female, Taranaki

Sensory systems issues

My brother had his retina detach and the vessels in his eye exploded. My brother could not stand with his head upright for more than 10 mins a day due to the severe haemorrhage. He was told it was due to his age – he was 50. 
45-54-year-old female, Canterbury

Some people told us about changes to their sensory system that they attributed to the vaccine. This included tinnitus (ringing or other noises in the ear) and experiences of numbness in a multitude of places particularly in and around the face. Others described their experience of a metallic taste in their mouth, that occurred immediately after getting the vaccine. Furthermore, there were some people who described impacts to their vision. This included episodes of temporary blindness, blurry vision, and some cases of the retina detaching.

Inflammatory Issues

Some people stated that they, or others, developed arthritis, gout, or other inflammatory conditions following vaccination or that their existing conditions worsened because of the vaccine. Some reported a variety of types of arthritis, including psoriatic and rheumatoid. They described it as occurring in a number of different joints noting it resulted in significant pain that impacted on everyday functioning. Sarcoidosis, an inflammatory disease often formed in the lungs, was another adverse effect described.

I was double vaccinated but did not receive further boosters because of vaccination side effects of plantar fasciitis, tinnitus, peripheral neuropathy and small joint arthritis. 
55-64-year-old Pākehā male, Waikato

Muscular function/pain

People reported a variety of muscular impairments after getting the vaccine. This included general pain, twitching, stiffness, weakness and a loss of function. Some people described instances of their legs seizing up causing them to fall and injure themselves. Impacts to muscular function were often listed as a reaction alongside other symptoms that are discussed throughout this section.

I felt a significant loss of muscle in my extremities after my second vaccine. I could no longer hold my body weight in exercise. I got bilateral tendonitis in my Achilles from no exercise. It was strange and in my mind, I could see the correlation with vaccines and feet problems. I was unwell for almost two years until I could start to exercise and build muscle again. 
55-64-year-old Pākehā female, Otago

Severe allergic reactions

Some people described experiencing anaphylaxis or severe reactions immediately after vaccination. These people described a range of symptoms associated with the reactions that occurred, including but not limited to swelling, vomiting, numbness/ paresthesia, tachycardia, and rashes. At times, further vaccines were reportedly encouraged despite the submitter reacting badly to a first dose.

One colleague had an immediate serious life-threatening reaction on first injection. She received an exemption later to be withdrawn and given the option to "vaccinate – resuscitate" where staff and crash cart be on-hand when she had her second injection. She still has health issues today. 
55-64-year-old Pākehā female, Southland

Bell's Palsy

Bell's Palsy, a type of facial paralysis, was reported as a severe side-effect of the vaccine. Many people discussed how this has been directly linked to the vaccine and had a major impact on the lives of those who developed it.

My grave concerns as to the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine were borne out by real life experience. The adverse effects I observed ranged from Bell's Palsy in the face of one family member. 
55-64-year-old Pākehā male, Marlborough

Other issues

There were also reports of respiratory issues and people who described instances of spontaneous fainting/ collapse after the vaccine. Some people stated that the vaccine triggered symptoms of mental health conditions (anxiety, depression, PTSD), while others reported new diagnoses of diabetes post-vaccination. Additionally, there were a variety of unique conditions that people reported, ranging from hair loss to urination abnormalities, and a vast array of other ailments.

Some people reported incidents of suicide that were related in some way to vaccine injury. A portion of these comments included descriptions of the vaccine physically debilitating the individual so much that they reached the point of suicide. Some described how the person in question developed depression after taking the vaccine, while others were said to have become suicidal from being unable to cope with the impact of the vaccine on members of their family.

Side-effects were multiple and widespread

Some people told us they observed multiple different people within their family circle, friend groups, workplace, or in their wider community being afflicted with similar, or several different health conditions post-vaccination. The number of people listed was often extensive and was to illustrate the identifiable and widespread nature of adverse effects that they had observed. Phrases such as 'the list goes on' were also used, implying that impacts or symptoms went beyond what was directly mentioned.

I can add many more people to this list, people my family personally know. Some people who refuse to acknowledge evidence will write all of this off as "circumstantial" or "anecdotal" evidence, but our personal experience is consistent with millions of other people around the world. At what point do foolish people admit they got it all wrong? 
45-54-year-old male, Hawke's Bay

I have a family member who willingly took the Pfizer injection required by her employer, a DHB. She had an extreme adverse effect after her second injection; she collapsed at home while alone. She told her mother she thought she was going to die. When she reported the adverse effect, she was told by authorities to have her third in hospital. 
65-74-year-old Pākehā female, Hawke's Bay

Similarly, some emphasised that these instances 'only' included those they were directly aware of, implying that the scale of injury goes beyond their direct community, supporting their overall conviction that the vaccine is inherently dangerous. Frustration was often expressed at the lack of public acknowledgement of what appeared to be an obvious and widespread increase in observable health problems.

 

Submitter descriptions of the vaccine as harmful or lethal | Ngā whakamārama a ngā kaituku kōrero: he kino, he whakamate rānei

General reports that the vaccine is harmful

Myocarditis and pericarditis were caused by the jab and not "COVID-19" according to a large study and OIA. 
No demographic information provided

Many people who opposed the Government's response stated broadly that the vaccine was causing widespread harm. People provided a range of evidence to support this including reports or studies, quotes from specific experts, and statements that data exists that shows an increase in deaths and diseases since the vaccine rollout. Opposition to the vaccine itself was evident throughout this topic. This was often demonstrated through the various ways people referred to the vaccine, which included: spike protein, vax, poison, jab, experimental gene therapy, clot shot, experimental jab, MRNA technology, gene damaging treatment, new injectable technology, 'vaccine', the experimental product, the experimental drug, nano technology, untested deadly gene therapy, or 'so-called' vaccine.

It soon became quite clear to many of us that serious adverse effects were occurring, including death. This should have seen the MoH issue an immediate halt to the use of the "vaccines". 
55-64-year-old Pākehā male, Auckland

There were a lot of statements made that depicted the vaccine as generally unsafe, including many testimonies in which submitters offered second or third-hand accounts of vaccine injuries. Submitters told us to look at the vaccine injury reporting systems such as the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) claim data and the United States-based Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) to see evidence of harm that has occurred. Some people described heart disease and cancers as 'through the roof', which they attributed to COVID-19 vaccines. It was noted that the prevalence or severity of harm caused by the vaccine outranked the damage caused by the virus itself.

I feel a lot of anxiety around having received two shots and the booster that I may now be at risk of the ongoing health issues that have been linked to these vaccines. 
65-74-year-old Pākehā female, Auckland

Of these people, many expressed fears for their own health or the health of their loved ones since hearing about health risks from the vaccine. They expressed a sense of anxiety that a terrible health event was on the horizon because of lingering effects from the vaccination. Some people also expressed outrage that the Government had not stopped publicly endorsing these vaccines despite what appeared to them to be mounting evidence of harm, often referring to the various sources they had cited previously.
 

I myself met many who were directly affected and obtained vaccine injuries, from the recurrence of cancer, or a new cancer from nowhere, recurrence of long ago in remission auto-immune disease, in young people-myocarditis, pericarditis, plus I met parents of children who contracted instant neurological conditions, wives whose husbands had collapsed and died within a short time after being vaccinated. 
55-64-year-old female, Wellington

 
Submitter impressions that the COVID-19 vaccine has lethal side effects
 

Of the people who reported vaccine harm, many told us of the death of a person/people they were close to that they personally attributed to the vaccine. Among these reports, the official causes of death varied or were not medically confirmed but were believed by the submitter to have been vaccine related, most often owing to death occurring after being vaccinated. Some felt that their loved ones should have had an autopsy performed, which they implied would have proven the death as vaccine related.

However, a number of people talked about loved ones whose deaths were medically confirmed as vaccine related. These people gave accounts which highlighted that the risks of the vaccine were not fully understood, and that it was unjust that their loved one paid the ultimate price for the safety of others.
 

It is my belief that my mother passed away as a result of the Pfizer vaccination. She was in good health, enjoying life and had just had a thorough health check from her doctor showing no new health issues. After her first vaccination, we watched her health decline and shortly after her second one, the doctor diagnosed her with heart failure, which she had never had before. Within four weeks of the second one, she passed away apparently from heart failure. 
No demographic information provided

 

My brother died and due to having multiple COVID-19 vaccines he was full of clots and was unable to have heart surgery. My mother died five months later due to circulation issues in her feet and legs due to the vax. 
65-74-year-old Pākehā male, Bay of Plenty