The Health Forum NZ

Supporting Covid Vaccine Impacted New Zealanders

The Health Forum NZ

Supporting Covid Vaccine Impacted New Zealanders

True Story by Tane

Tane, New Zealand

Pfizer x 1

Myocarditis, heart palpitations, and other severe side effects. I am a maori academic studying geochemistry, and climate change using the concept of Kaitiakitanga. I have been mandated out from my studies at Otago University due to the covid vaccine mandate. I have been declined a medical exemption twice from the Ministry of Health. I am still experiencing severe side effects, which are having a massive toll on my physical health.

My name is Tane, and this is my true story.

I am a Maori academic, having a GPA of 8.3, and received University Council Commendation for Exceptional Performance, alongside receiving the University of Otago Prestige Scholarship (Science). I graduated last year from the University with a Bachelor of Science majoring in Geology. I had planned this year to continue my studies at the university, studying a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Geology.

I have keen interests in geochemistry, geophysics, paleontology, and oceanography/paleoceanography, studying the impacts of climate change in the past, present, and future. I do this from the perspective of Matauranga Science and the concept of Kaitiakitanga, to truly make New Zealand clean and green and better inform environmental management.

However, I have been effectively forced from my studies due to the University of Otago Mandatory Vaccinations Policy, requiring all students to be fully vaccinated (two doses of Pfizer, or equivalent COVID-19 vaccination) against COVID-19.

I have only received my first vaccination, having encountered several severe side effects, which include some of the following:

Encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS),
Regional pain syndrome,
Neurological events with localized arm pain,
Cognitive impairment (‘brain fog’),
Significantly worsened musculoskeletal pain and associated limited mobility.
Heaviness of chest and heart discomfort/palpitations,
Shortness of breath,
Red and swollen injection site with pain,
Mild anaphylaxis (in part diagnosed due to symptoms exhibited above).
Myocarditis/Pericarditis (NZDSOS),
Hyperthyroidism (NZDSOS, SDHB report)

These were diagnosed by my GP and NZDSOS, with side effects being experienced two hours after vaccination. I am still experiencing these severe side effects, which are having a massive toll on my physical health as a result. Recently, I was admitted to a hospital in Dunedin suffering from severe heart palpitations and high blood pressure. Here it was found that I also have subclinical hyperthyroidism. A consultation with NZDSOS also revealed that it is highly likely that I have Myocarditis or Pericarditis, displaying the symptoms of this. It was revealed here that traditional means of diagnosing Myocarditis/Pericarditis only have a 50% accuracy, and often times this remains undetected, with fatal consequences.

 

According to IMAC, CARM, NZDSOS, and my GP, their advice is as follows:
-That the risk of vaccination is far greater than the potential benefits,
-That it is inappropriate to rechallenge with the same COVID-19 vaccination,
-That there is no appropriate alternative COVID-19 vaccination available.

 
To clarify, this means that it is medically inappropriate and unsafe for me to continue with vaccination while side-effects continue, as per the advice of IMAC: “These events may or may not be related to the vaccine and it is generally advised to defer the second dose until the symptoms have fully resolved.” It is as per this advice, and ongoing medical problems, that it is inappropriate to continue vaccination with either Pfizer, AstraZeneca, or Novavax. This is also due to the possibility that I may be allergic to some component in vaccinations, or that the spike T protein is causing a histamine response in my body likely due to having a possible autoimmune condition.
 
I was before the vaccination an ordinary healthy person.
 
As a result, I have applied twice for a medical exemption from the Ministry of Health, however, these have been declined with no explanation and after 4 months of delay and despite this information. They have only stated that my medical exemption does not fulfill the specific criteria under the Mandatory Vaccinations ACT. This is clearly untrue. As a result, despite being medically exempt according to the IMAC, CARM, NZDSOS, and my GP, I do not hold a ‘My Vaccine Pass.’
 
This in effect has forced me from all roles and positions that I held at the University, being unable to access services or even step on-campus as a result. My studies (save total ruin of career and finances) have been forced online. I am unable to continue my summer internship, demonstrator/contractor position, and original project, being forced to study in a completely unrelated field and something that I am not interested in.
 
Despite multiple calls of help to the University, Geology Department, Ministry of Health, and to the Ministers of Parliament, nothing is being done about my situation and as a result, I am being discriminated against in the highest regard, which is having a massive mental, physical and emotional toll alongside massive financial and career implications and impacts. I fear that this has underlying tones of racism and bullying.
 
I have also come to learn that variations under the University Policy do not exist, not being granted to me despite the clear medical issues and exceptional circumstances that I have. I have the same status as a medically exempt person and have the same associated low health risk as a result.
 
This is an extremely distressing situation. I wish nothing more but to be allowed to continue my studies free of discrimination. However, simply nothing is being done about this, and my distressing situation remains the same. I fear now it is too late, and quite frankly, the damage is already done, I will never be the same person again.
 
I am seeking ongoing medical and legal advice as to my next steps in this tireless and unjust process.