The post of @NZMAGAMike recounts the story of Angela, a previously healthy and active woman who experienced severe adverse reactions following her first dose of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine in October 2021.
Angela, who had no pre-existing health conditions and led a physically active lifestyle, suffered stabbing chest pain just minutes after her injection and was rushed to Tauranga Hospital. Although initially discharged, her symptoms escalated quickly – she experienced elevated D-dimer levels, shortness of breath, fatigue, and neurological issues including brain fog and a transient ischemic attack (TIA).
Despite serious medical concerns Angela was denied an exemption from her second dose.
According to the post, her GP was advised by then-Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield that the second injection should be administered in hospital with resuscitation support available, just in case.
Angela was later diagnosed with vaccine-induced costochondritis and “long Covid” symptoms. Over time, her condition worsened, contributing to a cascade of personal and medical challenges – including adenomyosis, uterine cancer, job loss, and the breakdown of her relationship.
Angela ultimately won an ACC claim recognising vaccine-induced injury and “long Covid”.
A psychiatric evaluation linked her mental health struggles to the trauma she endured following her reaction and subsequent dismissal by medical staff. Despite meetings with MPs such as Chris Bishop and Todd Muller, Angela says her pleas for recognition have largely gone unanswered.
She now advocates on behalf of others facing similar experiences, determined not to let their stories be silenced.
This article was originally published by the Daily Telegraph New Zealand.
