Pharmacovigilance
What systemic failures occurred when government health agencies handled COVID vaccine injury reports during the trial phase?
Brianne Dressen reveals a troubling disconnect between private acknowledgment and public statements by health agencies. While the FDA and NIH were holding regular meetings and confirming COVID vaccine injuries in trial participants, these same officials simultaneously appeared in public media denying knowledge of such reactions. This represents a significant failure in transparency and accountability. Government agencies were internally documenting serious neurological complications from vaccine trials while publicly maintaining that vaccine safety concerns were unsubstantiated. The system allowed for the suppression of legitimate injury reports, creating a barrier between clinical evidence and public health communication. Such dual messaging undermines public trust and highlights the need for greater accountability in vaccine safety monitoring and reporting processes.
Watch clip answer (00:44m)
VICE News
41:59 - 42:44
What support systems exist for individuals who have experienced COVID-19 vaccine injuries, and how do these compare to government assistance?
React19, co-founded by Brianne Dressen, has created a comprehensive support network for vaccine-injured individuals that spans over 20 countries. The organization serves as "ground zero" for vaccine injury information, possessing more knowledge than many healthcare providers about these conditions. Their support system includes an underground network of healthcare providers who won't dismiss patients' concerns, along with a medical grant program that has distributed nearly $880,000 to help cover medical expenses. This grassroots effort significantly outpaces government assistance, with the US federal government having paid only around $400,000 total to date. This stark contrast highlights the gap between official support and actual need, demonstrating how community-driven organizations are filling critical healthcare gaps for this vulnerable population.
Watch clip answer (00:35m)
VICE News
01:00:01 - 01:00:37
What happened to Brianne Dressen when she volunteered for COVID-19 vaccine trials, and what legal action is she taking?
Brianne Dressen, a healthy school teacher and mother of two, volunteered for COVID-19 vaccine trials but experienced severe neurological complications following her participation. Her traumatic experience led her to file a groundbreaking lawsuit against AstraZeneca that could potentially transform vaccine safety protocols and accountability measures. Her case highlights critical issues surrounding vaccine transparency, medical responsibility, and the challenges faced by individuals who suffer vaccine-related injuries. The lawsuit aims to address the need for better informed consent processes and reform in vaccine safety protocols, representing a significant legal challenge that could have far-reaching implications for the vaccine industry.
Watch clip answer (00:16m)
VICE News
00:38 - 00:54
What adverse effects did Brianne Dressen experience after participating in the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine trial?
Brianne Dressen experienced severe and immediate neurological complications after receiving the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine during the phase three trial. Within an hour of injection, she developed tingling in her arm, followed by blurred and double vision, auditory distortions, and mobility issues including leg weakness that caused her to walk into doorways. Despite being assured of medical and financial support for research-related injuries, Dressen faced inadequate care from the pharmaceutical company. Her experience highlights critical gaps in vaccine trial participant support and the need for greater transparency in reporting adverse effects during clinical trials.
Watch clip answer (01:32m)
VICE News
05:22 - 06:54
What motivated Brianne Dressen to participate in the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine trial, and what was her family's background regarding vaccines?
Brianne Dressen was motivated to participate in the AstraZeneca vaccine trial by her desire to help society and support her community in getting through the pandemic with minimal damage. Her family had a strong pro-science background - her children were fully vaccinated, and her husband is a PhD chemist. They had been "faithfully invested in helping society" and "following the science." Additionally, she was encouraged by friends who had successfully participated in the Moderna clinical trial without issues, which reinforced her confidence in contributing to the vaccine research effort.
Watch clip answer (00:37m)
VICE News
03:55 - 04:32
What happened to Brianne Dressen during the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine trial, and what legal action has she taken as a result?
Brianne Dressen experienced severe and traumatic health complications after participating in the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine trial, including significant neurological issues that dramatically impacted her life. Her adverse reactions were so serious that she has filed a groundbreaking lawsuit against AstraZeneca, which could potentially have far-reaching implications for vaccine development and regulation. Her case highlights critical concerns about transparency and accountability in vaccine trials, raising important questions about participant safety monitoring and the need for better reporting systems for adverse events in clinical research.
Watch clip answer (00:06m)VICE News
00:48 - 00:54