Thousands of NZ ME/CFS sufferers unable to obtain Vaccine exemptions despite expert advice
Thousands of NZ ME/CFS sufferers unable to obtain Vaccine exemptions despite expert advice
The issue
Sufferers of Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) live with extensive and disabling symptoms on a daily basis (1). The condition affects around 25,000 New Zealanders—and causes dysfunction in the immune, neurological and endocrine systems leading to extreme fatigue even after rest.
International surveys of people with ME/CFS showed one in four had adverse reactions to the vaccine (2). There was no way of knowing in advance who would be affected.
In November, University of Otago biochemistry professor Warren Tate urged the prime minister and director-general of health to allow those with ME/CFS to be exempt from the Pfizer vaccine.
Under current guidelines, ME/CFS patients can only request an exemption after they’ve had a severe reaction from the first Pfizer jab, with confirmation from a specialist they should not get the second. Previous history of serious reaction to other vaccines is not taken into account.
This is very concerning to many sufferers as with their existing symptoms they are unable to participate in the usual activities of life. The current covid mandate that has been put in place isolates them even more, it is inhumane and should be against the human rights act.
The Government and Human Rights commission is completely unsupportive despite the expert advice.
Please support this petition to the NZ Government and the NZ Human Rights Commission, to consider giving vaccine exemptions to this community of around 25,000 New Zealanders.
References:
(1.) https://www.cdc.gov/me-cfs/about/index.html
(2.) https://www.1news.co.nz/2021/12/07/calls-for-vaccine-exemptions-for-chronic-fatigue-sufferers
Further reading:
The issue
Sufferers of Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) live with extensive and disabling symptoms on a daily basis (1). The condition affects around 25,000 New Zealanders—and causes dysfunction in the immune, neurological and endocrine systems leading to extreme fatigue even after rest.
International surveys of people with ME/CFS showed one in four had adverse reactions to the vaccine (2). There was no way of knowing in advance who would be affected.
In November, University of Otago biochemistry professor Warren Tate urged the prime minister and director-general of health to allow those with ME/CFS to be exempt from the Pfizer vaccine.
Under current guidelines, ME/CFS patients can only request an exemption after they’ve had a severe reaction from the first Pfizer jab, with confirmation from a specialist they should not get the second. Previous history of serious reaction to other vaccines is not taken into account.
This is very concerning to many sufferers as with their existing symptoms they are unable to participate in the usual activities of life. The current covid mandate that has been put in place isolates them even more, it is inhumane and should be against the human rights act.
The Government and Human Rights commission is completely unsupportive despite the expert advice.
Please support this petition to the NZ Government and the NZ Human Rights Commission, to consider giving vaccine exemptions to this community of around 25,000 New Zealanders.
References:
(1.) https://www.cdc.gov/me-cfs/about/index.html
(2.) https://www.1news.co.nz/2021/12/07/calls-for-vaccine-exemptions-for-chronic-fatigue-sufferers
Further reading:
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Petition created on 27 December 2021