Freedom of Information request on the yellow card reports following the COVID-19 vaccinations (FOI 22/441)
Published 31 May 2022
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FOI 22/441
22nd February 2022
Dear
Thank you for your FOI request dated 25th January 2022 in which you requested to “see reports of others that suffered similar symptoms” after receiving a COVID vaccine.
The MHRA is collecting data concerning any adverse reactions observed to vaccine treatment through our Yellow Card Scheme. We are regularly publishing Yellow Card data associated with COVID-19 vaccinations. Yellow Card data for drugs is routinely published on the Yellow Card website, with vaccine data available on request. However, for COVID-19 vaccinations we are proactively publishing details of adverse drug reactions received, including MHRA assessment of the data to provide context. Please note this data is updated weekly.
It is important to note that a report of a suspected ADR to the Yellow Card scheme does not necessarily mean that it was caused by the vaccine, only that the reporter has a suspicion that it may have been. Underlying or previously undiagnosed illness unrelated to vaccination can also be factors in such reports. The relative number and nature of reports should therefore not be used to compare the safety of the different vaccines. All reports are kept under continual review in order to identify possible new risks.
I hope the information provided is helpful; however, if you are dissatisfied with the handling of your request, you have the right to ask for an internal review. Internal review requests should be submitted within two months of the date of this response; and can be addressed to this email address.
Please remember to quote the reference number above in any future communications.
Yours sincerely,
FOI Team,
Vigilance and Risk Management of Medicines Division