As concerns grow about an increase in COVID-19 cases and the need for vaccinations, a new report questions the decision to terminate a major system for reporting adverse reactions to coronavirus vaccines.
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has emphasized the importance of continued vaccination due to waning immunity and the evolving nature of the virus. The BA.2.86 variant, which can evade existing immunity, has also raised alarms.
However, the V-safe app, which allowed individuals to report adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccines, has been phased out. The CDC closed enrollment in V-safe on May 19, 2023, and is developing a new version for post-vaccination experiences with new vaccines. The CDC continues to encourage reporting of health problems or adverse events through the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), operated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Critics, including David Gortler of the Brownstone Institute, have raised concerns about the abrupt discontinuation of V-safe. Gortler questions whether the CDC's decision indicates that they believe the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are so safe that monitoring adverse events is no longer necessary. He notes that while V-safe was turned off, the CDC still urges vaccinations and boosters.
Megan Redshaw, writing on Substack, echoes these concerns. She suggests that shutting down a system used to report adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination raises suspicions about the safety and effectiveness narrative. She also questions why the American public is left only with the VAERS surveillance system, which some perceive as inadequate in addressing safety concerns.
Overall, the decision to terminate the V-safe app has sparked debate and skepticism, with critics suggesting that transparency and accountability are critical in maintaining public trust in vaccination efforts.
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