Vaccines have been a cornerstone of public health for centuries, protecting millions from severe diseases. But, as with any medical intervention, they are not without risks. For some, the COVID-19 vaccines brought unexpected challenges—side effects that altered lives, sometimes significantly. During my journey with long COVID, I have met people who experienced mild adverse effects and others whose lives were profoundly impacted. This inspired me to write about the UK’s Yellow Card Scheme, which tracks these side effects, to explore its role, its limitations, and why it leaves many questions unanswered.
What is the Yellow Card Scheme?
The Yellow Card Scheme is the UK’s system for reporting suspected side effects or adverse reactions to medicines and vaccines. It allows healthcare professionals, patients, and carers to report issues they believe may be linked to medications or vaccinations. For COVID-19 vaccines, this system became particularly crucial, given the scale and speed of their rollout.
The goal of the scheme is twofold:
- To monitor the safety of treatments in real time.
- To identify rare side effects that may not have been apparent during clinical trials.
The Good: Why the Yellow Card Matters
The system is an essential tool for transparency and accountability. Reports feed into ongoing safety evaluations, allowing regulators to update guidance or, in rare cases, withdraw a product if necessary.
For example, the identification of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) after the AstraZeneca vaccine led to adjustments in its use for certain age groups. These changes likely helped minimize further risks, and eventually, the vaccine was phased out in the UK.
The Bad: Limitations and Gaps
While the scheme is valuable, it is far from perfect and has room for improvement.
- Underreporting
Studies suggest that adverse events are significantly underreported in systems like the Yellow Card. Many people don’t know it exists, assume their reaction isn’t severe enough to report, or are too unwell to file a report. - Causality is Unclear
Submitting a report doesn’t mean the vaccine caused the issue. It flags a possible link that requires further investigation. This can leave those affected without clear answers or the validation they seek. - Accountability is Lacking
For those severely affected—whether through disability, loss of loved ones, or a decline in quality of life—the system can feel inadequate. Reports are logged, but what happens next? For most, there’s no clear path to medical help, compensation, or resolution.
The Ugly: Lives Changed Forever
While most side effects are mild and short-lived, a small number of individuals experience complications that significantly impact their lives. For these individuals, the Yellow Card Scheme may represent the only acknowledgment of their experiences.
Stories of vaccine injury can be deeply moving. Families who’ve lost loved ones to myocarditis or thrombosis, individuals now facing chronic conditions like post-vaccine syndromes, or those adapting to unexpected disabilities highlight the need for stronger support systems, transparency, and accountability.
Why Accountability Matters
The UK does have a Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme (VDPS), which offers a one-off payment of £120,000 to those severely affected by vaccines. However:
- The bar for proving vaccine injury and disability is extremely high.
- A vast majority of applications are rejected.
- The payment often falls short of covering the lifelong costs of disability or loss.
The VDPS was originally designed with criteria for work-related injuries, which do not align well with vaccine-related conditions.
As of 31 January 2024, the VDPS had received 9,172 claims related to COVID-19 vaccines. Of these, 163 claims were successful—a success rate of approximately 1.8%. Given this, many affected individuals feel dissuaded from even applying.
This has left many feeling unsupported by the system that encouraged widespread vaccination for the collective good.
What Needs to Change?
To maintain public trust in vaccination programmes, these issues must be addressed:
- Improved Awareness: Greater effort is needed to educate the public about the Yellow Card Scheme and its importance.
- Better Support: Dedicated resources for those affected, including access to medical care and compensation, are essential.
- Increased Transparency: Regular updates on how Yellow Card data informs safety improvements would help rebuild trust.
- Long-Term Studies: Continued research into the long-term effects of COVID-19 vaccines is vital to address lingering questions.
- Revisiting VDPS Criteria: The scheme’s criteria should be revised to reflect the unique nature of vaccine-related injuries.
Final Thoughts
We must ensure that those who experienced significant vaccine side effects are not overlooked. Empathy, transparency, and accountability are essential for maintaining trust in vaccination programmes and ensuring that no one feels left behind.
If you or someone you know has experienced vaccine side effects, consider reporting them through the Yellow Card Scheme. By doing so, we can work towards a safer and fairer system for everyone.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, readers should consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding any concerns about vaccines or side effects.
Long Covid Journey 