A new web series is set to launch this week giving a platform to New Zealanders who say they suffered serious and lasting injuries after receiving Covid 19 vaccines.

The series called The Tribute, co-produced by award winning film maker Gaylene Barnes, will release its first episode on Thursday and focuses on the experience of Tauranga woman Ange, a former yoga teacher and rest home healthcare worker.

Barnes said the series explores the way people were then treated by the New Zealand health system.

“Many are seriously ill, yet they are still fighting for care and financial support. They are belittled by health professionals and stigmatised when seeking help for vaccine injury. They have to fight for acknowledgement of what seems obvious, that the Covid vaccination event immediately caused their sudden loss of health.”

The opening episode examines Ange’s life before and after vaccination under workplace mandate requirements in 2021.

According to the series, Ange received a Pfizer mRNA vaccine dose in order to retain her employment. Minutes later, she developed severe chest pain and presented to an emergency department, where she was told she was the fourth patient seen that day with similar symptoms.

 

The series said Ange’s condition worsened over time, with symptoms including chest tightness, rashes, a metallic taste, extreme fatigue, elevated D dimer levels, and ongoing inflammation. Specialists later diagnosed vaccine induced long Covid and costochondritis, despite Ange never having had Covid 19.

Further blood testing undertaken with Auckland University cellular immunologist Dr Anna Brooks reportedly showed the presence of micro clots, which the series said were linked to mini strokes.

Ange said she had more than 100 hospital visits and often felt dismissed, with some clinicians suggesting her symptoms were psychological.

She said this resulted in psychiatric treatment and a period in a mental health facility.

She also alleged attempts were made to alter records during her ACC claim.

“When everyone else turns their back on you, all you have left is your voice,” Ange said.

The series said Ange’s health issues led to the loss of her career, home, and relationships, and left her bedridden for periods, at times requiring a wheelchair. It said she had recently returned to hospital.

After a three year process with ACC, Ange received partial support for treatment and medical aids. She said the assistance was delayed and inadequate and that she was now receiving a sickness benefit.

Ange said she was speaking publicly to advocate for better recognition and compensation for people affected by vaccine mandates and reported injuries.

The series said her experience reflected concerns raised by thousands of other New Zealanders.

Data from Medsafe’s Suspected Medicine Adverse Reaction Search database recorded 12,452 reports of chest discomfort and 1,123 reports of chest pain following vaccination with the Comirnaty vaccine up to November 2024.

SMARS is a voluntary reporting system of suspected adverse drug reactions and was established by the Ministry of Health to provide public access to medicines safety information.

The Tribute will release weekly video episodes of between 16 and 20 minutes every Thursday, each preceded by a one minute trailer.

The series is produced by Canterbury based filmmaker Gaylene Barnes, known for River of Freedom released in 2023, in association with Auckland based Lynda Wharton of The Health Forum NZ.

Episodes will be available on the website thetribute.nz, as well as Facebook, X, YouTube, and Spotify under The Tribute branding.