DPT:Hunter family letter to the Honourable John T. Nilson, Q.C. Minister of Health in April 2003

VACCINE INJURED FAMILY HIGHLIGHTS PROBLEMS WITH REPORTING VACCINE ASSOCIATED ADVERSE EFFECTS & INJURIES

INTRODUCTION:

Health Canada’s Guidelines for Reporting Adverse Events Associated with Vaccine Products states that a suspected vaccine reaction/injury should be reported within 15-30 days. Canada’s Vaccine Adverse Events Surveillance System specifically requires that physicians and health professionals NOT make a causal assessment prior to reporting. In other words, it is not up to the doctor to decide or judge whether symptoms a child develops after vaccination are caused or triggered by the vaccine. The health professional’s duty is to report the event, the symptoms, and the health condition of the child to the VAAES, without prejudice of a personal opinion. Canada has never instituted legal requirements for adverse reactions to be reported by health providers with the unfortunate result that a majority of physicians either fail or refuse to report adverse events following vaccination.

Scott Hunter letter to Minister of Health – Saskatchewan