Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

mRNA Covid-19 Booster

17 March 2023 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Andrew Bridgen Con North West Leicestershire

NHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Andrew Bridgen raised concerns about mrna covid-19 booster in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Andrew Bridgen highlighted data from Florida and the US National Library of Medicine showing serious adverse events rates for Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines.
  • Bridgen criticised the media's silence on vaccine harms and the Government's decision to stop publicly reporting yellow card updates.
  • The Minister responded that vaccines have saved thousands of lives and reduced pressure on the NHS, citing rigorous approval processes by regulatory bodies.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Andrew Bridgen Con North West Leicestershire

Andrew Bridgen highlighted the scale of harms caused by experimental covid-19 vaccines, citing data from Florida and US Government's National Library of Medicine. He presented statistics showing serious adverse events rates for Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines and questioned why more is not being done to investigate vaccine harms globally. The MP also criticised media silence on vaccine harms and the Government’s decision to stop publicly reporting yellow card updates. Bridgen further discussed the cost implications of the booster programme, arguing that it was not effective or safe based on government data and industry trial data.

Other contributors (1)
  • David Davis Con Haltemprice and Howden

    Davis acknowledged Andrew Bridgen’s work in raising awareness about vaccine harms and expressed hope for more light to be shed on the issue.

Government Response

Will Quince

Quince responded that vaccines have saved tens of thousands of lives, reduced pressure on NHS and allowed reopening of economy. He stated all vaccines used in UK covid-19 vaccination programme underwent rigorous approval processes by MHRA, EMA, and FDA. Data shows mRNA and non-mRNA boosters highly effective in reducing hospitalisations and deaths. ONS published latest effectiveness estimates showing third booster dose was approximately 93% effective at reducing risk of mortality from covid-19 compared to 58% for first dose and 88% for second dose. Quince emphasised continuous monitoring by MHRA and UKHSA of adverse reactions and commitment to further research into vaccines through funding allocation. He highlighted the upcoming targeted seasonal vaccination offer in April aimed at preventing severe disease, hospitalisations and death among high-risk groups.

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