Matt Hancock was worried that the checking system created to spot potential problems with the Covid vaccine were "shonky”, WhatsApp messages have revealed.
During the pandemic, the former health secretary told one of the Government’s chief scientific advisers he had fears that “pharmacovigilance” – a system for recording adverse reactions and whether medicines are working properly – were inadequate.
The messages, obtained by The Daily Telegraph, were sent a month after the vaccine rollout to Sir Chris Whitty, the Chief Medical Officer on January 9, 2021.
Hancock asked Whitty: "How strong is our pharmocovigilence system to check events post-rollout? I was told we were doing it but I worry that the details will be shonky."
During the pandemic, the former health secretary told one of the Government’s chief scientific advisers he had fears that 'pharmacovigilance' – a system for recording adverse reactions and whether medicines are working properly – were inadequate
FlickrWhitty replied: "Reasonable but needs to get better. There will be cases."
The UK's medicines regulator runs a system where medics and patients who suspect someone has suffered an adverse reaction can make a “yellow card” report to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Authority (MHRA).
Experts then analyse the information to see whether action needs to be taken.
It comes after the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine has been claimed to be “defective” according to a landmark legal case.
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The Covid jab which was given to thousands in the UK is facing claims that its efficacy was “vastly overstated”.
Last year, the World Health Organisation said the vaccine was “safe and effective for all individuals aged 18 and above” and that the adverse effect that has prompted the legal action was “very rare”.
Hancock's comments have sparked concern that the Government may have been slow to respond to evidence of rare side-effects.
Relatives of those who passed away or were harmed were left shocked by Hancock’s comment.
The Covid jab which was given to thousands in the UK is facing claims that its efficacy was 'vastly overstated'
PA"It’s very concerning that he could describe the system in that way at that point in the pandemic – and when so much was at stake," Kam Miller, whose husband Neil died after having the AstraZeneca jab told the Telegraph.
A spokesman for Mr Hancock said: “Multiple reports from deeply credible institutions have found that the science, rollout and pharmacovigilance of the UK vaccine rollout was exceptional. To imply otherwise is debunked nonsense.”
An MHRA spokesman added: “The public’s safety is our top priority, and we are committed to getting the right advice to people at the right time.
"Throughout the pandemic, the MHRA authorised the Covid-19 vaccines following a rigorous review of their safety, quality and efficacy.”
