Coronavirus vaccine

This is how many vaccine injuries have been recognised so far

More than 14,000 people in Germany have claimed compensation for coronavirus vaccine injuries, but only 6.5 per cent of the claims have been recognised.

A good 14,000 claims for recognition of coronavirus vaccine damage have been received by the German authorities. The proportion of approvals varies greatly from state to state. Many cases drag on even after the decision by the pension office.

An analysis

In Germany, more than 1,000 people are suing for recognition of vaccine damage in connection with the coronavirus vaccines. This is according to a survey conducted in all 16 federal states. Nationwide, more than 14,000 applications have been submitted to the pension offices since the start of the vaccination campaign around Christmas 2020 until mid-2025. The authorities have rejected nearly 10,000 applications and recognised vaccine damage in only 633 cases.

0.02 per cent of those vaccinated claim damage

According to the World Health Organisation, Covid-19 vaccinations have saved more than 1.4 million lives in Europe alone. The majority of studies also assume that vaccinated people are less likely to suffer from long-term effects (Long Covid) than unvaccinated people.

It is equally undisputed that the vaccines had side effects, including serious ones. There are calculations that spectacularly overestimate the adverse effects, and some media reports and political forces have given the impression that the vaccines are primarily associated with cases of harm. This makes it all the more worthwhile to take a sober look at the figures.

Post-COVID Outpatient Clinic

Interdisciplinary Post-COVID Outpatient Clinic

Prof. Dr. Bernhard Schieffer

The Post-Vax Outpatient Clinic can only be contacted by email; please refrain from making telephone enquiries.

Long-term symptoms may occur after COVID-19 infection. If symptoms persist for more than 4 weeks, this is referred to as long COVID, and after 12 weeks as post-COVID syndrome. Symptoms often occur after severe infections requiring hospitalisation, but long-term effects can also occur after mild cases. Those affected suffer from symptoms such as fatigue, concentration and memory problems, reduced physical stamina, sleep disorders, dizziness, smell and taste disorders, palpitations, joint pain or headaches.

post-covid-impfung.mr@uk-gm.de

Below you will find information about the individual departments involved.

How does post-COVID syndrome manifest itself?

Post-COVID syndrome can affect various organs such as the heart, lungs, nervous system, blood and immune system, as well as the psyche.

Symptoms of post-COVID syndrome include: 

•     Fatigue
•     Tiredness
•     Concentration and memory problems
•     Reduced physical capacity
•     Exhaustion
•     Shortness of breath
•     Sleep disorders
•     Dizziness
•     Smell and taste disorders
•     Palpitations
•     Muscle pain
•     Joint pain
•     Headaches

Risk factors for persistent symptoms include chronic diseases, psychiatric disorders and obesity. Women and middle-aged patients seem to be affected more frequently.

What are the causes?

The exact causes of post-COVID syndrome are not yet clear. It appears to affect several organs. Among other things, there are persistent changes in the nervous system, lungs, heart, blood count, immune system, kidney and liver function, and hormonal changes. In addition, mental illnesses such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder have been observed.

Inflammation markers

CRP (C-reactive protein): If there is inflammation in the body, the CRP value rises, indicating an active immune system. As chronic inflammation may continue to occur in Long Covid, this marker is a possible indicator.

Interleukins (e.g. IL-6, IL-1β): Interleukins are messenger substances that promote inflammation in the immune system. Elevated interleukin levels have been measured in Long Covid patients, indicating an active immune system.

TNF-α (tumour necrosis factor alpha): TNF-α is a protein that is produced in increased amounts during chronic inflammation. It damages tissue and contributes to the maintenance of inflammation.

Immunological markers

Autoantibodies: Autoantibodies that attack the body's own structures have been detected in some affected individuals. In the context of Long Covid, this could indicate autoimmune processes that may cause or exacerbate symptoms.

Altered T-cell profiles: T-cells are among the key immune cells that often show changes in their composition in Long Covid. This indicates a disturbed or dysregulated immune response and could explain long-lasting symptoms.

Vascular and coagulation markers

D-dimers: D-dimers are breakdown products of fibrin, a protein that plays a role in blood clotting. Elevated levels are associated with increased clotting activity and may indicate small microthromboses. They are widely discussed in relation to long COVID.

Von Willebrand factor: This protein also plays a central role in blood clotting. Elevated levels indicate inflammation or damage to the vessels.

Markers for cell damage and exhaustion

Lactate: A persistently elevated lactate level, even at rest, may indicate that the cells are not receiving enough oxygen or are not utilising it effectively due to impaired energy production, especially in the mitochondria. This could explain why many long Covid patients suffer from intense fatigue and exhaustion.

Ferritin: Ferritin is a protein that stores iron, but is also considered an acute phase protein and is found in elevated levels in the blood during prolonged inflammation. Therefore, elevated ferritin levels may indicate ongoing inflammatory processes in the body.

Neurologically relevant markers

Neurofilament light chain (NfL): This protein is released from damaged nerve cells. Elevated levels are an indicator of neuronal damage and help to better understand neurocognitive symptoms in Long Covid.

BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor): BDNF is a growth factor that plays an important role in the maintenance and function of nerve cells. Fluctuations in BDNF levels could be linked to concentration difficulties, memory problems and other neurological complaints.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Apharese

Monoclonal antibodies against Covid spikes             

Uni Hannover