Doctor Testifies Vaccine Injury Left Him Disabled, Calls for Government Reform

During a U.S. Senate hearing on May 21, Dr. Joel Wallskog, Co-Chair of React19, told lawmakers that his career as a surgeon was abruptly ended after he developed severe neurological complications following a single dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Speaking before the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Wallskog described his condition, his experience seeking answers, and the failures he says vaccine-injured Americans have faced in navigating government support systems.

Wallskog, previously a high-volume orthopedic surgeon in Wisconsin, reported experiencing leg weakness, numbness, and balance issues within a week of receiving the vaccine, which ultimately led to a diagnosis of transverse myelitis. Four years later, he remains medically retired and continues to suffer from dysautonomia and other autoimmune conditions. He said federal assurances of a strong vaccine safety monitoring system did not match the reality he and thousands of others encountered, citing a lack of support and transparency from agencies like the CDC, FDA, and NIH.

As co-chair of React19, an organization representing over 36,000 Americans who believe they’ve been seriously harmed by the COVID-19 vaccines, Wallskog shared findings from an internal survey in which all respondents said the FDA does not take vaccine injury seriously. He said many injured individuals reported their experiences to official databases and programs, only to be met with silence or rejection. React19’s data shows a 98% rejection rate for claims submitted to the federal Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program (CICP), and minimal engagement from elected officials or federal agencies.

Wallskog also criticized the federal response to NIH research findings, alleging that the agency privately acknowledged certain vaccine-related complications while maintaining public silence. He attributed much of this to government-directed censorship and a lack of political will to acknowledge or address vaccine injuries. He urged lawmakers to reform the PREP Act, which shields vaccine manufacturers from liability, and to overhaul federal compensation programs to better support those who have suffered adverse effects. Citing research suggesting a serious adverse event may occur in one out of every 800 vaccinations, Wallskog concluded by calling for greater recognition, improved care, and just compensation.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations testimony

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