"Father Loses 10kg After AZ Vaccination and Diagnosed with 'Acute Leukemia'... Outrage in Cheong Wa Dae Petition"

"Adverse Reactions and Side Effects, the State Must Take Responsibility"

Vaccination. /Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] A story has been shared about a healthy father who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia after receiving the second dose of the AstraZeneca (AZ) COVID-19 vaccine.

On the 2nd, a post titled "Acute Myeloid Leukemia after COVID Vaccine (AstraZeneca) Vaccination" was published on the Blue House National Petition Board.

The petitioner’s father, Mr. A, received his first AZ vaccine dose on May 28. Mr. A showed no particular symptoms afterward and completed his second dose on August 13.

However, after the second dose, Mr. A complained of increased fatigue compared to usual. Two months after vaccination, in October, he developed oral inflammation, which made eating difficult, and he lost nearly 10 kg in weight.

Later, during dental treatment in November, the dentist noted that his gums were pale and lifeless and recommended a blood test. Mr. A was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia at a university hospital.

Photo by Cheongwadae National Petition Capture

The petitioner said, "My father followed government guidelines and received both doses of the AZ vaccine. He did not drink or smoke and was healthy, so no family member could have imagined he would suddenly develop such a disease. It was a bolt from the blue."

He continued, "Since acute leukemia requires prompt treatment, the first round of chemotherapy was started immediately. Currently, my father is fighting the disease alone in a sterile room," and added, "We are praying that a bone marrow transplant might still be possible."

At the same time, he stated, "I believe vaccination is the most altruistic and best method available in the current COVID situation. I do not oppose government policies," but emphasized, "The government must take responsibility for adverse reactions or side effects."

The petitioner appealed, "It is an undeniable fact that side effects can occur from COVID vaccines, but it is impossible for victims to prove causality," and urged, "Please establish national-level measures to address vaccine side effects."