Miguel Hernández pledges transparency but offers limited answers amid rising reports of severe side effects.
At a press conference earlier today, Miguel Hernández, CEO of Moderna Vaccines, publicly addressed concerns following recent reports of severe side effects linked to a small subset of individuals who received Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine. Despite reaffirming Moderna’s commitment to transparency and public safety, Hernández provided limited information to address media concerns.
“The safety and well-being of those who trust our vaccines is our highest priority,” Hernández stated, reading from the company’s official statement. “We are taking these concerns very seriously and are working closely with global health authorities and independent medical experts to conduct comprehensive investigations into these cases.”
In response to questions about restoring public trust, Hernández emphasized that the reported cases represent a very small proportion compared to the millions of successful vaccine administrations worldwide. “The trust we’ve lost is with a very small number of individuals, compared to the overwhelming number of people we have helped,” he said.
However, when pressed for specific data on the percentage of severe side effects, Hernández acknowledged that he did not have exact figures. Instead, he assured the public that the company is actively monitoring all cases and collaborating with health experts to investigate the potential causes.
Hernández also addressed questions about demographics and pre-existing conditions that may contribute to adverse reactions, stating that such information is being collected and analyzed by Moderna’s scientific team. Yet, he admitted he could not provide detailed insights during the conference, directing media to seek information elsewhere.
“We are working to perfect the vaccine every day. Our scientists and medics are dedicated to addressing these concerns and improving outcomes for all recipients,” he added.
When asked about potential actions if a causal link between the vaccine and reported side effects is confirmed, Hernández stated that Moderna would respond appropriately. “If investigations find a significant causal relationship, we will take every necessary measure to address it and provide solutions. However, that is not the case at the moment,” he affirmed.
While Hernández reiterated Moderna’s commitment to transparency, he admitted he could not provide specific details on the scientific mechanisms being investigated. “That’s not my role,” he explained, suggesting media speak with others in the company for more technical information.
The press conference concluded with Hernández reaffirming Moderna’s dedication to global health. However, the lack of concrete answers left lingering questions among the attending media. “We are fully committed to transparency, safety, and maintaining public trust as we navigate these challenges together,” he said.
The company urges individuals experiencing side effects to seek medical advice and report their cases through official channels.