Witness Testimony

Shaun Mulldoon testified that he received the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in April 2021 in order to protect his elderly parents and help restore normal social activities. Approximately one week later, he developed severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and ultimately began passing blood. He was admitted to Langley Memorial Hospital, where emergency exploratory surgery revealed a portal vein blood clot that had cut off circulation to his intestines, resulting in the loss of over two metres of small intestine and subsequent intensive care treatment.
While hospitalized, he developed additional blood clots in his lungs, spleen, and abdomen. After extensive testing, a team of specialists informed him that he had vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia (VITT), a condition involving PF4 antibodies that trigger aggressive clotting. He received IVIG treatment and remained in ICU for several weeks, later undergoing further surgery to remove additional necrotic tissue and to create a temporary ostomy. He described complications with ostomy management, prolonged hospitalization, and significant physical deterioration.
Mulldoon stated that he continues to experience long-term effects including short bowel syndrome, nutrient absorption challenges, dehydration issues, and ongoing use of blood thinners due to persistent clot risk. He described extended recovery, cognitive impairment while on high-dose steroids, and substantial strain on his family life and mental health. Despite medical confirmation of vaccine-related injury, he testified that he was denied exemption status under vaccine passport policies and remains uncertain whether he will achieve full recovery.