Witness Testimony

M Tisir Otahbachi testified that he received two doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine in July and August 2021, after which he developed a progressively worsening dermatological condition beginning with a blister on his hand and expanding to most of his body. He described intense burning sensations, inability to shower normally for extended periods, and eventual inability to continue working as a mover and rideshare driver. He stated that his symptoms began approximately ten days after his first dose and intensified following the second dose.
He testified that he experienced significant difficulty accessing medical care in Quebec, including extended emergency room wait times and an inability to secure a family physician. He stated that several physicians dismissed a possible connection to vaccination, while one Ottawa-based specialist told him the condition was likely vaccine-related and initiated treatment with Dupixent injections twice monthly. He reported that the medication provides temporary relief but does not resolve the condition and may be required long term or permanently.
Otahbachi further stated that some physicians declined to sign documentation related to compensation, citing concerns about professional repercussions. He reported traveling to Ontario and later to Morocco in search of additional medical opinions, which he said confirmed the chronic nature of his condition. He concluded by expressing concern about healthcare system access, physician availability, and what he described as reluctance to attribute adverse reactions to vaccination.