Vaccine Injury of William Macomber

Before the vaccine, life was fulfilling and active. I served as an air traffic controller with the FAA, a job that demanded precision, focus, and impeccable health. My career was flourishing, and I was able to support my family, which includes my wife and our three children, comfortably. I felt a deep sense of purpose and pride in my work, knowing that I played a crucial role in maintaining the safety of the skies. Additionally, I am a Navy veteran, having served honorably from June 2008 to June 2013. My military background instilled in me a strong sense of duty and resilience, which I carried into my civilian career.

April 12, 2021: I received the first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. I did not take this step willingly but was pushed by my agency and the government. As a manager, I was expected to tell my employees to take the vaccine, and if I was going to require it of them, I felt I had to do it first.

April 30th, 2021: Just 18 days later, I suffered a severe left thalamic ischemic stroke. This unexpected medical crisis turned my world upside down, leading to an extended hospital stay and a permanent loss of my flight physical qualification.

Fall, 2021: In an attempt to seek justice and compensation for my injury, I submitted a claim to the Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program (CICP) with tracking number CICP-00000240.

September, 2021: Based on the best medical advice, I was granted a written exemption from receiving the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine due to significant medical issues following the first dose​​.

May, 2021: My career took a devastating hit when I was officially disqualified from my air traffic control duties by the FAA due to my medical condition​​​​.

December, 2021: Facing the harsh realities of my new condition, I retired early. The decision was bittersweet, marking the end of a fulfilling career and the start of a challenging new chapter​​.

January , 2023: Despite multiple follow-ups, including the most recent on this date, I have yet to receive a conclusive response from the CICP regarding my claim​​.

Medical Exemption: The exemption from further COVID-19 vaccination was crucial. It prevented further medical complications and provided a semblance of relief amidst the turmoil.

Psychotherapy: Engaging in therapy helped manage the depression and concentration issues that arose post-stroke. It provided a necessary outlet and coping mechanism​​.

Community Support: Connecting with support groups for vaccine injury victims offered emotional solace and a sense of solidarity. Knowing I was not alone in this struggle was comforting.

Lack of CICP Response: The lengthy and opaque process of the CICP has been a source of frustration and stress. The lack of timely updates has added to the uncertainty of my situation​​.

Pressure to Vaccinate: The overwhelming push to vaccinate, even amidst my deteriorating health, was unhelpful and added undue pressure. My requests for accommodations were often met with resistance​​​​.

I want others to understand the importance of informed consent and personalized medical decisions. The pressure to comply with vaccine mandates without considering individual health risks can lead to severe consequences. My life was irrevocably changed after receiving the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, leading to a stroke that ended my career and altered my quality of life. It is crucial to ensure that vaccine injury compensation programs are efficient and transparent, providing timely support for those affected.

Sharing my story is not just about highlighting my struggles but also about advocating for better systems that protect and support individuals facing similar challenges. If you or someone you know has faced vaccine-related injuries, know that your voice matters. Together, we can push for necessary changes and ensure that no one is left behind in the wake of public health initiatives.