The Kansas attorney general sued Pfizer this week arguing the company claimed its COVID-19 shot was “safe and effective” but knew it could cause bad side effects.
In a legal filing, Republican Attorney General Kris Kobach accused Pfizer of having knowledge that its COVID-19 vaccine could lead to issues like “myocarditis and pericarditis, failed pregnancies, and deaths” but covered up that information from the public.
As a result, Pfizer made roughly $75 billion in two years, he argued in the complaint.
“Pfizer concealed this critical safety information from the public,” according to the lawsuit filed in the District Court of Thomas County, Kansas.
The state is suing the company under Kansas’ consumer protection law.
A spokesperson from Pfizer said the company is proud to have developed the vaccine in a record time during the pandemic and saved “countless lives.”
“The representations made by Pfizer about its COVID-19 vaccine have been accurate and science-based. The Company believes that the state’s case has no merit and will respond to the suit in due course,” the spokesperson said, adding the company is committed to the well-being of patients.
Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine was FDA approved in December of 2020. It’s been administered to more than 1.5 billion people.
“Patient safety is our number one priority, which is why we follow diligent safety and monitoring protocols,” the spokesperson added.
In November, Texas also sued Pfizer. In that state action, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton argued the company misrepresented the vaccine’s efficiency and tried to silence public discourse.
For more information, visit The Washington Times COVID-19 resource page.
• Alex Swoyer can be reached at aswoyer@washingtontimes.com.
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