A MOM-of-three died from Covid after reportedly being wrongfully refused a vaccine by her hospital because of her treatment for multiple sclerosis, her family says.
Nerissa Regnier, 45, died on December 16 after allegedly asking for a Covid vaccine seven times within six months but being refused.
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Her family claims that Regnier was also then incorrectly refused monoclonal antibody treatment when she caught the illness.
Attornies for Regnier’s family announced on Wednesday plans to file a wrongful death lawsuit against Kaiser Permanente, where she was being treated in California.
Her family said that despite her MS diagnosis, Regnier was managing the disease fine, according to CNS.
“She was a very healthy mother of three managing her MS,” said attorney Annee Della Donna
“When you’re immunocompromised you need the COVID-19 vaccine.”
Vaccine effectiveness & Omicron
Expert studies have shown that the risk of severe illness from Covid-19 is reduced by 90 percent or more among people who are fully vaccinated.
While there are breakthrough cases of Covid among people who are vaccinated, they are rare.
In the event of a breakthrough case, victims are highly unlikely to be hospitalized with severe or deadly symptoms from the virus.
Health officials have advised that the Omicron variant is more infectious and could lead to further breakthrough cases.
Yet the spread can be offset by all vaccinated Americans receiving a booster shot.
Current vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to infection with the Omicron variant.
With other variants, like Delta, vaccines have remained effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and death.
Studies have also shown that side effects from the vaccine are extremely rare.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The Covid vaccine has proven effective in preventing the spread of the virus and in preventing death and hospitalizations
The majority who contract the virus after receiving a shot have experienced less severe symptoms thanks to the vaccine.
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Attorney Annee Della Donna said Regnier began a new medication regime for her MS in February 2021, which suppressed her immune system.
The California mom had reportedly asked doctors about getting the vaccine but was told she couldn’t as it is a “live” dose and would be risky.
Della Donna said that the vaccine is not in fact “live” and she should have been able to receive it when she first asked.
“Nerissa Regnier was refused the COVID vaccine by Kaiser because they mistakenly thought it was a live vaccine and it was contraindicated with her MS treatment,” she told Newsweek.
“Everyone should know that COVID-19 vaccines are not live vaccines,” she added.
“We also spoke to the manufacturer of the medication she was on, and they stated there was absolutely no issue with getting the vaccine while taking their drug.”
Regnier, who has three children aged 14, 16, and 29, reportedly continued to ask for the vaccine over the next six months but was told each time she couldn’t get it.
“They keep telling her no, no, no,” Della Donna said.
‘MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE’
In August 2021 Regnier approached her neurologist who said that she should get the shot
However, when she finally went to get the first dose, she was experiencing symptoms and a test revealed she had already caught Covid.
“When Nerissa went into Kaiser to get her COVID-19 shot, she was turned away because she had already contracted the virus,” Della Donna added.
“Once sick, Kaiser continued to commit medical negligence, by failing to give her the antibodies within the crucial 10 days, and instead, treating her with steroids and antibiotics, both which do not work against this deadly virus.”
Her husband Devin discharged Regnier from Kaiser’s hospital in Irvine, California, to try and get her the monoclonal antibody treatment in another facility.
He was told it was too late to receive treatment, however.
Regnier returned to Kaiser’s hospital where she later died.
“Twice, this husband relied on Kaiser for medical guidance, and twice they failed him,” attorney Eric Dubin said. “It’s a devastating case.”
‘A HEALTHY MOM’
He added that Regnier, who worked as a realtor, was a “healthy mom” and had her MS under control through to infusions of medicine a year.
“This is a public service announcement. If you’re told you shouldn’t get the vaccine because it’s a live vaccine that’s just flat-out wrong,” Della Donna warned.
“And everybody whose immune system is down needs to get the vaccine. That’s why we’re doing this. We don’t want this poor woman’s life to be taken in vain.”
Kaiser Permanente said in a statement to The Sun that it could not specifically comment on a patient’s treatment.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Nerissa Regnier for the loss of their loved one. This global pandemic has tragically affected so many families,” the statement read.
“While we cannot comment on personal health information or the specific circumstances of this case, our physicians and health care professionals are dedicated to ensuring every individual treated at Kaiser Permanente receives the highest quality health care appropriate for their situation.
“Treatments for COVID-19 continue to rapidly evolve, and in consultation with each patient, we prescribe care that is intended to provide the best clinical outcomes based on current knowledge and their individual needs.”
It also argued that it has “clearly communicated to our members, patients, and the public, that none of the available COVID-19 vaccines contain the live virus and they are safe and effective.
“Kaiser Permanente has been consistent since vaccines first became available that we are committed to administering vaccines safely and equitably in accordance with all federal and state guidelines.”
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