USA: probe into Covid vaccines announced by Florida Supreme Court after Governor targets pharma firms

Amid rising Covid cases in America, the country will witness an investigation into any possible wrongdoings with respect to Covid vaccines.

The probe was announced by the Florida Supreme Court on 22 December 2022. The court said that it would convene a grand jury at Republican Governor Ron DeSantis' request.

He has claimed that pharmaceutical companies had a financial interest in pushing the narrative which made people believe that vaccination would prevent spread of the Covid virus to others.

The Republican governor, who is often mentioned as a possible presidential candidate in 2024, earlier this month called for the investigation. He suggested it would be in part aimed to jog loose more information from pharmaceutical companies about the vaccines and potential side effects.

Vaccine studies funded by pharmaceutical companies that developed COVID-19 vaccines have been published in peer-reviewed journals such as the New England Journal of Medicine, and government panels reviewed data on the safety and effectiveness of the shots before approving them for use.

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Statewide grand juries, usually comprised of 18 people, can investigate criminal activity and issue indictments but also examine systemic problems in Florida and make recommendations. Recent panels have tackled immigration issues and school safety.

The grand jury will meet for one year.

(With agency inputs)