Sen. Johnson to host event for people claiming severe side effects of COVID-19 vaccine

Share:

MADISON (WKOW) -- Senator Ron Johnson again has rankled the public health community. He's planning to host a press conference Monday in Milwaukee where he'll give a platform to six women who say they've suffered severe side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine.

One of the people expected to share their story is Sheryl Ruettgers, whose husband, Ken, was a longtime offensive lineman for the Green Bay Packers.

According to Johnson's office, Ruettgers suffered "severe neurological reactions" after getting the COVID-19 vaccine, including muscle pain, numbness, and weakness.

Public health officials have maintained serious side effects to the vaccine are extremely rare. At the same time, they point to the plunge in new COVID-19 cases as proof of the vaccine's extreme effectiveness.

Johnson's event prompted Governor Tony Evers to call the senator "reckless and irresponsible" Friday.

Johnson previously frustrated public health officials by questioning the push for widespread vaccination and suggesting masks do not help prevent the virus from spreading.