Conor Briggs remembers being a healthy, active 23-year-old.
He ran daily, studied IT and worked full-time. However, after receiving two Covid vaccinations, he says his life changed dramatically.

Not long after his first dose, he felt unusual chest tightness. His GP assured him it was safe to continue and prescribed anti-inflammatory medication that eased the discomfort. Yet the reaction after his second dose was far more severe.

Conor soon struggled to climb stairs, breathe comfortably or lie flat. Doctors later diagnosed pericarditis, an inflammation around the heart. Although most cases linked to vaccination are mild and short-lived, his symptoms persisted.

He visited several specialists but found little relief. Some suggested his symptoms were psychological, a response he found devastating. One remark — “luckily it’s only pericarditis” — remains etched in his memory.

Unable to work, he now spends much of his time at home, managing each day around fatigue, chest pain and breathing difficulties. Heat and exertion make everything harder.

Conor admits he reached a very dark place before finally sharing his struggles with his family. Their support, he says, helped pull him through.

An osteopath has since eased some symptoms, though daily challenges remain. Moreover, Conor has joined a class action seeking recognition for people who believe they experienced vaccine-related harm.

Health authorities continue to emphasise that serious side effects are uncommon and that Covid vaccines have saved many lives. However, Conor hopes his story encourages better support for those who feel overlooked.

“I know my condition is real,” he says. “If I can fix the physical problems, everything else will follow.”