Previously I said:
Medical professionals investigate the reactions reported in VAERS, but they aren’t the ones who report the reactions to VAERS
On reviewing the VAERS website, this should say they are not the only ones who report. It remains the case that anyone can report to VAERS. Also, it is not mandatory to provide names, addresses, practitioner details, or proof of death or other condition on the form, so it is completely open to false reporting, for example, if someone has a political agenda or conspiracy theory.