If you open up the actual VAERS (https://vaers.hhs.gov/data.html), you'll see disclaimers like this:

> Reports may include incomplete, inaccurate, coincidental and unverified information.

> The number of reports alone cannot be interpreted or used to reach conclusions about the existence, severity, frequency, or rates of problems associated with vaccines.

The numbers are suddenly high, in part, because of this:

https://vaers.hhs.gov/faq.html

> Healthcare providers are required to report to VAERS the following adverse events after COVID-19 vaccination [under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA)], and other adverse events if later revised by CDC...

There's a COVID-specific reporting requirement on a previously optional system.