Scientists Surprised By Frequency of COVID-19 Adverse Reactions

The COVID-19 immunisations have begun in various locations around the World, the exact numbers of now vaccinated individuals is unclear, but certainly it’s already in the tens, if not hundreds of thousands.

It’s almost 2 weeks since the first shot was given in the UK, and most have yet to receive their second shot.

But even now, at these early stages, scientists are remarking on the ‘superior frequency’ of adverse reactions compared to other vaccines.

The head scientific adviser for Operation Warp Speed, Dr. Moncef Slaoui, told CNN earlier this week:

“That frequency, as it stood yesterday, is superior to what one would expect with other vaccines,” – CNN[1]

Notice the careful use of words in that statement. ‘Superior’ is typically associated with something positive, something better. He meant increased frequency, but technically that is not superior, it is inferior as the desire is surely for lower frequency adverse events?

The report from CNN also said that:

Slaoui noted the vaccine makers and the National Institutes of Health are mulling clinical trials for the vaccines in populations that suffer from severe allergies, like those who always have to carry anti-allergy medication in an EpiPen. – CNN[1]

While there are those out there that will make jokes about people being cautious of the vaccine because it has caused a few adverse effects, they are missing the bigger picture. Only a relatively small number of people have been immunised so far. But that’s not all…..

Consider that only a portion of the reporting data has come back so far from the already completed vaccinated, then consider that a large portion of adverse effects will not be reported. This can be for a number of reasons from patient pride and belief in the vaccine to doctor dismissal of association.

It’s been estimated that fewer than 1% of Vaccine adverse events get reported to the VAERS system in the US[2].

For a disease that effects so few, and kills even fewer, does this vaccine really seem worth the risk?

Sources:

1. cnn.com
2. digital.ahrq.gov