Fact Check: "Dr. Retsef Levi co-authored a 2022 study that reported a 25% increase in heart-related emergencies among teens and young adults in Israel following the administration of mRNA Covid-19 vaccines."
What We Know
In 2022, a study co-authored by Dr. Retsef Levi, titled "Increased emergency cardiovascular events among under-40 population in Israel during vaccine rollout and third COVID-19 wave," was published in Scientific Reports. The study utilized data from the Israel National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and focused on the 16-39 age group. It reported a statistically significant increase of over 25% in both cardiac arrest (CA) and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) calls during the period from January to May 2021 compared to the same months in 2019 and 2020 (PubMed, Nature). The authors suggested that this increase was associated with the rates of COVID-19 vaccinations administered to this demographic, although they did not establish a direct causal relationship between the vaccines and the increase in emergencies (PMC).
Analysis
The claim that Dr. Retsef Levi co-authored a study reporting a 25% increase in heart-related emergencies is accurate based on the findings of the study. The reported increase of 25% in CA and ACS calls is a central finding of the research, which analyzed emergency calls in the context of the COVID-19 vaccination rollout. The study's methodology involved using Negative Binomial regression models to assess the relationship between vaccination rates and emergency calls, finding significant associations with vaccine doses but not with COVID-19 infection rates (PubMed, Nature).
However, it is important to note that while the study highlights a correlation, it does not definitively prove causation. The authors themselves emphasize the need for further investigation into potential vaccine-related cardiovascular side effects, particularly in young individuals (PMC).
The reliability of the study is supported by its publication in a peer-reviewed journal, but as with any research, it is essential to consider the broader context and the need for additional studies to confirm these findings. Some critiques have pointed out that the study does not account for all potential confounding factors and that the increase in emergency calls could be influenced by other variables not fully explored in the research (Reuters).
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that Dr. Retsef Levi co-authored a study reporting a 25% increase in heart-related emergencies among teens and young adults in Israel following the administration of mRNA Covid-19 vaccines is true. The study's findings indicate a statistically significant increase in emergency calls related to cardiovascular events during the vaccine rollout, although it stops short of establishing a direct causal link.
Sources
- Increased emergency cardiovascular events among under-40 ... - PubMed Link
- Author Correction: Increased emergency cardiovascular ... Link
- Increased emergency cardiovascular events among under-40 ... - Nature Link
- PDF MIT Open Access Articles - Massachusetts Institute of Technology Link
- Fact Check: Study using Israeli emergency services data does not prove ... Link
