Fact Check: Has the covid vaccine caused blood clots and death?

Fact Check: "Has the COVID vaccine caused blood clots and death?"

What We Know

The claim that COVID-19 vaccines have caused blood clots and deaths has been a topic of significant discussion and research. Studies have indicated a slight increase in the risk of blood clots following vaccination, particularly with mRNA vaccines. According to a risk-benefit analysis, there is an increased risk of blood clots after vaccination, with incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of 1.13 after the first dose and 1.23 after the second dose. However, this study also noted that vaccination helps reduce the risk of blood clots associated with COVID-19 infection itself, which has a much higher risk of thromboembolic events.

Furthermore, the CDC reports that COVID-19 vaccines are effective in preventing severe outcomes, including hospitalization and death, and have been shown to lower rates of thromboembolic events among vaccinated individuals compared to those who are unvaccinated (CDC).

On the topic of deaths, while there have been reports of fatalities following vaccination, the CDC states that these deaths are often due to underlying health conditions rather than the vaccine itself. They emphasize that the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks, particularly given the serious complications associated with COVID-19 (CDC).

Analysis

The evidence regarding blood clots and deaths related to COVID-19 vaccines presents a complex picture. The study by Zhao et al. ([source-1]) indicates a statistically significant but relatively low risk of blood clots post-vaccination. This suggests that while there is a measurable risk, it is not necessarily indicative of a widespread safety issue, especially when compared to the risks posed by COVID-19 itself, which can lead to severe complications including blood clots and death.

In contrast, a big data study reported that the excess risk of blood clots was only 1.4 cases per million vaccinated individuals, significantly lower than the risks associated with COVID-19 infection. This highlights the importance of context when evaluating vaccine safety.

Moreover, the systematic review of autopsy findings related to vaccine-induced myocarditis ([source-3]) indicates that while there are rare cases of severe adverse events, these are not common and often involve individuals with pre-existing conditions. The CDC's ongoing monitoring of vaccine safety ([source-4]) further supports the conclusion that while adverse events can occur, they are rare and typically outweighed by the benefits of vaccination.

However, the narrative around vaccine safety can be influenced by public perception and misinformation, as seen in discussions surrounding sudden deaths post-vaccination ([source-5]). This underscores the need for clear communication from health authorities regarding the actual risks involved.

Conclusion

The claim that COVID-19 vaccines have caused blood clots and deaths is Partially True. While there is evidence of a slight increase in the risk of blood clots following vaccination, this risk is minimal compared to the risks associated with COVID-19 itself. Additionally, deaths reported post-vaccination are often linked to underlying health issues rather than the vaccine. Therefore, while the vaccines are not without risk, the overall benefits of vaccination in preventing severe illness and death from COVID-19 are substantial.

Sources

1. Risk of Blood Clots After COVID-19 Vaccination and Infection
2. Effectiveness of Bivalent mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines in Preventing COVID-19 ...
3. Autopsy findings in cases of fatal COVID-19 vaccine-induced ...
4. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccine Safety
5. Sudden Death and COVID-19 Vaccines
6. Thrombosis Development After mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine Administration: A ...
7. Big data study refutes anti-vax blood clot claims about ...
8. Study Largely Confirms Known, Rare COVID-19 Vaccine Side Effects