Fact-Check: "The COVID-19 vaccine is deadlier than others."
What We Know
The claim that "the COVID-19 vaccine is deadlier than others" lacks substantial evidence. Research indicates that the safety profile of COVID-19 vaccines, particularly mRNA vaccines like those from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, is comparable to or better than that of other vaccines, such as the influenza vaccine. A study published in PubMed found that while mRNA COVID-19 vaccines showed a higher incidence of some manageable cardiovascular complications compared to the influenza vaccine, they also demonstrated a lower risk of serious neurological complications (Comparative safety of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines to influenza vaccines).
Furthermore, a systematic review of vaccine trials indicated that none of the COVID-19 vaccines were associated with a significant increase in serious adverse events compared to placebo groups (Comparative Benefits and Risks Associated with Currently Authorized COVID-19 Vaccines). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also reports that individuals who receive COVID-19 vaccines are less likely to die from COVID-19 or related complications than those who remain unvaccinated (CDC Vaccine Safety).
Analysis
The assertion that the COVID-19 vaccine is deadlier than other vaccines is misleading and not supported by credible scientific data. The studies reviewed indicate that while there may be specific adverse events associated with COVID-19 vaccines, these are not unique to them and can occur with other vaccines as well. For instance, the comparative safety study highlighted that mRNA vaccines had a higher incidence of certain cardiovascular issues but also showed a significantly lower risk of serious neurological events compared to influenza vaccines (Comparative safety of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines to influenza vaccines).
Moreover, the systematic review of vaccine trials concluded that all five major COVID-19 vaccines assessed were effective and safe, with no significant increase in serious adverse events compared to placebo (Comparative Benefits and Risks Associated with Currently Authorized COVID-19 Vaccines). This suggests that the overall risk associated with COVID-19 vaccines does not exceed that of other vaccines, and in many cases, they provide substantial benefits in preventing severe illness and death from COVID-19.
The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is high, as they include peer-reviewed studies and reputable health organizations like the CDC. These sources are generally considered authoritative in the field of public health and vaccine safety.
Conclusion
The claim that "the COVID-19 vaccine is deadlier than others" is False. The evidence reviewed demonstrates that COVID-19 vaccines, particularly mRNA vaccines, do not present a higher risk of serious adverse effects compared to other vaccines. In fact, they are associated with lower risks of certain complications and provide significant protection against severe illness and death from COVID-19.
Sources
- Comparative safety of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines to influenza vaccines
- Comparative Benefits and Risks Associated with Currently Authorized COVID-19 Vaccines
- Are Some COVID-19 Vaccines Better Than Others?
- CDC Vaccine Safety
- A randomized trial comparing safety, immunogenicity and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines
- COVID-19 Vaccines Advice
- How does the COVID-19 vaccine compare with other existing vaccines?
- Comparing the COVID-19 Vaccines: How Are They Different?