COVID-19 vaccines: Safety, side effects and coincidence – Harvard Health Blog – Harvard Health

As the pandemic rages on, its increasingly clear that widespread vaccination is essential to help contain it. Physical distancing, universal face coverings, and frequent handwashing are effective, but not foolproof. And of course, these measures dont work if they are not followed.

So, the rapid development of mRNA vaccines and other vaccines to prevent COVID-19 is welcome some say miraculous news. But while many people are scrambling to get a vaccine, others are hesitating.

Its natural to wonder if brand new vaccines against a novel coronavirus, developed at unprecedented speed, are effective and safe to take. Lets review some of what we know.

Overall effectiveness has been reported in the range of 70% to 95%. Thats well above the average effectiveness of the flu vaccine, for example.

Not only do these vaccines appear to lessen risk of developing COVID-19, but they also appear to lessen the risk of severe disease.

In large clinical trials, most side effects have been minor. When side effects occur, they typically last just a few days. A side effect or reaction isnt necessarily all bad, by the way; it may indicate that the body is building protection against the virus.

For the four vaccines listed above, common side effects include

Its normal to feel cautious about any new treatment. But two common misconceptions may encourage people to avoid getting a COVID vaccine.

For example, rare cases of Bells palsy and other neurologic disease have been reported after COVID vaccination. But so far, there is no clear suggestion that the vaccine played any role. Similarly, a fatal blood disorder suffered by a Florida physician two weeks after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine raised concerns that it was triggered by the vaccine. This condition did not occur among the tens of thousands of clinical trial subjects, so it might be a complete coincidence. Authorities are investigating this case.

So far, we know COVID-19 is an unpredictable and potentially deadly disease. And the information we have about the effectiveness and safety of COVID-19 vaccinations is encouraging. Minor side effects should be expected; severe allergic reactions may rarely occur. Side effects from the vaccine are not reasons for most people to avoid vaccination.

As the number of vaccine recipients and the number of different vaccines grow, vigilance is warranted. What we know today about side effects and safety wont be the last word. Volunteers in clinical trials and members of the public who have received vaccinations continue to be monitored, and are encouraged to report problems.

There are pros and cons to any new medical treatment. But remember there are also pros and cons to declining treatment. Based on my reading of currently available information, the decision to be vaccinated against COVID-19 should be an easy one.

Follow me on Twitter @RobShmerling

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COVID-19 vaccines: Safety, side effects and coincidence - Harvard Health Blog - Harvard Health