Are COVID-19 vaccines safe?

Introduction

The safety of COVID-19 vaccines has been a critical concern since their development and deployment. Multiple studies have been conducted to evaluate the safety profiles of various COVID-19 vaccines, including mRNA vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna), adenovirus-vectored vaccines (AstraZeneca and CanSino), and others. This synthesis aims to provide a cohesive overview of the safety of these vaccines based on recent research findings.

Key Insights

General Safety and Common Side Effects
- COVID-19 vaccines generally cause mild to moderate side effects such as pain at the injection site, fatigue, headache, fever, and muscle pain. These side effects are typically short-term and subside with over-the-counter pain relievers .
- Serious adverse events are rare and occur at a low incidence rate, comparable to other viral vaccines .
mRNA Vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna)
- mRNA vaccines have shown high efficacy rates (94-95%) with limited side effects and a low rate of adverse reactions .
- Safety monitoring systems like VAERS and v-safe have not indicated any unexpected serious adverse events, providing reassurance about the safety of mRNA vaccines .
Adenovirus-Vectored Vaccines (AstraZeneca and CanSino)
- Adenovirus-vectored vaccines are generally well-tolerated, with most adverse reactions being mild or moderate in severity .
- These vaccines have shown significant immunogenicity, with robust antibody and T-cell responses .
Safety in Special Populations (Pregnant and Lactating Women)
- Preliminary findings indicate no obvious safety signals among pregnant persons who received mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. Adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes were similar to those reported in pre-pandemic studies .
- Expert recommendations suggest that pregnant and lactating women should consult with their healthcare providers to weigh the benefits and risks of vaccination .

Conclusion

COVID-19 vaccines, including mRNA and adenovirus-vectored vaccines, have demonstrated a favorable safety profile with mostly mild to moderate side effects. Serious adverse events are rare and comparable to those of other viral vaccines. Preliminary data also support the safety of mRNA vaccines in pregnant and lactating women, although further longitudinal studies are needed. Overall, the available scientific evidence supports the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in the general population.

Are COVID-19 vaccines safe?

Summary

Consensus Meter

Introduction

Key Insights

Conclusion

Sources and full results

Safety and Efficacy of the BNT162b2 mRNA Covid-19 Vaccine

The BNT162b2 mRNA Covid-19 vaccine provided 95% protection for individuals 16 years of age or older, with similar safety to other viral vaccines over a median of 2 months.

Safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of a recombinant adenovirus type-5 vectored COVID-19 vaccine: a dose-escalation, open-label, non-randomised, first-in-human trial

The Ad5 vectored COVID-19 vaccine is tolerable and immunogenic at 28 days post-vaccination, with rapid specific T-cell responses observed from day 14.

First Month of COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Monitoring — United States, December 14, 2020–January 13, 2021

The initial postauthorization safety profiles of the two COVID-19 vaccines in use did not indicate evidence of unexpected serious adverse events, providing reassurance for healthcare providers and vaccine recipients.

Immunogenicity and safety of a recombinant adenovirus type-5-vectored COVID-19 vaccine in healthy adults aged 18 years or older: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial

The Ad5-vectored COVID-19 vaccine is highly immunogenic and safe in healthy adults aged 18 years or older, with both doses showing significant neutralizing antibody responses to live SARS-CoV-2.

Safety and immunogenicity of a recombinant COVID-19 vaccine (Sf9 cells) in healthy population aged 18 years or older: two single-center, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 1 and phase 2 trials

The recombinant COVID-19 vaccine (Sf9 cells) is safe and induces significant immune responses after three doses in healthy individuals aged 18 years or older.

Preliminary Findings of mRNA Covid-19 Vaccine Safety in Pregnant Persons

Preliminary findings show no obvious safety signals among pregnant persons receiving mRNA Covid-19 vaccines, but more longitudinal follow-up is needed to confirm maternal, pregnancy, and infant outcomes.

Safety and efficacy of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine (AZD1222) against SARS-CoV-2: an interim analysis of four randomised controlled trials in Brazil, South Africa, and the UK

The ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine is safe and effective in preventing COVID-19 infection, with a 70% overall vaccine efficacy in a pooled interim analysis of four trials.

COVID 19 and vaccine safety

Anti-COVID-19 vaccines show minimal side effects, such as fever, chills, muscle pain, headache, and fatigue, and are generally safe for most people.

Review the safety of Covid-19 mRNA vaccines: a review

SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines show high efficacy rates and limited side effects, with potential long-term adverse effects.

Scientific Evidence Supporting Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccine Efficacy and Safety in People Planning to Conceive or Who Are Pregnant or Lactating

COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective for people planning to conceive, pregnant, or breastfeeding, despite anecdotal claims about adverse effects on fertility and pregnancy.

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