“The researchers found that the Pfizer trial exhibited a particularly notable 36 percent higher risk of serious adverse events occurring in the vaccine group compared to the placebo group. The Moderna trial exhibited a 6 percent higher risk of such events occurring in the vaccine group compared to the placebo group. Overall, compared to trial participants receiving placebos, the researchers found that the recipients of mRNA vaccines had a 16 percent higher risk of experiencing serious adverse events.
“Serious adverse events of special interest
“The researchers also evaluated serious adverse events of special interest observed in the Pfizer and Moderna mRNA COVID-19 vaccine trials. Such events included coagulation disorders, cardiac disorders, and other serious problems.
“In the Pfizer trial, serious adverse events of special interest were reported in the vaccine group at a rate equivalent to 27.7 incidents per 10,000 people vaccinated. For each 1 million people vaccinated, this would translate into an excess risk of 2,770 serious adverse events. Compared to the placebo group, people receiving the Pfizer vaccine had a 57 percent higher risk of experiencing a serious adverse event of special interest.
“In the Moderna trial, serious adverse events of special interest were reported in the vaccine group at a rate equivalent to 57.3 incidents per 10,000 people vaccinated. For each 1 million people vaccinated, this would translate into an excess risk of 5,730 serious adverse events. People receiving the Moderna vaccine had a 36 percent higher risk of experiencing a serious adverse event of special interest than those in the placebo group.”
“Overall, compared to those in the placebo group, people receiving these vaccines had a 43 percent higher risk of experiencing a serious adverse event of special interest. Together, the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines were associated with an excess risk of serious adverse events of special interest equivalent to 12.5 per 10,000 people vaccinated. For each 1 million people vaccinated, this would translate into an excess risk of 1,250 serious adverse events.
“A rational health policy would consider potential harms
“Disturbingly, the researchers note that in both the Pfizer trial and the Moderna trial, the excess risk of serious adverse events of special interest was actually higher than the risk reduction for COVID-19 hospitalization. This is clearly contrary to what the general public has been led to believe. As the researchers correctly point out, rational health policy formation should consider potential harms alongside potential benefits.”