Pfizer / Bioentech is said to have adverse effects in the UK, with no proven link to the vaccine

News that the Pfizer / Bioentech vaccine has caused tens of thousands of adverse effects in the UK has been circulating on news services and social networks since mid-March. However, this is based on preliminary data that are not necessary for vaccination. In fact, the official report on adverse effects refers to reactions such as infection, headache, cold, fatigue, and nausea. “They are not associated with a very serious or chronic diseaseCommon compared to other vaccines.

The news spreads through screen shots of WhatsApp and Telegram, as well as other forms on Facebook (1, 2, 3), Instagram y Twitter (1, 2, 3).

“UK Government Report. Adverse reactions to Pfizer vaccines. Date: March 4, 2021. Of concern is the weekly report. They lie to you, it is an attempt of your life”, Tell the publications listing 26 effects of the immunization against Govit-19 with the Pfizer / Bioentech vaccine on tens of thousands of people in that country.

The list also includes: 16,107 cases “Nervous system disorders”, 9.360“Gastrointestinal disorders”, 6.042 “Skin Disorders”, In scores of other categories. 212 deaths have also been mentioned.

Screenshot of a post on Twitter taken on March 25, 2021

Yellow card

Weekly publication of UK officials Reports Regarding the adverse effects of the vaccine, “Yellow card statements”,“A method by which anyone can voluntarily report any adverse reaction or side effects to the vaccine“, details Agency Regulation of Drugs and Health Products (MHRA) of that country.

Website Virus records that address the weekly Govt vaccination yellow card reports. It is reported that there will be March 4, 2021 “Released an updated report with data until February 21, 2021.”

In the case of Pfizer / Bioentech, The only report available The last one on the site includes the ones obtained between December 9, 2020 and March 14, 2021. But the document released on March 4 was found by AFP Factual through a search of archives of published documents using the tool MHRA Webback engine.

These include the same statistics for adverse effects, presented in the same categories and in the same order as viral releases: blood, heart, congenital, hearing disorders, etc.

Proven side effects?

However, as M.H.R.A., “It is important to note that a yellow card statement does not mean that the vaccine caused the reaction or event. “

A spokesman for the Drugs and Health Products Regulatory Commission explained the AFP fact “LYellow cards are not proven side effects, but doubts about the possible side effects caused by informed people “, It may be health professionals or the general public.

Government website explains: “Many of the adverse reactions reported on the yellow card have nothing to do with the vaccine or the drug. Because. “

Initial reports of suspicious reactions “A team of safety experts evaluates them along with other evidence to identify any new safety issues or side effects.”, Described Official analysis On yellow cards received from December 9, 2020 to March 14.

The spokesman explained in detail in an email to AFP Factual that it was MHRA “It uses a number of additional data sources, such as electronic health records that link vaccine records to medical events, to detect suspicious adverse reactions and vaccine safety.” He emphasized that “All reports are constantly being reviewed to identify potential new risks. ”

This is complemented by the analysis of international experience based on data from other countries using the same vaccines, as explained in the official analysis.

A nurse holds a vial of the Pfizer-Bioentech vaccine at the Royal Free Hospital in London on December 8, 2020 (Jack Hill / Pool / AFP)

As of the date of publication of this verification, two anticoagulant vaccines Pfizer / Bioendech And that University of Oxford / AstraZeneca, Were used in the United Kingdom.

Analysis of data extracted from yellow cards as of March 14 shows that the first dose of Pfizer / Bioentech vaccine was administered at a dose of 10.9 million, with a second dose of approximately 1.3 million, “Mostly from Pfizer / Bioentech vaccine. “ As of that date, 38,084 yellow cards have been reported for this vaccine.

“For both vaccines, most reports refer to common symptoms such as injection site reactions (e.g. hand pain) and ‘fever-like’ illness, headache, cold, fatigue (fatigue), nausea (feeling sick), fever, and dizziness. , Weakness, muscle pain and rapid heartbeat”, Report details. “Usually, these symptoms occur soon after vaccination and are not associated with a more serious or chronic illness.”, Collaboration.

As of March 14, the MHRA has received 259 reports of suspected adverse reactions to the Pfizer / BioNtech vaccine, with the patient dying shortly after being vaccinated. However, it does clarify “Most of these reports are elderly or suffering from underlying diseases“And it ends”Reviewing personal reports and reporting methods does not mean that the vaccine played a role in death. ”

The authorities add to it “No other security issues have been identified from the reports received to date“Cases of other diseases”Temporary contact with the vaccine “, Collected evidence “They do not currently report that the vaccine caused the event.”

Finally, they point it out “Number and nature“In yellow, with notices of suspicious adverse effects, “They are not uncommon compared to other types of vaccines in regular use.”

“Unfortunately, more than 125,000 people in the UK have now lost their lives to the vaccine-preventable disease. We know these vaccines are effective and can prevent many deaths and complications from Govit-19Said an MHRA spokesman.