Adversarial Occasions From COVID-19 Vaccines A lot Increased Than All Widespread Vaccines Mixed (Charts)

The COVID-19 pandemic and the speedy rollout of COVID-19 vaccines—together with two with novel mRNA expertise—raised issues in regards to the security of those new vaccines.

The CDC’s Vaccine Adversarial Occasion Reporting System (VAERS) is a postmarketing vaccine surveillance program, to which anybody can report vaccine hostile occasions. A comparability between the hostile occasion stories of COVID-19 vaccines and people of different main vaccines reminiscent of these for seasonal flu, hepatitis B, HPV, measles, and polio, exhibits extra hostile occasions reported within the VAERS system for the COVID-19 vaccines in comparison with the others by way of the variety of administered doses.

For the aim of this text, the numbers of whole VAERS hostile occasions, critical hostile occasions, and deaths (thought-about critical hostile occasions) of the key vaccines are examined and in contrast. In locations the place a selected vaccine’s whole variety of administered doses is unavailable, the vaccine protection ratio is used to supply a normal thought in regards to the vaccine’s estimated doses. 

I. COVID-19 Vaccine Adversarial Occasions Reported in VAERS

Presently, 4 COVID-19 vaccines are used primarily for the first sequence, and two extra bivalent vaccines are used as boosters. Among the many vaccines used for the first sequence, there are two mRNA COVID-19 vaccines: the monovalent Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. Each vaccines’ respective bivalent formulations have additionally been approved by the U.S. Meals and Drug Administration (FDA) as boosters. The Janssen COVID-19 vaccine, manufactured by Johnson & Johnson, is a viral vector vaccine, and the lately approved Novavax COVID-19 vaccine is protein-based with an adjuvant. 

VAERS hostile occasion report numbers:

As of Dec. 9, 2022, a complete of 909,868 hostile occasions had been reported relating to all six COVID-19 vaccines within the U.S., together with 96,140 critical hostile occasions and 15,733 deaths. 

Vaccine administration and dosage numbers:

The monovalent Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines and the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine are at the moment authorised for 2 doses for the first sequence, whereas the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine solely requires one dose. 

Each bivalent Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are beneficial as booster doses.

In line with the CDC, as of Dec. 7, 2022, the whole variety of administered doses of all six COVID-19 vaccines was 703,984,126.

II. Seasonal Influenza Vaccines:

Among the many 4 forms of flu viruses, specifically A, B, C, and D, influenza viruses A and B are the principle reason behind the seasonal flu. 

There are 9 forms of flu vaccines accessible for the 2022-23 season reminiscent of FluLaval Quadrivalent and Fluzone Quadrivalent. All 9 are quadrivalent vaccines, meant to guard in opposition to 4 completely different flu viruses, together with two flu A viruses and two flu B viruses. 

Because the flu viruses are consistently altering, the CDC makes annual predictions in regards to the subsequent prevailing flu virus strains for the vaccine producers to develop and produce the vaccines. 

VAERS hostile occasion report numbers:

Since seasonal flu vaccines are completely different from season to season, they’re handled as one group for the aim of calculating VAERS hostile occasion numbers. In line with VAERS, from July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2022 (three flu seasons) a complete of 30,848 hostile occasions had been reported relating to the seasonal flu vaccines, together with 1,906 critical hostile occasions and 235 deaths.

Vaccine administration and dosage numbers:

Kids 6 months to eight years of age are beneficial to obtain two doses of flu vaccines in a single flu season, whereas individuals older than 8 years of age want just one dose per flu season. 

In line with the CDC, the seasonal flu vaccine doses distributed throughout the 2019-20, 2020-21, and 2021-22 seasons have been 175.2 million, 194.4 million, and 175.6 million, respectively. Subsequently, a complete of 545.2 million doses of seasonal flu vaccines have been administered within the U.S. for these three seasons. 

III. Vaccines for Measles, Mumps, and Rubella

Measles is a extremely contagious infectious respiratory illness attributable to the measles virus. Its widespread signs embrace a full-body rash, fever, malaise, cough, and conjunctivitis. 

Mumps is a contagious viral illness attributable to the mumps virus. Sometimes affecting the glands on both sides of the face, its signs might embrace fever, headache, malaise, and muscle ache. 

Rubella—also called German measles—is a viral an infection with a attribute purple rash. It’s normally delicate, with a low fever and sore throat. 

Presently, two FDA-approved measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccines can be found to be used within the U.S., together with M-M-R II and PRIORIX. They’re absolutely interchangeable, to forestall measles, mumps, and rubella.

1. M-M-R II (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Vaccine)

The mixed measles-mumps-rubella (M-M-R II) vaccine, manufactured by Merck & Co., Inc., has been in use within the U.S. for 4 many years. Previous to that, Merck was producing three separate monovalent vaccines for these three ailments. 

VAERS hostile occasion report numbers

In line with VAERS, as of Dec. 9, 2022, a complete of 72,681 hostile occasions had been reported relating to the M-M-R II vaccine, together with 5,141 critical hostile occasions and 243 deaths.

Vaccine administration and dosage quantity

The at the moment authorised dosage for the M-M-R II vaccine is 2 doses. Over 265 million doses of the vaccine have been distributed within the U.S., over the previous 40 years.

2. PRIORIX (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Vaccine, Stay)

Marketed underneath the commerce identify PRIORIX, (measles, mumps, rubella vaccine (reside), and manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA., the FDA authorised the vaccine on June 3, 2022, for use in people one yr of age and older.

VAERS hostile occasion report numbers

In line with VAERS, as of Dec. 9, 2022, a complete of 115 hostile occasions had been reported relating to the PRIORIX vaccine, together with 14 critical hostile occasions however no deaths.

Vaccine administration and dosage quantity

The at the moment authorised dosage for the PRIORIX vaccine is 2 doses. Because the vaccine was authorised solely six months in the past, there’s no public data on the variety of its administered doses. Nonetheless, based on the CDC, almost 10 million doses of MMR vaccines have been administered within the U.S. yearly.

VAERS stories on each MMR vaccines

General, a complete of 72,796 hostile occasions had been reported relating to each authorised MMR vaccines within the U.S., together with 5,155 critical hostile occasions and 243 deaths (see desk beneath).

Since almost 10 million doses of MMR vaccines have been administered within the U.S. yearly, and the M-M-R II® vaccine has been in use for 40 years, the estimated MMR vaccine doses administered for these 4 many years are almost 400 million.

IV. Chickenpox Vaccines

Varicella (chickenpox) is a extremely contagious an infection attributable to the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Its foremost symptom is an itchy, blister-like rash, which initially seems on the chest, again, and face, earlier than spreading over the complete physique.

Presently, there are two FDA-approved vaccines to be used to stop chickenpox within the U.S.—ProQuad, and VARIVAX.

1. ProQuad (Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella Virus Vaccine, Stay)

Marketed underneath the commerce identify ProQuad, the measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine manufactured by Merck was authorised by the FDA in 2005 for use in kids 1 to 12 years of age.

As its identify implies, along with chickenpox, the MMRV vaccine additionally protects in opposition to measles, mumps, and rubella.

The at the moment authorised dosage for the ProQuad vaccine is 2 doses.

VAERS hostile occasion report numbers

In line with VAERS, as of Dec. 9, 2022, a complete of 18,151 hostile occasions had been reported relating to the ProQuad vaccine, together with 488 critical hostile occasions and 22 deaths.

2. Varivax (Varicella Virus Vaccine, Stay)

In contrast to the ProQuad vaccine, the Varicella Virus Vaccine Stay (Varivax) solely prevents chickenpox. It’s manufactured by Merck Shark & Dohme Corp. and was authorised by the FDA on Mar. 17, 1995, to be used in individuals 12 months of age or older. 

The at the moment authorised dosage for the Varivax vaccine is 2 doses.

VAERS hostile occasion report numbers

In line with VAERS, as of Dec. 9, 2022, a complete of 79,067 hostile occasions had been reported relating to the Varivax vaccine, together with 3,175 critical hostile occasions and 160 deaths.

VAERS stories on each chickenpox vaccines

General, a complete of 95,677 hostile occasions had been reported relating to each authorised chickenpox vaccines within the U.S., together with 3,649 critical hostile occasions and 182 deaths.

Chickenpox vaccine protection within the U.S. 

An estimated 90.3 % of youngsters have been vaccinated (i.e., with no less than one dose) in opposition to chickenpox by age 24 months, based on the CDC. 

V. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine

There are over 200 forms of human papillomavirus (HPV)—most of them inflicting warts (pores and skin or mucous membrane growths)—nevertheless, some varieties may cause cervical and different cancers. HPV can unfold between individuals via skin-to-skin contact.

There’s at the moment one FDA-approved HPV vaccine in distribution within the U.S. Marketed underneath the model identify Gardasil-9, this 9-valent HPV vaccine is manufactured by Merck to be used in people aged 9 to 45 years to forestall 9 forms of HPV. Nonetheless, the CDC doesn’t suggest vaccinating individuals over the age of 27 for HPV. 

VAERS hostile occasion report numbers

Gardasil-9 has been the one HPV vaccine in use since 2016. In line with VAERS, as of Dec. 9, 2022, a complete of 16,805 hostile occasions had been reported relating to this vaccine, together with 630 critical hostile occasions and 30 deaths (see chart beneath).

HPV vaccine protection and dosage within the U.S.

The CDC recommends two doses of the Gardasil-9 vaccine for those that obtain the primary dose earlier than turning 15 years of age and three doses for individuals who get the primary dose after 15 years of age.

As of 2020, 75 % of American adolescents had acquired no less than 1 dose of the HPV vaccine.

VI. Hepatitis B Vaccines

Hepatitis B is a extreme liver illness attributable to the hepatitis B virus (HBV). There are two forms of hepatitis B infections—acute and power. Within the case of power hepatitis B an infection, the HBV stays in a affected person’s physique for a protracted time frame. Persistent hepatitis B sufferers might not expertise any signs, however the sickness can finally result in liver most cancers or loss of life.

Within the U.S., there are 5 FDA-approved hepatitis B vaccines for adults and two completely for infants.

1. Engerix-B and Recombivax HB (for infants, kids, and adults)

Hepatitis B vaccines used for infants, kids (>1 yr), and adults embrace Engerix-B and Recombivax HB. The recombinant vaccine Engerix-B has been authorised by the FDA for use to forestall an infection attributable to all recognized subtypes of HBV. Engerix-B, Recombivax HB can also be a recombinant vaccine that can be utilized to forestall an infection attributable to all recognized subtypes of HBV. 

In line with VAERS, as of Dec. 9, 2022, a complete of 54,549 hostile occasions had been reported relating to the Engerix-B and Recombivax HB vaccines, together with 5,159 critical hostile occasions and 803 deaths (see chart beneath).

2. Heplisav-B, Pre-Hevbrio, and Twinrix (for adults)

Heplisav-B, Pre-Hevbrio, and Twinrix (for Adults) are the hepatitis B vaccines utilized in people 18 years of age and older. Heplisav-B is an adjuvanted recombinant vaccine used to forestall an infection attributable to all recognized subtypes of HBV. Pre-Hevbrio is a recombinant vaccine for the prevention of all recognized subtypes of HBV, authorised by the FDA in November 2021, however so far, its data hasn’t been entered into the VAERS system. Twinrix is a hepatitis A and hepatitis B mixture vaccine. 

In line with VAERS (see chart beneath), as of Dec. 9, 2022, a complete of 4,158 hostile occasions had been reported relating to the Heplisav-B and Twinrix vaccines, together with 269 critical hostile occasions and 10 deaths.

3. Vaxelis and Pediarix (for infants and youngsters)

There are two vaccines that shield infants and youngsters in opposition to a number of diseases, together with hepatitis B. Vaxelis protects in opposition to diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae kind B (Hib) an infection in kids 6 weeks via 4 years of age. Pediarix protects in opposition to diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, and poliomyelitis in kids 6 weeks via 6 years of age. 

In line with VAERS, as of Dec. 9, 2022, a complete of 12,021 hostile occasions had been reported relating to each Vaxelis and Pediarix, together with 2,313 critical hostile occasions and 419 deaths.

Hepatitis B vaccine protection and dosage within the U.S.: 

Hepatitis B vaccines are given in 2, 3, or 4 doses. Amongst all hepatitis B vaccines, the 2-dose vaccine model is Heplisav-B and the 3-dose vaccine manufacturers are Pre-Hevbrio, Twinrix, Engerix-B, Recombivax HB, Vaxelis, and Pediarix. In line with the CDC, in 2017, the hepatitis B vaccination protection (>3 doses) was 25.8 % for adults 19 years of age or older, and its protection for kids between 19 and 35 months previous was 91.4 %. 

VII. DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) Vaccines

DTaP vaccines are used to forestall diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. Diphtheria is a critical infectious illness attributable to the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Tetanus (aka lockjaw) is a bacterial an infection attributable to Clostridium tetani. Pertussis (aka whooping cough and 100-day cough) is a extremely contagious infectious illness attributable to Bordetella pertussis.

Within the U.S., DTaP vaccines are just for kids, as different vaccines that stop diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis are utilized in older kids, adolescents, and adults. There are at the moment seven pediatric DTaP vaccines licensed and used within the U.S., together with Daptacel, Infanrix, Kinrix, Pentacel, Quadracel, Vaxelis, and Pediarix. A few of these can shield in opposition to different infections as effectively.

VAERS hostile occasion report numbers

In line with VAERS, as of Dec. 9, 2022, a complete of 65,936 hostile occasions had been reported relating to all seven DTaP vaccines, together with 6,831 critical hostile occasions and 1,016 deaths.

DTaP vaccine protection and dosage within the U.S.

American kids obtain 5 doses of a DTaP vaccine from the age of two months to six years. In line with the CDC, in 2016, by age 2, 80.4 % of youngsters had acquired no less than 4 doses of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccines. 

VIII. Smallpox and Mpox (Monkeypox) Vaccines

Smallpox is a critical and extremely contagious infectious illness attributable to the lethal variola virus. People had been stricken by this deadly illness for hundreds of years, earlier than the invention of smallpox vaccines. After smallpox was eradicated within the U.S., routine vaccination in opposition to smallpox stopped in 1972. 

Nonetheless, smallpox vaccines are nonetheless accessible within the U.S., as individuals at excessive danger for smallpox an infection (e.g., navy personnel) are nonetheless beneficial by the CDC to obtain these vaccines. Smallpox vaccines can be utilized to guard individuals from mpox (previously referred to as monkeypox). The vaccination can present safety for round 3 to five years, after which the vaccine’s safety decreases, and folks must get re-vaccinated. 

The one two licensed smallpox vaccines within the U.S. embrace ACAM2000 and Jynneos, which additionally protects in opposition to monkeypox. 

1. Jynneos (smallpox and monkeypox vaccine, reside, non-replicating)

Jynneos is used for the prevention of smallpox and monkeypox infections in individuals 18 years and older. It is likely one of the three smallpox vaccines within the U.S. Strategic Nationwide Stockpile (SNS), authorised by the FDA in 2019. On Aug. 9, 2022, resulting from a monkeypox outbreak, the FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to authorize the usage of Jynneos in minors youthful than 18 years previous. 

VAERS hostile occasion report numbers

In line with VAERS, as of Dec. 9, 2022, a complete of 1,332 hostile occasions had been reported relating to the Jynneos vaccine, together with 15 critical hostile occasions and a couple of deaths.

Vaccine administration and dosage quantity

The Jynneos vaccine’s at the moment authorised dosage is 2 doses. As of Dec. 13, 2022, based on the CDC, a complete of 1,141,592 doses of the Jynneos vaccine had been administered within the U.S.

2. ACAM2000 (smallpox vaccinia vaccine, reside)

Manufactured by Emergent Product Improvement Gaithersburg, Inc., ACAM2000 is a second-generation smallpox vaccine within the SNS. The vaccine is constructed from a reside virus known as vaccinia, which is expounded to smallpox however may cause solely delicate sickness. It was authorised by the FDA in August 2007.

VAERS hostile occasion report numbers

In line with VAERS, as of Dec. 9, 2022, a complete of 1,868 hostile occasions had been reported relating to the ACAM2000 vaccine, together with 284 critical hostile occasions and three deaths.

Vaccine administration state of affairs

The at the moment authorised dosage for ACAM2000 is one dose. As Emergent BioSolutions produces the ACAM2000 vaccine for the SNS, the vaccine will not be commercially accessible. As of 2010, there have been over 200 million doses of the ACAM2000 vaccine within the SNS. 

VI. Polio Vaccine

Poliomyelitis (polio) is an an infection attributable to the poliovirus, which spreads from individual to individual. Polio could be a life-threatening illness inflicting paralysis. 

Poliovirus Vaccine Inactivated (IPOL) is the one polio vaccine at the moment in use for infants (6 weeks or older), kids, and adults within the U.S.

VAERS hostile occasion report numbers

In line with VAERS, as of Dec. 9, 2022, a complete of 24,500 hostile occasions had been reported relating to this vaccine, together with 1,847 critical hostile occasions and 242 deaths.

Polio vaccine protection and dosage in america:

The CDC recommends 4 doses of the IPOL vaccine for youngsters. As of 2016, 92.5 % of youngsters underneath the age of two had been vaccinated in opposition to polio (by no less than three doses).

COVID-19 Vaccines Incur Extra Adversarial Occasions Than All Different Main Vaccines Mixed

In line with the VAERS system, the variety of hostile occasions of the COVID-19 vaccines is bigger than the whole mixed variety of hostile occasions of many different main vaccines. As of Dec. 9, 2022, there have been 909,868 hostile occasions associated to the COVID-19 vaccines, whereas the whole variety of hostile occasions of all the opposite vaccines examined on this article was 380,490. 

*(Please notice that the variety of hostile occasions of seasonal flu vaccines used within the calculation is the cumulative variety of hostile occasions over three flu seasons spanning from July 2019 to June 2022. Since seasonal flu vaccines are altering from yr to yr, solely three flu seasons have been chosen for presentation for the aim of this text).

The COVID-19 vaccines had 96,140 circumstances of great hostile occasions in comparison with 28,058 for the mixed different main vaccines, and 15,733 reported deaths associated to the COVID-19 vaccines, in comparison with 3,185 reported deaths associated to the mixed different main vaccines.