Hostile Occasions From COVID-19 Vaccines A lot Greater Than All Frequent Vaccines Mixed (Charts)

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

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

For the aim of this text, the numbers of complete VAERS hostile occasions, severe hostile occasions, and deaths (thought of severe hostile occasions) of the foremost vaccines are examined and in contrast. In locations the place a selected vaccine’s complete variety of administered doses is unavailable, the vaccine protection ratio is used to supply a basic concept concerning the vaccine’s estimated doses. 

I. COVID-19 Vaccine Hostile 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 just 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 severe 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 present accepted 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 advisable as booster doses.

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

II. Seasonal Influenza Vaccines:

Among the many 4 sorts 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 sorts of flu vaccines obtainable for the 2022-23 season similar to 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 continually altering, the CDC makes annual predictions concerning 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 accordance 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 severe hostile occasions and 235 deaths.

Vaccine administration and dosage numbers:

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

In accordance with the CDC, the seasonal flu vaccine doses distributed throughout the 2019-20, 2020-21, and 2021-22 seasons had been 175.2 million, 194.4 million, and 175.6 million, respectively. Due to this fact, a complete of 545.2 million doses of seasonal flu vaccines had 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 frequent signs embrace a full-body rash, fever, malaise, cough, and conjunctivitis. 

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

Rubella—also referred to as German measles—is a viral an infection with a attribute pink 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 totally 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 accordance 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 severe hostile occasions and 243 deaths.

Vaccine administration and dosage quantity

The at present accepted 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, Reside)

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

VAERS hostile occasion report numbers

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

Vaccine administration and dosage quantity

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

VAERS reviews on each MMR vaccines

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

Since practically 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 practically 400 million.

IV. Chickenpox Vaccines

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

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

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

Marketed beneath the commerce identify ProQuad, the measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine manufactured by Merck was accepted 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 present accepted dosage for the ProQuad vaccine is 2 doses.

VAERS hostile occasion report numbers

In accordance 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 severe hostile occasions and 22 deaths.

2. Varivax (Varicella Virus Vaccine, Reside)

Not like the ProQuad vaccine, the Varicella Virus Vaccine Reside (Varivax) solely prevents chickenpox. It’s manufactured by Merck Shark & Dohme Corp. and was accepted by the FDA on Mar. 17, 1995, to be used in folks 12 months of age or older. 

The at present accepted dosage for the Varivax vaccine is 2 doses.

VAERS hostile occasion report numbers

In accordance 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 severe hostile occasions and 160 deaths.

VAERS reviews on each chickenpox vaccines

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

Chickenpox vaccine protection within the U.S. 

An estimated 90.3 % of youngsters have been vaccinated (i.e., with a minimum of one dose) in opposition to chickenpox by age 24 months, based on the CDC. 

V. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine

There are over 200 sorts of human papillomavirus (HPV)—most of them inflicting warts (pores and skin or mucous membrane growths)—nonetheless, some varieties could cause cervical and different cancers. HPV can unfold between folks by way of skin-to-skin contact.

There may be at present one FDA-approved HPV vaccine in distribution within the U.S. Marketed beneath 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 sorts of HPV. Nevertheless, the CDC doesn’t suggest vaccinating folks 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 accordance with VAERS, as of Dec. 9, 2022, a complete of 16,805 hostile occasions had been reported relating to this vaccine, together with 630 severe hostile occasions and 30 deaths (see chart under).

HPV vaccine protection and dosage within the U.S.

The CDC recommends two doses of the Gardasil-9 vaccine for those who 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 obtained a minimum of 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 sorts of hepatitis B infections—acute and persistent. Within the case of persistent hepatitis B an infection, the HBV stays in a affected person’s physique for a protracted time frame. Power hepatitis B sufferers could not expertise any signs, however the sickness can ultimately result in liver most cancers or demise.

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 accepted by the FDA for use to forestall an infection attributable to all identified subtypes of HBV. Engerix-B, Recombivax HB can also be a recombinant vaccine that can be utilized to forestall an infection attributable to all identified subtypes of HBV. 

In accordance 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 severe hostile occasions and 803 deaths (see chart under).

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 identified subtypes of HBV. Pre-Hevbrio is a recombinant vaccine for the prevention of all identified subtypes of HBV, accepted by the FDA in November 2021, however up to now, its info hasn’t been entered into the VAERS system. Twinrix is a hepatitis A and hepatitis B mixture vaccine. 

In accordance with VAERS (see chart under), 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 severe hostile occasions and 10 deaths.

3. Vaxelis and Pediarix (for infants and kids)

There are two vaccines that defend infants and kids 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 sort B (Hib) an infection in kids 6 weeks by way of 4 years of age. Pediarix protects in opposition to diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, and poliomyelitis in kids 6 weeks by way of 6 years of age. 

In accordance 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 severe 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 accordance 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 severe 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 forestall diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis are utilized in older kids, adolescents, and adults. There are at present 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 defend in opposition to different infections as nicely.

VAERS hostile occasion report numbers

In accordance 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 severe 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 accordance with the CDC, in 2016, by age 2, 80.4 % of youngsters had obtained a minimum of 4 doses of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccines. 

VIII. Smallpox and Mpox (Monkeypox) Vaccines

Smallpox is a severe 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. 

Nevertheless, smallpox vaccines are nonetheless obtainable within the U.S., as folks at excessive danger for smallpox an infection (e.g., army personnel) are nonetheless advisable by the CDC to obtain these vaccines. Smallpox vaccines can be utilized to guard folks from mpox (previously generally known as monkeypox). The vaccination can present safety for round 3 to five years, after which the vaccine’s safety decreases, and other people 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 folks 18 years and older. It is among the three smallpox vaccines within the U.S. Strategic Nationwide Stockpile (SNS), accepted by the FDA in 2019. On Aug. 9, 2022, as a consequence of a monkeypox outbreak, the FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to authorize using Jynneos in minors youthful than 18 years previous. 

VAERS hostile occasion report numbers

In accordance 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 severe hostile occasions and a couple of deaths.

Vaccine administration and dosage quantity

The Jynneos vaccine’s at present accepted 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 constituted of a reside virus known as vaccinia, which is expounded to smallpox however could cause solely delicate sickness. It was accepted by the FDA in August 2007.

VAERS hostile occasion report numbers

In accordance 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 severe hostile occasions and three deaths.

Vaccine administration state of affairs

The at present accepted dosage for ACAM2000 is one dose. As Emergent BioSolutions produces the ACAM2000 vaccine for the SNS, the vaccine will not be commercially obtainable. 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 is usually a life-threatening illness inflicting paralysis. 

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

VAERS hostile occasion report numbers

In accordance 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 severe hostile occasions and 242 deaths.

Polio vaccine protection and dosage in the USA:

The CDC recommends 4 doses of the IPOL vaccine for kids. As of 2016, 92.5 % of youngsters beneath the age of two had been vaccinated in opposition to polio (by a minimum of three doses).

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

In accordance with the VAERS system, the variety of hostile occasions of the COVID-19 vaccines is bigger than the entire 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 entire variety of hostile occasions of all the opposite vaccines examined on this article was 380,490. 

*(Please word 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 significant 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.