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| - Quick Take
A social media post claims that Pfizer published an official list of COVID-19 vaccine side effects. Our fact check shows this is false.
The Claim
A Facebook post claims that Pfizer has released a list of side effects for its COVID-19 vaccine. The alleged list includes serious conditions such as cardiac arrest, brainstem embolism, neonatal death, and sudden death. It suggests that these are actual side effects of the vaccine.
Fact Check
Did Pfizer release this list as confirmed side effects?
No, the list circulating online is not an official list of confirmed side effects. It includes “adverse events of special interest,” which researchers monitor during drug trials to ensure safety. These events occurred during trials or post-vaccination monitoring but are not proven to be caused by the vaccine. They are closely observed, and only if a direct link is established are they listed as side effects.
This isn’t the first time Pfizer has been targeted by misinformation. For example, some posts falsely claimed that Pfizer’s CEO admitted COVID-19 was a test. Others alleged that the Pfizer vaccine causes genital herpes.
What are adverse events of special interest?
Adverse events of special interest are medical events that are monitored because they have the potential to be linked to the vaccine. This does not mean they are caused by the vaccine. These events are watched carefully to determine if there is any association. Most of the conditions listed in the post were part of a document called the “5.3.6 Cumulative Analysis of Post-Authorization Adverse Event Reports” by Pfizer. This report was created to monitor safety, not to list confirmed side effects.
What are the actual side effects of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine?
According to Pfizer and the FDA, the most common side effects of the vaccine are:
Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
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Tiredness (fatigue)
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Headache
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Muscle and joint pain
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Chills and fever
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Nausea
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Some people may faint after vaccination. Rare side effects include severe allergic reactions, myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle), and pericarditis (inflammation of the heart lining).
Despite this, misleading claims continue to circulate. For instance, some suggest that the Pfizer vaccine can cause mycoplasma pneumonia. However, this is not true.
Why are serious conditions listed in reports?
Serious conditions are listed to ensure transparency and safety. If any health condition occurs during trials or after vaccination, it is reported, regardless of whether the vaccine caused it. This is a standard practice to monitor safety. The presence of a condition on the list does not prove a link to the vaccine.
Should you take the D-dimer blood test after vaccination?
No, routine D-dimer testing is not recommended after vaccination. It is only needed if there are symptoms of blood clots, like chest pain or shortness of breath. A 2024 study in South Africa found that full-dose Comirnaty boosters had a lower risk of increased d-dimers compared to other boosters. People with HIV showed bigger increases, but high d-dimers were common even in healthy people and were not linked to blood clots.
THIP Media Take
The claim that Pfizer released a list of serious side effects for its COVID-19 vaccine is false. The list circulating on social media is of “adverse events of special interest” monitored during trials but not confirmed side effects. The actual side effects of the vaccine are generally mild and temporary. Rare cases of serious side effects have been reported but are extremely uncommon. Social media posts have taken the list out of context, misleading the public.
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