Five Years On - What Are the Negative Side Effects of mRNA Vaccines?
Published by Campbell M Gold in Blowing in the Wind · Friday 02 May 2025 · 10:45
Tags: mRNA, vaccines, negative, side, effects, myocarditis, pericarditis, anaphylaxis, Bell's, palsy, rare, side, effects, public, health, vaccine, safety, ongoing, surveillance
Tags: mRNA, vaccines, negative, side, effects, myocarditis, pericarditis, anaphylaxis, Bell's, palsy, rare, side, effects, public, health, vaccine, safety, ongoing, surveillance
What Are the Negative Side Effects of mRNA Vaccines?
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Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic began with the first known outbreak in Wuhan, Hubei, China, in December 2019. However, the World Health Organisation (WHO) officially declared it a global pandemic on March 11, 2020.
- Dec 2019: Initial outbreak in Wuhan, China.
- Jan 2020: The virus begins to spread to other countries.
- Mar 11, 2020: WHO declares COVID-19 a global pandemic.
- May 2023: The public health emergency of international concern officially ended.
- The evidence leans toward myocarditis and pericarditis being the most notable, especially in young males after the second dose.
- Reports of Bell's palsy also exist, though its link is less specific. Anaphylaxis is a known risk, occurring shortly after vaccination.
- These side effects are controversial, but experts agree that the benefits generally outweigh the risks for most people.
- mRNA products are "Cash Cows" for Big Pharma.
Which mRNA Vaccines have been withdrawn?
As of now (End Apr 2025), the most notable mRNA vaccines that have been withdrawn or are no longer authorised include:
- Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccines (2023–2024):
- The FDA has stated that the 2023–2024 versions of the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines are no longer authorised for use in the United States.
- This decision reflects the evolving landscape of COVID-19 vaccinations and the introduction of updated vaccines targeting new variants.
- AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine:
- Although not an mRNA vaccine, it's worth mentioning that AstraZeneca began withdrawing its COVID-19 vaccine worldwide in May 2024.
- This decision was made due to a surplus of available updated vaccines that are more effective against new variants.
The withdrawal of these vaccines highlights the ongoing "adjustments" in the vaccine strategy.
What are mRNA class of Drugs?
The mRNA class of drugs represents a groundbreaking approach in medicine, particularly in the fields of vaccines and therapeutics. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what mRNA drugs are and their significance:
What is mRNA?
- Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a genetic material that carries instructions from DNA to the cell's machinery, producing proteins. This process is essential for various biological functions.
Key Features of mRNA Drugs
Mechanism of Action:
- mRNA drugs work by introducing synthetic mRNA into the body, which instructs cells to produce specific proteins. This can trigger an immune response or correct protein deficiencies in diseases.
- Vaccines:
- The most notable examples are the COVID-19 vaccines developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, which use mRNA to instruct cells to produce a harmless piece of the virus, prompting an immune response.
- Therapeutics:
- mRNA is being explored for treating various conditions, including genetic disorders, cancers, and infectious diseases.
- Advantages:
- Rapid Development: mRNA drugs can be designed and produced quickly, making them ideal for responding to emerging health threats.
- Versatility: They can be tailored to target a wide range of diseases, from infectious agents to cancer cells.
- Challenges:
- Delivery: Ensuring that mRNA reaches the right cells in the body is a significant hurdle. Researchers are developing advanced delivery systems to enhance efficacy.
- Stability: mRNA is inherently unstable, requiring careful formulation and storage conditions.
Current Developments
- The success of mRNA vaccines has spurred extensive research into other applications of mRNA technology. Ongoing studies are exploring its potential in treating:
- Genetic Diseases: Such as cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy.
- Oncology: Developing personalised cancer vaccines that target specific tumour antigens.
Conclusion
The mRNA class of drugs is revolutionising how we approach the treatment and prevention of diseases.
Overview
mRNA vaccines, primarily known for COVID-19 (e.g., Pfizer and Moderna), have been crucial in public health, but like all medical interventions, they carry potential risks. Below, we detail the serious side effects identified through extensive research and monitoring, ensuring the information is accessible and balanced for a general audience.
Serious Side Effects
The main serious side effects associated with mRNA vaccines include:
- Myocarditis and Pericarditis: These are inflammations of the heart muscle and its outer lining. They are rare, with about 20 cases per million doses, and most commonly affect adolescent and young adult males, typically within a week of the second dose. Most cases are mild and resolve with rest and medication.
- Anaphylaxis: A severe allergic reaction that can occur shortly after vaccination, with an incidence of about 5 cases per million doses. This requires immediate medical attention, often with epinephrine.
- Bell's Palsy: This involves temporary facial muscle weakness or paralysis, with rare reports following mRNA vaccination. The association is not as firmly established, and it generally improves within weeks, though sporadic cases may be permanent.
Context and Safety
These side effects are rare, and ongoing safety monitoring by health authorities like the CDC and WHO continues to assess their frequency and impact. The benefits of mRNA vaccines in preventing severe COVID-19 and reducing hospitalisation and death are widely recognised, often outweighing these risks, especially for vulnerable populations.
Summary Analysis of Serious Side Effects of mRNA Vaccines
This summary examines the serious adverse side effects of mRNA vaccines, particularly those developed for COVID-19, such as Pfizer/BioNTech (Bnt162b2) and Moderna (mRNA-1273).
Drawing from various authoritative sources, including global studies, health authority reports, and systematic reviews, we aim to present a thorough, evidence-based overview. The analysis is structured to include incidence rates, affected demographics, and clinical implications, ensuring a professional and detailed narrative suitable for informed readers.
Background and Context
mRNA vaccines are a novel technology that gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic, with rapid development and deployment under emergency authorisations. By late 2020, vaccines like Pfizer and Moderna were approved, demonstrating high efficacy (94-95%) in clinical trials, as noted in a review published in Patient Safety in Surgery (The safety of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines: a review). However, post-authorisation surveillance has identified serious side effects, prompting extensive safety studies involving millions of vaccinated individuals across multiple countries.
The most extensive vaccine safety study published in The BMJ on February 26, 2024, analysed data from 99 million vaccinated people across eight countries, providing critical insights into adverse events (Covid-19: Two rare vaccine side effects detected in extensive global study). This, alongside continuous monitoring by agencies like the CDC (Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccine Safety) and Health Canada (COVID-19: Vaccine safety and side effects), forms the basis for our analysis.
Identified Serious Side Effects
The following summarises the serious side effects associated with mRNA vaccines, based on the reviewed literature, including incidence rates where available and relevant demographics:
Side Effect - Description - Incidence Rate - Affected Demographics - Onset Timing
- Myocarditis - Inflammation of the heart muscle, often transient and self-limiting - ~20 per million doses - Most common in adolescent and young adult males - Within 7 days, especially post-second dose
- Pericarditis - Inflammation of the heart's outer lining, typically mild and responsive to treatment - ~20 per million doses - Similar to myocarditis, young males predominant - Within 7 days, especially post-second dose
- Anaphylaxis - Severe allergic reaction requiring immediate medical intervention, e.g., epinephrine - ~5 per million doses - All ages, but rare overall - Within minutes to hours post-vaccination
- Bell's Palsy - Temporary facial muscle weakness or paralysis, generally improves within weeks - Rare, exact rate not specified - All ages, small number of reports - Symptoms appear suddenly, timing varies
Myocarditis and Pericarditis
Myocarditis and pericarditis are the most prominently reported serious side effects, confirmed by multiple studies. A systematic review published in Immunity, Inflammation and Disease on March 17, 2023, reported 511 cases of myocarditis post-mRNA vaccination, with a meta-analysis from the VAERS database indicating 2-3 cases per million doses (Adverse events following COVID‐19 mRNA vaccines: A systematic review of cardiovascular complication, thrombosis, and thrombocytopenia). The European Medicines Agency reported rates of 1.60 cases per million doses for Pfizer and 3.04 for Moderna, predominantly in males. The CDC notes that 80% of myocarditis cases are fully or probably fully recovered after at least three months, with longer-term data pending (Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccine Safety).
These conditions are most frequent within seven days of the second dose, particularly in individuals aged 12-40, as highlighted by the RIVM (Side effects of the COVID-19 vaccines). Symptoms vary in severity and often improve with rest or medication, but medical consultation is advised if symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath occur.
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a well-documented severe allergic reaction, with an incidence of approximately 5 cases per million doses, as per CDC data. This side effect typically manifests within minutes to hours post-vaccination, requiring immediate intervention with epinephrine and potentially hospitalisation. The CDC emphasises that individuals with a history of severe allergic reactions should consult healthcare providers, and alternative vaccine types may be considered (Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccine Safety).
Bell's Palsy
Bell's palsy, characterised by sudden facial muscle weakness or paralysis, has been reported in a few cases following mRNA vaccination, as noted by Health Canada (COVID-19: Vaccine safety and side effects). Symptoms include difficulty smiling, squinting, or blinking on one side, often accompanied by a headache or hypersensitivity to sound. The condition generally improves within weeks, though sporadic cases may be permanent. The association with mRNA vaccines is less specific, with limited data on incidence rates, but healthcare provider consultation is recommended if symptoms arise.
Other Potential Side Effects and Exclusions
Initial reviews, such as one in the European Journal of Medical Research on February 25, 2023, discussed neurological side effects like transverse myelitis and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM). Still, the most extensive global study in The BMJ found no association with mRNA vaccines, attributing these to viral vector vaccines like AstraZeneca (A review of neurological side effects of COVID-19 vaccination). Similarly, thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) are linked to adenoviral vector vaccines (e.g., J&J/Janssen), not mRNA, as confirmed by FactCheck.org on February 27, 2024 (Study Largely Confirms Known, Rare COVID-19 Vaccine Side Effects).
A systematic review on PMC reported cardiovascular events like stroke and myocardial infarction. Still, health authorities do not consider these established side effects without clear incidence rates or causal links. The focus remains on myocarditis, pericarditis, anaphylaxis, and the reported but less specific Bell's palsy.
Clinical Implications and Safety Monitoring
The rarity of these side effects is underscored by intensive safety analyses, with COVID-19 vaccines undergoing the most rigorous monitoring in U.S. history, as per the CDC. A multi-national survey in Scientific Reports on February 27, 2024, highlighted concerns about adverse events but emphasised vaccination's role in controlling the pandemic (Exploring the reported adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccines among vaccinated Arab populations: a multi-national survey study). The consensus from experts and health agencies, including the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia on February 3, 2021, is that the benefits of mRNA vaccines outweigh the risks, particularly in preventing severe outcomes (Long-term Side Effects of COVID-19 Vaccine? What We Know).
Conclusion
In summary, mRNA vaccines' known serious adverse side effects are myocarditis, pericarditis, anaphylaxis, and, to a lesser extent, Bell's palsy, all of which are rare. Ongoing surveillance ensures these risks are monitored, and the evidence supports their use as a critical public health tool, especially given the "supposedly" low incidence rates and effective management strategies for these side effects.
Citations
- COVID-19: Two rare vaccine side effects detected in extensive global study
- Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccine Safety
- COVID-19: Vaccine safety and side effects
- Adverse events following COVID‐19 mRNA vaccines: A systematic review of cardiovascular complications, thrombosis, and thrombocytopenia
- Side effects of the COVID-19 vaccines
- Study Largely Confirms Known, Rare COVID-19 Vaccine Side Effects
- A review of neurological side effects of COVID-19 vaccination
- Long-term Side Effects of the COVID-19 Vaccine? What We Know.
- Exploring the reported adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccines among vaccinated Arab populations: a multi-national survey study
- The safety of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines: a review
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