The COVID-19 Vaccines: A Description of Adverse Events or Reactions Reported in Kansas

Abstract

Introduction. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and has spread rapidly throughout the world since its discovery in 2019. Three vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna/NIAID/BARDA, and Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen) have been developed for use in the U.S. to aid in the fight against this virus, but have been scrutinized intensely for their efficacy and safety. It is important to understand and interpret the adverse events or reactions (AERs) associated with these vaccines in an objective and analytical manner. The goal of this descriptive study was to provide a resource outlining AERs associated with the three available vaccines in Kansas. Methods. Reports were obtained from the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), representing AERs observed in Kansas from December 11th, 2020, to May 13th, 2021. All data were screened and coded, and descriptive statistics were used to describe AERs based on vaccine manufacturer, age, gender, and reported deaths. Results. Only 0.068% of COVID-19 vaccines doses given were associated with an AER. The most common AERs were fatigue/tiredness, tingling/itching, fever, hives, and muscle/joint paint. Only 0.002% of reports to VAERS were associated with a death. The majority of reports were by females (78.8%) and those aged 30 to 39 (20.6%). Conclusions. No reported AERs were unexpected compared to national data, and no VAERs report provided a causal relationship between vaccine administration and death. Vaccines are, and will continue to be, essential tools to fight COVID-19. Providing a resource of potential AERs could aid in individual decisions to receive a vaccine and may help in the control of COVID-19.

Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccination: A Description of Adverse Events or Reactions Reported in Kansans Aged 6 to 17

“…Similar to a prior manuscript, 11 causality between adverse events and vaccination was difficult to establish. No deaths in this vaccinated cohort were seen, however, and reported serious adverse events were limited.…”

“… 23 These two concerns of safety and novelty often were equated to each other, and more research may be needed on the appropriate ways to educate individuals to make informed decisions when it comes to COVID-19 vaccinations. As with our prior manuscript, 11 it is the hope that this study can be used as a valuable resource for those who are unsure about receiving a COVID-19 vaccine themselves or allowing their children to be vaccinated.…”

“…From December 11, 2020 to May 13, 2021, the AERs reported in persons aged 18 and older in Kansas revealed that only 0.00068% of all COVID-19 vaccine doses given were associated with an AER. 11 The most common AERs associated with the three vaccines included fatigue/tiredness, tingling/itching, fever, hives, and muscle/joint pain. Furthermore, no report extrapolated from the VAERS system in Kansas provided a sufficient causal link between a COVID-19 vaccine and death.…”