Fact check: Can COVID vaccines make you sick

1. Summary of the results

The claim that COVID vaccines can make you sick is supported by various analyses, which highlight the potential for rare adverse events and post-vaccination infections ^{[1] [2]}. According to a large multinational cohort study of 99 million vaccinated individuals, COVID-19 vaccines can cause serious medical conditions, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, myocarditis, and pericarditis, in rare cases ^[1]. Additionally, a prospective community-based case-control study found that a small proportion of vaccinated individuals can still acquire SARS-CoV-2 infection and experience symptoms, although the illness is generally milder ^[2]. Another study suggests that COVID-19 vaccines can cause adverse events, including neurological, hematological, and cardiovascular conditions, with some potential safety signals identified, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis after the first dose of ChAdOx1 vaccine ^[1]. However, it is essential to note that the risk of these events is generally similar to the background risk for the majority of outcomes ^[1]. A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled and randomized clinical trials on the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines found that mRNA-based vaccines were more efficacious against SARS-CoV-2 than other platforms, and that injection site discomfort and fatigue were the most common side effects observed ^[3].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Some analyses provide additional context and alternative viewpoints that are essential to consider. For instance, a policy commentary discusses regulatory approaches and the need for further safety data on repeat boosters, highlighting the importance of an evidence-based approach to COVID-19 vaccination ^[4]. This commentary does not present empirical evidence that COVID-19 vaccines cause illness but emphasizes the need for robust data on vaccine safety and efficacy ^[4]. Furthermore, the FDA's new regulatory framework for COVID-19 vaccination aims to balance competing values, such as timely approval for high-risk populations and the need for evidence generation for low-risk populations ^[4]. This framework highlights the importance of considering the benefits and risks of COVID-19 vaccines in different populations ^[4]. It is also crucial to consider the findings of a systematic review and meta-analysis, which suggest that COVID-19 vaccines are generally safe and efficacious, with common side effects being mild and temporary ^[3].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement "Can COVID vaccines make you sick" may be misleading, as it does not provide context about the rarity of adverse events and the overall safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines ^{[1] [3]}. The statement may be biased towards emphasizing the potential risks of COVID-19 vaccines, without considering the benefits of vaccination in preventing severe illness and hospitalization ^{[2] [3]}. Additionally, the statement does not account for the different types of COVID-19 vaccines and their varying safety profiles ^{[1] [3]}. It is essential to consider the findings of multiple analyses, including those that highlight the importance of an evidence-based approach to COVID-19 vaccination and the need for robust data on vaccine safety and efficacy ^[4]. By presenting a more nuanced and balanced view of the benefits and risks of COVID-19 vaccines, we can better inform the public and promote informed decision-making ^{[1] [2] [3] [4]}.