From the Guidelines
The risk of confirmed fatalities directly caused by vaccinations is extremely low, with estimates suggesting fewer than 1-2 deaths per million doses administered for most vaccines. Serious adverse events resulting in death are extremely rare and carefully monitored through vaccine safety surveillance systems worldwide. According to a study published in MMWR Recommendations and Reports 1, death is rare after vaccinia vaccination, with approximately 1 to 2 deaths per million primary vaccinations and 0.1 death per million revaccinations. The causes of death are most often the result of postvaccinial encephalitis or progressive vaccinia.
Key Points to Consider
- The exact number of confirmed fatalities is difficult to determine due to the rarity of such events and variations in reporting and surveillance systems.
- Vaccine safety monitoring is rigorous, with any potential fatalities thoroughly investigated to determine causality.
- The small risks associated with vaccines must be weighed against the much higher risks of death from the diseases they prevent.
Contextual Considerations
- The benefits of vaccination in preventing infectious diseases and their complications far outweigh the risks of adverse events, including fatalities.
- Continued monitoring and investigation of vaccine safety are crucial to maintaining public trust and ensuring the safety of vaccine recipients.
- Healthcare professionals should be aware of the potential risks and benefits of vaccines and provide accurate information to patients and their families.
From the Research
Confirmed Fatalities Due to Vaccinations
- The number of confirmed fatalities as a result of vaccinations is extremely low, with serious adverse reactions being rare 2.
- According to a study published in 2021, the mortality rate of COVID-19 vaccination was estimated to be 8.2 per million population, with 55 deaths reported out of a large number of vaccinations administered 3.
- Another study published in 2023 found that vaccination was associated with reduced mortality among hospitalized patients with COVID-19, especially for obese and older individuals 4.
- The available evidence suggests that while deaths can occur after vaccination, they are often coincidental and not directly caused by the vaccine 2, 5, 6.
- Rare cases where a known or plausible theoretical risk of death following vaccination exists include anaphylaxis, vaccine-strain systemic infection, and other serious complications 2.
Characteristics of Deaths Following Vaccination
- Top reported comorbidities associated with deaths following COVID-19 vaccination included hypertension, dementia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, and heart failure 3.
- Dementia was more likely to be associated with deaths vaccinated at long-term care facilities than at other locations 3.
- The mortality likelihood was higher later in the study period than earlier, and increased significantly for vaccinated patients over time 4.