Coronavirus vaccine: Here's what we know about Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine side effects
Here's what we know about Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine side effects
With the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine rollout in the United Kingdom, people from all over the world are not only expectant, but are extremely curious about the results. After all, over 8 months have passed since the novel coronavirus outbreak wreaked havoc in the lives of millions of people in and around the globe.
Pfizer/BioNTech COVID vaccine roll-out in the UK
The United Kingdom became the first country to roll-out the new Covid-19 vaccine developed jointly by the American pharma giant Pfizer and Germany's BioNTech. Thousands of vials of vaccines were packed and shipped through the Channel Tunnel over the weekend. Many Britons received the doses of COVID vaccine on Tuesday as and when the NHS began the biggest vaccination drive.
Besides elderly people over the age of 80, the vaccine was also given to many health care providers and workers. The vaccine is administered in two doses, of which the second shot will be given after a period of 21 days.
Having received around 800,000 doses of the vaccine in the first batch, up to four million doses are expected to be given by the end of this year.
Who were the first ones to receive it?
Considering the vaccine was given to elderly people and to the frontline health workers, the first person to receive the vaccine was an elderly woman of 90 years of age, Margaret Keenan. She received the vaccination at the University Hospital, Coventry and said that she felt 'privileged'.
Besides that, an old man by the name, William Shakespeare, also received the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus jab on Tuesday.
Most common side effects of Pfizer COVID vaccine
Overall, the Pfizer vaccine has proven 95% effective at preventing COVID-19. During the trial, people under 55 years old reported more side effects. While minor side effects were expected with the vaccine, the Food and Drug Administration stated that there were "no specific safety concerns identified that would preclude issuance" of an emergency use authorization.
Some of the most common side effects noticed during the period off trial and can be expected in the future are as follows.
- Pain in the injected area
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Chills
- Muscle pain
UK regulators issue allergy warning for the vaccine
In a recent report, the UK has issued an allergy warning for the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID vaccine. According to MHRA Chief Executive June Raine, "Any person with a history of anaphylaxis to a vaccine, medicine or food should not receive the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine." Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction to food or medications, which can lead to serious complications. Therefore, a pre-existing condition of allergies can hinder the effectiveness of the vaccine.