Pfizer Jab: Stroke Risk Or Lifesaver?

There have been concerns about the possibility of a link between the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine and an increased risk of strokes in older adults. US health authorities are investigating this potential link, particularly in people aged 65 and above who received Pfizer's shot. However, it is important to note that the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that such a link has not been observed in other databases or countries, and they do not recommend any changes to vaccination practices. While the investigation is ongoing, the CDC emphasizes that the benefits of vaccination continue to outweigh the risks.

The Pfizer jab has been flagged for a 'possible link' to strokes in older adults

The Pfizer Jab Has Been Flagged for a Possible Link to Strokes in Older Adults

The Pfizer COVID-19 jab has been flagged by US health authorities for a "possible link" to strokes in older adults. The investigation is focused on people aged 65 and older who received Pfizer's shot and experienced an ischemic stroke within 21 days of vaccination, compared to days 22 to 44. An ischemic stroke is caused by blockages in arteries that carry blood to the brain.

This potential safety concern was identified by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through its Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD) system, which monitors vaccine safety. However, it is important to note that the CDC stated that such a link has not been observed in other databases or countries, and they do not recommend any change to vaccination practices at this time.

Pfizer and BioNTech have also addressed this issue, stating that they have received limited reports of ischemic strokes in people 65 and older following vaccination with their updated shot. However, they assert that this safety concern has not been identified in their own databases or other monitoring systems globally, and there is no evidence to conclude that ischemic stroke is associated with the use of their COVID-19 vaccines.

While the investigation into the possible link between the Pfizer jab and strokes in older adults is ongoing, health authorities continue to emphasize the importance of COVID-19 vaccination for everyone over the age of six months. The benefits of vaccination, including reducing death, hospitalization, and severe disease from COVID-19, are well-established and continue to be a top public health priority.

To summarize, while there may be a potential association between the Pfizer jab and strokes in older adults, it is important to consider the broader context of vaccine safety and effectiveness. Health authorities and medical experts will continue to monitor and assess the situation, keeping transparency and public health as top priorities.

The risk of stroke is slightly higher in adults aged 85 and above

In January 2023, the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine was flagged by US health authorities for a "possible link" to ischemic strokes in older adults. However, it is important to note that the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that such a link had not been observed in other databases or countries, and no change in vaccination practices was recommended.

While the overall prevalence of stroke in the elderly is estimated to be around 7.4%, the risk of stroke does increase with age. According to a 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis, the prevalence of stroke was found to be 20.78 per 1,000 person-years in adults over 85. This is higher than the prevalence of 17.23 per 1,000 person-years for those aged 80 to 85 and similar to the prevalence of 20.78 per 1,000 person-years for those over 80.

The 2023 review also found that stroke incidence, thirty-day case fatality rates, and the occurrence of dependency were higher in adults over 80, with mortality being consistently higher in this age group compared to younger subjects. This highlights the importance of efficient dedicated stroke services for the very old, as they contribute significantly to the global burden of stroke.

Additionally, a 2003 study from Gothenburg, Sweden, found that one-fifth of 85-year-olds had experienced a stroke, and female sex and higher systolic blood pressure were associated with a higher incidence of stroke in this age group.

The risk of stroke is higher when the Pfizer jab is administered with certain flu vaccines

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine has been flagged by US health authorities for a "possible link" to stroke in older adults. Specifically, people aged 65 and above were found to be more likely to have an ischemic stroke within 21 days of receiving the Pfizer shot compared to days 22 to 44. Ischemic strokes are caused by blockages in arteries that carry blood to the brain.

While the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that such a link has not been observed in other databases or countries, and they do not recommend any change to vaccination practices, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has claimed that getting the Pfizer COVID-19 booster and the flu jab on the same day increases the risk of stroke.

This claim is based on a preliminary link found through an analysis of vaccine injury databases. The FDA's investigation revealed that a majority of the patients who experienced strokes within 21 days of receiving the Pfizer booster had also received their flu vaccination on the same day, indicating a potential connection between the two vaccines and the increased risk of stroke.

However, it is important to note that the overall correlation between the COVID-19 jab and the risk of stroke is decreasing over time, and the findings are not conclusive. Further research and larger studies are needed to fully understand the potential link between the Pfizer jab, flu vaccines, and the risk of stroke.

In conclusion, while there may be a heightened risk of stroke when the Pfizer jab is administered with certain flu vaccines, health officials continue to advise getting both vaccinations due to the known benefits in reducing the risk of serious illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19 and the flu.

The CDC and FDA insist there should be no change in vaccination practices

The CDC and FDA's recommendation to maintain current vaccination practices is grounded in the priority they place on transparency and vaccine safety. They acknowledge that while the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD) system detected a possible safety concern, such signals are often due to factors other than the vaccine itself. The health authorities emphasize that the totality of the data currently suggests that the observed signal is very unlikely to represent a true clinical risk.

Additionally, the CDC and FDA continue to recommend COVID-19 vaccination for everyone over the age of six months. They highlight that staying up-to-date with vaccines is the most effective tool for reducing death, hospitalization, and severe disease from COVID-19, as demonstrated by multiple studies. The benefits of vaccination in protecting against severe disease and Long COVID are well-established, and the vaccines are designed to provide protection against various coronavirus strains.

While investigations into the potential link between the Pfizer vaccine and ischemic strokes in older adults continue, the CDC and FDA's stance on maintaining current vaccination practices is a cautious and informed decision. They emphasize that the observed signal is not indicative of a true clinical risk and that the benefits of vaccination continue to outweigh any potential risks. As such, they urge the public to stay up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccines, particularly those who are at higher risk, such as older adults and immunocompromised individuals.

The risk of stroke is higher in the 21 days after receiving the Pfizer jab

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine has been flagged by US health authorities for a "possible link" to ischemic strokes in older adults, specifically those aged 65 and above. This risk is highest in the 21 days following vaccination, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

An ischemic stroke, or brain ischemia, is caused by blockages in arteries that carry blood to the brain. While the CDC's Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD) system uncovered this potential safety concern, it is important to note that such a link has not been observed in other databases or countries.

Pfizer-BioNTech, the CDC, and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have all emphasized that no change in vaccination practices is recommended at this time. The benefits of COVID-19 vaccination, particularly in reducing death, hospitalization, and severe disease, continue to outweigh any potential risks.

Understanding the Context

The CDC's VSD system detected a possible safety signal, indicating that people aged 65 and older were more likely to experience an ischemic stroke within 21 days of receiving the Pfizer vaccine, compared to days 22 to 44. However, it is important to remember that these safety systems often detect signals that may be due to factors other than the vaccine itself.

Assessing the Risks

While the CDC, FDA, and Pfizer-BioNTech are continuing to assess the data, the current evidence suggests that the risk of stroke associated with the Pfizer vaccine is very low and may be related to other factors. Other large studies, global databases, and Pfizer-BioNTech's own databases have not identified this safety concern.

Weighing the Benefits

Despite this potential safety signal, health authorities unanimously agree that the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination far outweigh any potential risks. Staying up-to-date with vaccines is crucial in reducing death, hospitalization, and severe disease from COVID-19, as demonstrated by multiple studies conducted worldwide.

Moving Forward

While the investigation into the potential link between the Pfizer vaccine and stroke in older adults continues, the current recommendation is to maintain the current vaccination practices. The health authorities' transparency and commitment to vaccine safety are top priorities, and any new developments or findings will be promptly shared with the public.

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