We've recently seen claims on social media that thousands of people have died from receiving COVID-19 vaccinations. That sounds frightening! However, some nice folks at the University of Missouri's MU Health have shown that these claims are plain wrong and a misrepresentation of data published by the Center for Disease Control.
In a recent article, MU Health explains that CDC collects reports from "anyone who has received a vaccine (not just a COVID-19 vaccine) to report “adverse events” (think side effects) that they experience following vaccination. Health care providers are required to submit reports of events that come to their attention even if the events clearly have no relationship to vaccination." The system alerts health authorities to potential safety concerns with vaccines. However, it does not determine if the vaccine caused the problem.
The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) has received 6,968 reports of death following COVID-19 vaccinations, as of August 26, 2021. "However, that statistic offers no insight into the cause of death for those people. If a 90-year-old nursing home resident got the vaccine and then died days, weeks or even months later of another ailment, the resident’s death would be reported to VAERS."
Regarding the reported deaths, CDC notes on their web page, Selected Adverse Events Reported after COVID-19 Vaccination, “A review of available clinical information, including death certificates, autopsy, and medical records, has not established a causal link to COVID-19 vaccines.”
The evidence for the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccinations is strong. Don't take chances with your health or your fishing career. Use our Vaccine Finder to find vaccinations near you and Catch Fish. Not COVID.