A recent survey of nearly 150,000 people shows no new safety concerns have been identified for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, with reported reactions similar to those seen in clinical trials of the vaccine.
The Ministry of Health’s Post Vaccine Symptom Check survey results also show a similar number of people reported a reaction after receiving their Pfizer COVID-19 second dose and booster dose, says National Immunisation Programme Group Manager Post Event, Dr Tim Hanlon. “Over 58,000 or 40% of those surveyed, reported they experienced at least one adverse event/reaction to the vaccines.
Whereas 60% reported they did not experience an adverse event. “The most frequently reported adverse events were injection site reactions, headache, muscle and body aches, joint pain, and chills.
These are common adverse reactions linked to the immune response following immunisation,” said Dr Hanlon. “Post Vaccine Symptom Check is an ‘active’ reporting system managed out of the National Immunisation Programme at the Ministry, and the first of its kind in Aotearoa New Zealand.