Reference:
Gøtzsche, P. C., & Demasi, M. (2022). Serious harms of the COVID-19 vaccines: A systematic review. medRxiv. https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.12.06.22283145
Summary:
This systematic review by Gøtzsche and Demasi critically examines the serious adverse events (SAEs) associated with COVID-19 vaccinations, highlighting significant underreporting in clinical trial data. The review synthesises findings from 18 systematic reviews, 14 randomised trials, and 34 controlled studies, revealing a concerning trend:vaccines may lead to a higher incidence of SAEs, notably myocarditis and thrombosis, compared to placebo. The authors argue that the perceived benefits of vaccination, such as reduced hospitalisation risk, do not outweigh the risks in certain low-risk populations, including children and those with natural immunity. They criticise the pharmaceutical industry’s historical data manipulation and the lack of transparency in trial reporting, suggesting that severe harms have been neglected or omitted from high-impact journals. The authors call for more comprehensive research to ensure informed decision-making regarding vaccination policies, particularly in vulnerable groups.