Covid vaccines Pfizer, AstraZeneca extremely safe, finds UK regulator

The Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines given by the NHS to millions of individuals in the United Kingdom are extremely healthy, with some mild side effects predicted, says the country's drug regulator.

Safety reports were assessed for approximately seven million doses administered up to 24 January - mostly with a Pfizer jab, reports the BBC.

There were some 22,820 suspected reactions registered. Around three out of every 1,000 vaccinated individuals were affected.

Almost every case, such as a sore arm or a flu-like illness, was mild.

These after-effects are not the infection itself, but the vaccine's reaction from the body. Typically, they get better within a couple of days, says the Regulatory Agency for Medicines and Healthcare products.

Significant allergic reactions to the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine may occur, but they are very rare - experts estimate between one and two cases per 100,000 doses administered. 101 allergy-related complaints were issued by the MHRA.

Doctors already say that it should not be received by people with a history of serious allergic reactions to the ingredients in the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

In the UK, people can report concerns after having the vaccine to the MHRA's Yellow Card scheme.

The ones received by the agency so far reveal no unexpected serious reactions, which experts say should help reassure anyone who may be anxious about getting immunised. There is strong evidence that the vaccines will save lives and prevent severe illness.

Prof Sir Munir Pirmohamed, a doctor who has been assessing vaccine safety on behalf of the UK, said: "It is extremely safe. The benefits far outweigh the risks. I say that to my family as well."

MHRA chief executive Dr June Raine said: "Safety is our watchword. It is vital that people continue to get their jab when they get the invitation."

The Yellow Card scheme is designed to pick up anything serious and some people might not report very mild symptoms.

Common reactions that may affect up to one in 10 people and typically get better within days include: sore arm, headache, chills, tiredness, feeling sick, fever, dizziness, weakness, aching muscles.

As expected when you track any population over time, there were some deaths - 143 were recorded among the millions vaccinated. This is not alarming or worrying, says the MHRA, or in any way linked to the vaccine.

The regulator also received 75 reports of facial paralysis or weakness, but this condition can occur naturally. The MHRA said: "The number of reports of facial paralysis received so far is similar to the expected natural rate and does not currently suggest an increased risk following the vaccines. We will continue to monitor these events."

It will be publishing weekly updates on all the vaccine safety data it receives.