Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

February 19, 2021

First Month of COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Monitoring — United States, December 14, 2020–January 13, 2021

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Both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines had an acceptable safety profile, according to an analysis of the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). A total of 13,794,904 COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered in the U.S from December 14, 2020 to January 13. There were 6,994 reports of COVID-19–associated adverse events to VAERS during the period, with 91% of these events classified as non-serious. 

VAERS received 113 reports of death after COVID-19 vaccinations. Two thirds of these deaths were among residents of long-term care facilities and a review did not indicate an unexpected pattern that might suggest a causal relationship with vaccination. There were 35 reports of deaths in people not in long-term care facilities. For the 16 reported deaths where records were reviewed, death certificates or other data indicated underlying heart disease, cancer, stroke, probable pulmonary embolism, and otherwise frail health as the cause of death. 

Gee et al. (Feb 19, 2021). First Month of COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Monitoring — United States, December 14, 2020–January 13, 2021. MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7008e3