At least 29 elderly people have died in Norway following their immunization with the Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccine against COVID-19, the country has launched a detailed investigation into the reported fatalities that has shocked the world.
Norway has given at least one dose to about 42,000 people, focusing on those considered to be at risk if they come in contact with virus, including the elderly. Earlier on Friday Doctors have said the adverse reactions were seen among people aged over 80 years who already have frail body, but the latest figures adds six to the number of known fatalities and lowers the age group. Earlier the age groups thought to be in the danger zone was above 80, but the fresh six deaths on Saturday further lowered it to 75.Norway, however has not said that younger, healthier people should avoid being vaccinated.
Although a direct connection between the Pfizer vaccine and these deaths is yet to be established, the agency has investigated 13 of the deaths so far and concluded that common adverse reactions of mRNA vaccines, such as fever, nausea and diarrhoea, may have contributed fatal outcomes in some of the frail patients.
Doctors in Norway have been asked to conduct more thorough evaluations of very frail elderly patients in line to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, following the reported deaths, the prestigious British Medical Journal (BMJ) reported late Friday.
"It may be a coincidence, but we aren't sure", Steinar Madsen, medical director of the Norwegian Medicines Agency (NOMA), told the BMJ.
"There is no certain connection between these deaths and the vaccine."
While speaking to the Norwegian broadcaster NRK he said that, "We are not alarmed by this. It is quite clear that these vaccines have very little risk with a small exception for the frailest patients".
"Doctors must now carefully consider who should be vaccinated . Those who are very frail and at the very end of life can be vaccinated after an individual assessment", he added.
In a statement, Pfizer said, "Pfizer and BioNTech are awre of reported deaths following administration of BNT162b2. We are working with NOMA to gather all the relevant information.".
Two COVID-19 vaccines, Pfizer and Moderna are used in Norway. The vaccines have been developed on mRNA technology and have received temporary approval in the EU, according to the agency.
The first Europe wide safety report on the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will probably be published at the end of January, Norwegian health regulator's key medicines committee said on Friday. Vaccine makers are required to submit data monthly.
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