CDC Vaccine Panel Presentation Distorts Research on Safety of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines

A presentation by scientists to a work group of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s vaccine advisory panel highlighted various alleged “safety uncertainties” of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, including concerns about cancer and changes to the immune system. Scientists, however, told us that many of the cited studies are either misconstrued or of poor quality.

As with all medical products, the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are not 100% safe. But the vast majority of people experience only temporary and mild side effects, which are expected. Serious side effects are rare.

In its Sept. 19 meeting, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices ultimately voted to recommend the COVID-19 vaccines for all ages 6 months and up, as long as the decision is discussed with a health care provider. The group, however, nearly voted to require everyone to get a prescription for the shots and also endorsed unfounded or misleading claims about the risks of the vaccines. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who previously led an anti-vaccine organization, replaced the panel in an unprecedented move and installed new members, many of whom either lack expertise in vaccines or have spread inaccurate information about vaccines.