Pfizer vaccine for COVID-19: What are the side effects?
The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine may sometimes cause no side effects or mild-to-moderate side effects, which can be fairly common post-vaccination. This Snapshot feature further addresses concerns around allergic reactions and false claims regarding risks to pregnancy and fertility.
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male” and “female” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth.
The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, named BNT162b2, and known as Comirnaty in the European Union, is a two-dose mRNA vaccine developed by two pharmaceutical industry companies: Pfizer in the United States and BioNTech in Germany.
In December 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and World Health Organization (WHO) authorized the vaccine for emergency use in individuals aged 16 years and older, making it the first COVID-19 vaccine to receive emergency use authorization by either organization. The vaccine is currently approved in 82 countries.
This mRNA vaccine works by providing the body with a set of instructions for creating the spike protein found on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The presence of the protein antigen in the body triggers the immune system to produce antibodies, which prepares the body to fight against future infection by the virus itself.
However, the vaccine does not contain the virus and cannot cause infection. Additionally, the mRNA in the vaccine does not have the ability to alter DNA inside cells, as it is a transient molecule and does not enter the nucleus where the DNA is stored.
Although mRNA vaccines have been studied for many years, they have never before been approved for human use against disease. As a result, members of the public have raised concerns regarding potential unknown side effects.
Common side effects
According to the FDA’s vaccine fact sheet, typical side effects of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine include:
Individuals have also reported side effects at the injection site, including arm pain, redness, and swelling.
These side effects are often signs that the vaccine is working, inducing a protective response from the immune system.
Many individuals who received both doses of the vaccine have reported that symptoms are more prominent after the second dose. However, in most cases, these have been mild to moderate and last no more than a few days.
Allergic reactions and anaphylaxis
Although rare, individuals may experience mild-to-severe allergic reactions to ingredients in the vaccine. Symptoms of severe reactions, or anaphylaxis, are listed in the vaccine fact sheet as:
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difficulty breathing
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swelling of face and throat
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rapid heartbeat
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rash
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dizziness
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that anaphylaxis is extremely rare. It has been reported by approximately 0.001% of individuals who have been vaccinated in the U.S.
An ingredient found in mRNA vaccines that is of particular concern regarding allergic reactions is a chemical called polyethylene glycol (PEG).
PEG is commonly found in laxatives used to treat constipation. In the vaccine, PEG functions to coat the mRNA molecule and support its entrance into cells. PEG has not often been a component of previous vaccines, so there is limited information on its allergic effects.
Those with a history of severe or immediate allergy to PEG or other ingredients in mRNA vaccines are advised not to receive this type of COVID-19 vaccine.
An analysis of one patient who experienced PEG-related anaphylaxis due to the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine demonstrated an extensive history of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, to products containing PEG.
Pregnancy and fertility concerns
Concerns regarding the vaccine’s effects on fertility emerged when an internet source stated that the genetic information for the spike protein is similar to that of syncytin-1, a protein found in the placenta of mammals.
The source — since removed from the web — claimed that the antibodies produced by the body in response to the vaccine, which targets the SARS-CoV-2 virus’ spike protein, could also target syncytin-1 and cause infertility.
Scientists have demonstrated this claim to be inaccurate. Firstly, immunologists have shown no significant similarity between the genetic information of these two proteins, while blood plasma from COVID-19 patients does not react with syncytin-1.
Secondly, if this claim were true, it would mean that natural SARS-CoV-2 infection would likely cause a higher rate of miscarriage. This has not been seen in studies examining the effects of COVID-19 — female participants with the disease did not display a higher risk of early pregnancy loss.
Additionally, the vaccine’s clinical trials included 11 female participants in the vaccinated group who became pregnant during the trial, compared to a similar number of 12 female participants in the control group.
While there is not yet long-term evidence regarding this claim, animal studies have also not reflected any evidence of fertility loss due to the vaccine.
Pfizer and BioNTech are also conducting clinical trials in pregnant people to observe the vaccine’s effects in those who are pregnant as well as their infants.
Should I receive the vaccine?
Regulatory agencies are keeping a close eye on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. Up to this point, there have not been any risk indications that require a pause in distribution for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
Additionally, note that while some people may experience minor or moderate side effects after vaccination, these typically go away after a few days.
The CDC recommends that anyone who does not have known allergies to the vaccine ingredients, or relevant contraindications, receive the vaccine to prevent severe illness or death and reduce the chances of contracting COVID-19.
Written by Minseo Jeong on April 19, 2021 — Fact checked by Harriet Pike, Ph.D.
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