Covid Pfizer vaccine: What happened in Norway?
NEARLY two dozen people died just days after getting injected with the Pfizer Covid vaccine in Norway - and at least half of them were older than age 80, according to reports.
Despite the frightening number of people dying, officials have insisted they are "not alarmed" because the vaccines "have very little risk."
What happened in Norway?
At least 23 people have died in Norway just days after getting the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine, according to reports.
The deaths were related to side effects from the jab.
More than half of the fatalities were elderly nursing home patients.
Besides those who died, nine other people had serious side effects - which included allergic reactions, strong discomfort and severe fever.
Seven patients had less serious side effects, including severe pain at the injection site.
In total, more than 57,000 cases and 500 coronavirus-related deaths have been reported in Norway.
How old were the people that died?
Thirteen nursing home residents - all at least 80 years of age - passed away just days after getting the covid jab.
Norwegian Medicines Agency's Chief physician Sigurd Hortemo said that common reactions to the vaccine, like nausea and fever, "may have contributed to a fatal outcome in some frail patients."
The deaths come as more than 30,000 people in Norway have received the first jab of the Pfizer or Moderna coronavirus vaccine, data reveals.
And officials have said that they are "not alarmed" by the 23 deaths which may be related to the vaccine.
Despite nearly two dozen people dying after receiving the potentially life-saving jab, officials have insisted they are "not alarmed."
What did a Norwegian medical director say about the deaths?
Steinar Madsen, medical director of Norwegian Medicines Agency, told Norwegian broadcaster NRK: "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."
According to health officials, approximately 400 people die each week in the nursing home population.
A states: "In Norway we are now vaccinating the elderly and people in nursing homes with serious underlying diseases, therefore it is expected that deaths close to the time vaccination may occur. "
What has the pharmaceutical company Pfizer said?
A spokesperson for Pfizer said: ";Norwegian authorities have prioritized the immunization of residents in nursing homes, most of whom are very elderly with underlying medical conditions and some which are terminally ill.
"The Norwegian Medicine Agency confirms the number of incidents so far is not alarming, and in line with expectations.
"All reported deaths will be thoroughly evaluated by [the agency] to determine if these incidents are related to the vaccine.
"The Norwegian government will also consider adjusting their vaccination instructions to take the patients’ health into more consideration.”
Is the Covid vaccine safe?
While it is natural to question a new vaccine, experts told The Sun, the public can be reassured of its safety.
Evidence shows any side effects are "mild" and "rare" -and are very similar to those seen with the flu jab.
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According to trail data, participants who received two full doses resulted in 62 per cent protection against Covid-19.
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However, an initial half dose - followed up by a full dose a month later - was 90 per cent effective.
Scientists at Pfizer said their extensive trials showed the vaccine is "generally well tolerated in all age groups."