Breaking: Large real-world study finds Covid-19 mRNA vaccines do not raise long-term mortality risk
In a major real-world analysis released in early December, researchers report that messenger RNA vaccines against Covid-19 do not increase the risk of death from any cause over several years.
The study used data from a national health data system. It included nearly 29 million people: 22.7 million who where vaccinated between May and October 2021 and 5.9 million who remained unvaccinated as of November 1, 2021. Participants were followed for four years.
Over this period, deaths from all causes totaled 98,429 among the vaccinated (0.4%), compared with 32,662 among the unvaccinated (0.6%). among those with at least one vaccine dose, the risk of death from any cause was about 25% lower than in the unvaccinated group.
The authors noted that this reduction in risk applied to major causes of death studied, including cardiovascular diseases and cancers.They also stated that mortality linked to Covid-19 was reduced by 74% among the vaccinated, underscoring the vaccines’ effectiveness against severe disease.
Key findings at a glance
| Group | Population Size | All-Cause Mortality | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vaccinated (at least one dose) | 22.7 million | 0.4% (98,429 deaths) | Lower all-cause mortality vs.unvaccinated |
| unvaccinated | 5.9 million | 0.6% (32,662 deaths) | Higher all-cause mortality |
Why this matters: The findings add to a growing body of evidence that mRNA Covid vaccines are safe in the long term and continue to protect against severe outcomes.
Long-term safety and public health implications
Experts say the results support ongoing vaccination campaigns and emphasize the importance of continuing to monitor vaccine safety as populations evolve and new variants appear. The study highlights the value of large-scale health data in assessing real-world outcomes beyond controlled trials.
Reader questions
- How does this data influence your view on the safety of mRNA vaccines?
- What information would you want to see in future long-term studies?
Disclaimer: This article summarizes findings from a medical study. It is not medical advice. For personal recommendations, consult a healthcare professional.
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