The CDC is exploring a link between Pfizer’s new bivalent COVID vaccine and stroke risk. The CDC has a real-time data monitoring system for adverse events, and this has shown a POTENTIAL link between the vaccine and strokes in people over the age of 65.
Specifically, out of 500,000 Medicare beneficiaries, 130 patients suffered a stroke within three weeks of receiving the bivalent COVID booster. This is a significant statistical increase over the baseline. It has prompted the FDA and CDC to investigate further.
Additionally, the main regulatory agency of medications and vaccines is the FDA. Their analysis showed a potential incidence of pulmonary embolism (clot formation in the lungs) from the vaccine to be 50% higher.
When a medication or vaccine may potentially be causing adverse events, the FDA, and in this case, the CDC as well, investigate the issue. Given the bivalent vaccine was approved without the gold-standard test of a randomized, double-blind study, their investigation is a necessary process.
I’m only presenting the most current information on the vaccine, as I promised to do so on this blog. I look forward to seeing the results of the investigation as I am not suggesting pulling it from the market or discouraging people from receiving it until more information comes to light, but I did want to alert you to this new finding. There will be more updates on all things COVID, including the vaccines, in time. If you are concerned and unsure of whether to get the vaccine, speak with your healthcare provider for their recommendations.
