A new poll shows nearly a quarter of Americans believe they know someone killed by COVID-19 vaccine side effects, reflecting lingering suspicions around vaccine safety despite authoritative assertions that serious risks are exceedingly small.
Out of 1,110 U.S. adults surveyed, 24% said they personally know someone directly killed by the effects of a COVID-19 vaccine. Another 42% said they would consider joining a major class action lawsuit against a pharmaceutical company related to vaccine side effects.
The poll comes amid past controversies like Pfizer failing to fully disclose certain side effect observations during initial trials, which helped fuel doubts. Critics also continue accusing officials of intentionally downplaying reported adverse events linked to the vaccines.
But public health and medical authorities maintain serious negative reactions are extremely rare according to large-scale clinical trials and ongoing safety monitoring programs. They emphasize that vaccines’ considerable lifesaving benefits against COVID-19 far outweigh what are considered negligible risks for the vast majority of the population.
Still, the poll indicates a sizeable portion of Americans continue harboring sincere concerns about COVID vaccine safety, heavily influenced by inflammatory claims spread on social media or annecdotal accounts of severe medical outcomes being blamed on the shots.
Some argue vaccine injuries and deaths are being systematically hidden from the public, citing whistleblower complaints alleging true harm is much more widespread than reported. They maintain flawed vaccine science approved by untrustworthy health authorities has failed many Americans.
However, most experts strongly defend the extensive testing and safety vetting behind the vaccines, while underscoring the well-documented risks of remaining unvaccinated against COVID-19. But doubts persist on both sides surrounding vaccines and public health institutions.
Author: Blake Ambrose
