Covid vaccines may have played a role in the increase in excess deaths seen since the start of the pandemic, as per suggestions by scientists. A study conducted by researchers from The Netherlands examined data from 47 Western countries and revealed over three million excess deaths since 2020, despite the vaccination campaigns and containment efforts.
The concerning data prompted calls for thorough investigations by governments into potential underlying causes, including any adverse effects of the vaccines. The authors from Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, highlighted the need for scrutiny, stating that while the vaccines were intended to protect individuals from the Covid-19 virus, reports of adverse events have also surfaced.
The study, published in BMJ Public Health, emphasized the importance of addressing serious injuries and deaths reported post-vaccination. The researchers stressed the significance of not overlooking any potential risks associated with the vaccines, especially in light of the efforts made during the pandemic to safeguard lives through vaccination and containment measures.
During the peak of the pandemic in 2020, Europe, the US, and Australia collectively witnessed over one million excess deaths. The trend continued in 2021 with 1.2 million excess deaths and 800,000 in 2022, even after implementing preventive measures. These figures encompassed not only deaths directly linked to Covid-19 but also those resulting from the indirect effects of the strategies employed to combat the virus.
Researchers highlighted various side effects potentially linked to the Covid vaccine, such as ischaemic stroke, acute coronary syndrome, brain haemorrhage, cardiovascular diseases, and blood clotting issues. Concerns were raised by German researchers who observed an increase in excess mortality in early 2021 coinciding with the vaccine rollout, prompting a call for further investigation into the matter.
However, the lack of recent data on vaccine side-effects made available to the public was noted as a significant issue. Countries maintain individual databases of vaccine-related harms, relying on self-reporting by the public and healthcare professionals, leading to potential delays in identifying and addressing any adverse effects.
The disruptions caused by the pandemic, including delays in other medical treatments, restricted healthcare access, and socioeconomic challenges, were also cited as contributing factors to the overall impact on mortality rates during the global health crisis.
