logo
Please note!
This fact brief was originally published as an experiment to test the concepts behind fact briefs.
Readers should be aware that while there is still a lot of useful information in fact briefs like this one, not all of them reflect Gigafact's current methods and standards for fact briefs. If you come across any that you feel are out of date, don't hesitate to contact us at support@gigafact.org.
Brief Publisher Logo
FACT BRIEF

Are side effects of the COVID-19 vaccines worse than those from flu shots?

By Lisa Freedland
Copy link
email
Copy featured image
email
YES

The three COVID-19 vaccines available in the U.S. appear to produce a significantly higher incidence of side effects than ordinary flu shots, which scientists say is one indication of their greater effectiveness.

An Emory University researcher reported on Feb. 24 that, based on data submitted to the Food and Drug Administration by the manufacturers, the difference is most pronounced after the second dose for people under 60 years of age. Side effects, notably pain, fatigue and headaches, were more prevalent with the Moderna vaccine, followed by the Pfizer shot and then the single-dose Johnson & Johnson shot.

The strength of the side effects is an indication that the body is creating more antibodies, leading to stronger defenses against the disease. Some health experts believe learnings from the COVID-19 vaccines will be used to improve existing vaccines against other diseases.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Sources
Jesse O’Shea MD Chart posted on Twitter: Comparing side effects from COVID-19 vaccines and a flu vaccine
Jesse O'Shea MD Tweet: Side effects data drawn from submissions to FDA
Jesse O’Shea MD Biography
Healthline COVID-19 vaccine may be more effective than the flu shot
Centers for Disease Control Possible side effects after getting a COVID-19 vaccine
New York Times The most common questions about vaccination side effects, answered
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR
Gigafact
Between 2020 and 2022, under close editorial supervision, Gigafact contracted a group of freelance writers and editors to test the concepts for fact briefs and provide inputs to our software development process. We call this effort Gigafact Foundry. Over the course of these two years, Gigafact Foundry writers published over 1500 fact briefs in response to claims they found online. Their important work forms the basis of Gigafact formats and editorial guidelines, and is available to the public on Gigafact.org. Readers should be aware that while there is still a lot of relevant information to be found, not all fact briefs produced by Gigafact Foundry reflect Gigafact's current methods and standards for fact briefs. If you come across any that you feel are out of date and need to be looked at with fresh eyes, don't hesitate to contact us at support@gigafact.org.
FACT BRIEF BY
Brief Publisher Logo
Latest fact briefs
facebook
twitter
email
email
About fact briefs published on Gigafact
Fact briefs are short, credibly sourced summaries that offer “yes/no” answers in response to claims found online. They rely on publicly available, often primary source data and documents. Fact briefs are created by contributors to Gigafact —a nonprofit project looking to expand participation in fact-checking and protect the democratic process. See all fact briefs here.