File photo: Xinhua
The death of 16 elderly people in Switzerland after being inoculated with the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines underscores the potential danger of mRNA vaccines for the age group, Chinese vaccine experts said, calling for caution.
At least 16 people died after receiving vaccines in Switzerland, said the Swiss Therapeutic Products Agency (Swissmedic), quoted by Sputnik in a report on Saturday.
The agency said it obtained about 364 suspected adverse drug reactions, with 199 incidents linked to vaccines developed by Pfizer and BioNTech, and 154 to Moderna’s drug, the report said.
Swissmedic said the average age of deaths was 86 years and most of them had pre-existing illnesses, adding that there is no evidence to suggest that vaccines were the cause of death.
Chinese experts said the incidents should be carefully assessed to understand whether the deaths were caused by vaccines or other pre-existing illnesses in these individuals.
Previously, Norway reported 23 vaccination-related deaths, all over 80 years old. The COVID-19 vaccines from BioNTec / Pfizer and Moderna were used in Norway.
A Chinese immunologist who requested anonymity told the Global Times that the large-scale use of mRNA vaccines carries the risk of causing abnormal immune dysfunction, allergies or even death, especially among the elderly and people with underlying diseases.
The immunologist suggested that individuals with pre-existing illnesses, the elderly and people with vulnerable immunity should not receive vaccines.
The Global Times found that major Western media have minimized deaths related to the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, as well as the 16 deaths in Switzerland.
Some observers questioned the veracity of the claims that sporadic deaths were unrelated to vaccines, calling on Western media to report deaths fairly.
Global Times