INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – News 8 has received data on side effects for Hoosiers who received coronavirus vaccines. Although no cases of severe blood clots were found in Indiana, there were more than 8,000 reports of other side effects in the state.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention manages the so-called Vaccine Reporting System (VAERS). News 8 found that 8,000 responses have been reported from 1,800 people since January 1.
The top five include headaches, chills, fever, aches and fatigue – all reported by 30% of people who submitted to FATHERS. Other common symptoms after vaccination are dizziness, rash and pain at the injection site.
“The common side effects of the COVID-19 vaccines are very similar to those seen with a number of other vaccines that are administered regularly, such as flu,” said Dr. Christopher Doehring, vice president of medical affairs at Franciscan Health, said in a statement to News 8. email. “In general, these side effects are minor and well tolerated.”
And health experts say side effects can be a good thing. This means that the vaccine works to elicit an immune response against the virus.
The importance of this data tracking cannot be underestimated, says Doehring.
“As millions of Americans are vaccinated, it is incredibly important to do strong reporting to better understand the overall experience and safety of these new vaccines,” he said. “Our health authorities need this information to move forward with confidence on the road to universal vaccination against COVID-19.”
Click here to report an adverse event after vaccination.