Norway: After a small number of deaths in the elderly, Norwegian officials have revised their advice on those receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, leaving it to each doctor to decide who should receive the vaccine. The Norwegian Medicines Agency recently reported that a total of 29 people had been affected, with 13 dead. All of the deaths occurred among patients in care centers over the age of 80.
Fever and nausea are listed as side effects that can lead to the death of some debilitated patients. According to official figures, more than 30,000 people have been vaccinated with Pfizer, or modern-day vaccine, since the end of last month. “We are not concerned about this.
It is clear that these vaccines are less risky, with few exceptions in patients with dementia,” said the agency’s chief medical officer. Adding that “Doctors should now carefully consider who should be vaccinated. Weak people can be vaccinated after an individual health assessment.” Earlier this week, the Norwegian Institute of Public Health said any side effects of the vaccine will be mitigated by reducing the risk of serious illness with Covid-19 for the elderly and infirm.
“For debilitated and critically ill patients, a balance between the benefits and drawbacks of vaccination is recommended,” it added. In its report, the Norwegian Medical Agency said 21 women and eight men had been affected. The agency said that beside the dead, nine people had been seriously affected and seven had not been seriously affected. All nine patients had severe allergic reactions and high fever, while the side effects were mild, including pain at the injection site. In total, Norway registered 57,279 cases and 511 deaths. The United Kingdom and the United States have also reported a number of fatal side effects. The European Medicines Agency has said it will receive and consider monthly safety reports from companies authorized to sell the vaccine starting in January with Pfizer-BioNTech.
