Reports of suspected adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccines in Switzerland – update

13.08.2021

Reporting period 01.01.2021–10.08.2021

5,304 reports on suspected adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccines evaluated – the overall positive benefit-risk ratio of the vaccines remains

Up to 10 August 2021, Swissmedic evaluated 5,304 reports on suspected adverse drug reactions (ADR) to COVID-19 vaccinations in Switzerland. The majority of the reports involved more than one reaction. At 3,466 (65.3 %), most of the reports were classified as not serious, while 1,838 (34.7 %) reports were classified as serious.

Reports

5,304

Reactions

14,606

Non-serious

3,466 (65.3 %)

Serious

1,838 (34.7 %)

Vaccine doses

9 209 142

Vaccinated people

4 765 915

Most of the reports were submitted by medical professionals, while a relatively large number (1,612, or 30.4 %) came directly from those affected, i.e. the patients.

The average age of those affected was 57.7 years (range 16–101), with 21.9% aged 75 or over. In the cases classified as serious, the average age was 61.3 years, and for reports temporally linked to a death it was 80.7 years. In 133 serious cases, the people concerned died at differing intervals after receiving the vaccine. Despite a chronological correlation, there is no concrete evidence to suggest that the vaccination was the cause of death.

The majority of the reports concerned women and there were a few cases where no gender was specified.

Evaluations of individual vaccines

3,279 (61.8 %) reports involve Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine, while 1,934 (36.5 %) are associated with Pfizer/BioNTech’s Comirnaty®. In 91 (1.7%) cases, the vaccine was not specified.

Number of reports by vaccine

Vaccine Total reports of which non-serious of which serious Total vaccine doses * Number of fully vaccinated people *
COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna® (Spikevax) 3'279 (61,8 %) 2'292 (66,13 %) 987 (53,7 %) 6'128'244 2'835'251
Comirnaty® (Pfizer/BioNTech) 1'934 (36,5 %) 1'133 (32,69 %) 801 (43,6 %) 3'080'898 1'439'958
Unknown 91 (1,7%) 41 (1,18 %) 50 (2,7 %)
Total 5'304 (100%) 3'466 (100 %) 1'838 (100 %) 9'209'142 4'275'209

* Switzerland and Principality of Liechtenstein, 21.12.2020 - 10.08.2021 (Source: FOPH)

Organ systems most frequently affected/ most frequent adverse effects


The reports of adverse reactions received and analysed to date do not alter the positive benefit-risk profile of the COVID-19 vaccines used in Switzerland. This largely confirms their known side effects profile. Known side effects of COVID-19 vaccines are listed in the continually updated medicinal product information texts published on www.swissmedicinfo.ch.

The reports of suspected adverse drug reactions (ADR) to COVID-19 vaccinations are evaluated in collaboration with the regional pharmacovigilance centres and in particular with the Ticino reference centre (EOC cantonal hospital authority).

The next report of suspected adverse reactions of COVID-19 vaccines in Switzerland will be released on 3 September 2021.
You can find the latest report on suspected adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccines in Switzerland at the following permalink: www.swissmedic.ch/covid-19-vaccines-safety-update-en

Information from Swissmedic on individual safety aspects

Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) / pericarditis (inflammation of the pericardium)

Very rare cases of myocarditis and pericarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle/pericardium) have been reported following vaccination with the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. To date, Swissmedic has received 96 reports for approximately 9.2 million doses administered (for comparison: the frequency of myocarditis due to other causes such as viruses is listed as approximately 22 cases per 100,000 people per year). Cases in connection with COVID-19 vaccines generally occur within 14 days of vaccination and more frequently after the second dose and in younger men.

After evaluating all available data, there is at least a possible causal link between the vaccines and myocarditis/pericarditis. Healthcare professionals should pay attention to the signs and symptoms of myo-carditis and pericarditis and inform vaccinated people that they should seek immediate medical advice and assistance in the event of chest pains, shortness of breath or palpitations. Strong physical exertion should be avoided if such symptoms occur until the cause of the symptoms has been ascertained.

See also

Previous reports

23.07.2021

Reports of suspected adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccines in Switzerland – update

4,319 reports evaluated – the overall positive benefit-risk ratio of the vaccines remains

02.07.2021

Reports of suspected adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccines in Switzerland – update

3,419 reports evaluated – the overall positive benefit-risk ratio of the vaccines remains

18.06.2021

Reports of suspected adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccines in Switzerland – update

2,944 reports evaluated – the overall positive benefit-risk ratio of the vaccines remains

04.06.2021

Side effects of COVID-19 vaccines in Switzerland – update

2,701 reports of suspected adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccines in Switzerland evaluated

21.05.2021

Side effects of COVID-19 vaccines in Switzerland – update

2269 reports of suspected adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccines in Switzerland evaluated

07.05.2021

Side effects of COVID-19 vaccines in Switzerland – update

1953 reports of suspected adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccines in Switzerland evaluated

22.04.2021

Side effects of COVID-19 vaccines in Switzerland – update

1485 reports of suspected adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccines in Switzerland evaluated

09.04.2021

Side effects of COVID-19 vaccines in Switzerland – update

1174 reports of suspected adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccines in Switzerland evaluated

11.03.2021

Side effects of COVID-19 vaccines in Switzerland – update

597 reports of suspected adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccines in Switzerland evaluated

26.02.2021

Side effects of COVID-19 vaccines in Switzerland – update

364 reports of suspected adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccines in Switzerland evaluated

05.02.2021

Reports of suspected adverse reactions to the COVID-19 vaccines in Switzerland – Update

To date, 63 side effect reports in connection with COVID-19 vaccinations in Switzerland have been evaluated

22.01.2021

Reports of suspected adverse reactions to the COVID-19 vaccines in Switzerland

Reports to date in line with the known risk profile

Supplementary information

Guide to interpreting the data

Given the methodology of the spontaneous reporting system, the following factors need to be taken into account when interpreting the data presented here:

  • The figures provided relate to suspected reactions reported to Swissmedic and entered in the database after being reviewed.
  • All the reactions reported are suspected cases. In individual cases it has not been ascertained whether the reported reaction was only observed in a temporal relationship with the vaccination or was actually caused by it.
  • The number of suspected cases for each vaccine can depend greatly on how many people received this vaccine in the period in question.The nu mber of vaccination reactions could be higher than the number of reports. Depending on the authorised use (e.g. age group, high-risk individual) and the latest vac cination recommendations, certain vaccines are more frequently administered to people with a serious preexisting condition.
  • This can influence the occurrence of certain reactions which, however, are only indirectly related to the particular vaccine.
  • The figures for suspected cases of vaccination reactions are just one of many elements used to monitor the risk-benefit profile of vaccines. Only a detailed scientific evaluation of all the available data will enable the correct conclusions to be made about a vaccine’s safety profile.