Flash VIG news: weekly overview on adverse reactions of COVID-19 vaccines

date: 08/01/2021

From 7 January 2021 onwards, the FAMHP publishes a weekly overview on the adverse reactions reported in Belgium following the administration of a COVID-19 vaccine. By being fully transparent, the FAMHP aims to increase confidence in COVID-19 vaccines.

You can find the first overview from 28.12.2020 until 05.01.2021 here.

Reporting suspected adverse reactions is important. It allows the benefit-risk balance of medicines, including vaccines against COVID-19, to be monitored continuously.

Suspected adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccines can be reported by healthcare professionals and patients using the new specific form available at www.eenbijwerkingmelden.be.

As recommended by the WHO (World Health Organisation), the FAMHP will analyse notifications of adverse reactions in the context of COVID-19 vaccination. The adverse reactions and events were defined by the Brighton Collaboration. They have not necessarily been observed in clinical trials, but are of scientific and medical importance and may indicate continuous monitoring and early communication. Such adverse reactions or events may require further investigation to better characterise and understand them.

Examples are:

  • Sudden hypersensitive reaction
  • Convulsions (general)
  • Heart or blood vessel problem
  • Liver problem
  • Kidney problem
  • Respiratory problem
  • Blood coagulation problem
  • Thrombocytopenia
  • Neutropenia
  • Skin problem
  • Acute aseptic arthritis
  • Guillain-Barré syndrome
  • Nervous system problem
  • Autoimmune disorder
Last updated on 18/01/2021