Safety Profile of Covid-19 Vaccines: Retrospective Analysis of Short, Medium, and Long-Term Side Effects: The Military Hospital Experience
Abstract:
The retrospective study conducted at the Military Polyclinic of Rome "Celio" confirms the high safety profile of COVID-19 vaccines administered between 2020 and 2023. Among 41,276 doses, 41 adverse reactions (0.1%) were recorded, aligning closely with the national rate reported by AIFA (0.097%). Most reactions (92.7%) were non-severe; severe events (7.3%) were rare and occurred mainly in individuals aged 30–49. Adverse reactions primarily affected the musculoskeletal (29.2%) and immune systems (26.8%), with a greater incidence in female subjects (66%). The majority occurred after the first dose, consistent with national trends. Vaccine distribution showed minor local deviations from national averages, notably a slightly higher use of Moderna and lower of Pfizer. Ongoing pharmacovigilance by AIFA and EMA continues to ensure safety, with no evidence to date of me dium- or long-term risks. Current data supports the effectiveness and safety of vaccination in preventing severe disease, hospitalization, and death, especially in vulnerable populations. The benefits of COVID-19 vaccination clearly outweigh its risks.
