‘Nocebo effect’: two-thirds of Covid jab reactions not caused by vaccine, study suggests

[Northerner]

More than two-thirds of the common side-effects people experience after a Covid jab can be attributed to a negative version of the placebo effect rather than the vaccine itself, researchers claim.

Scientists in the US examined data from 12 clinical trials of Covid vaccines and found that the “nocebo effect” accounted for about 76% of all common adverse reactions after the first dose and nearly 52% after the second dose.

The findings suggest that a substantial proportion of milder side-effects, such as headaches, short-term fatigue, and arm pain are not produced by the constituents of the vaccine, but by other factors thought to generate the nocebo response, including anxiety, expectation and misattributing various ailments to having had the jab.

In view of their results, the researchers argue that better public information about nocebo responses may improve Covid vaccine uptake by reducing the concerns that make some people hesitant.

‘Nocebo effect’: two-thirds of Covid jab reactions not caused by vaccine, study suggests

US researchers show negative version of placebo effect behind many symptoms such as headaches and fatigue

www.theguardian.com

Interesting. I had no side effects from any of my jabs (all Pfizer)

 

[trophywench]

First one ruddy hurt, otherwise, nowt. (3 Pfizer)

 

[Drummer]

I had the AZ jabs. The first one made me rather ill for a month. The second one no reaction at all - it could have been just saline.
By the time I was called in for the booster I was down with what I am pretty sure was the omicron version.
It is rather ironic that omicron means little o - as opposed to omega, which means big o.

 

[Lily123]

I had my second vaccine today which was Pfizer (I’m 14) and the first one back in October didn’t hurt at all but this one hurt! I think there is some founding in this “Nocebo effect” very much mind over matter!

 

[mikeyB]

The Nocebo effect is vividly demonstrated in the use of statins. Put simply, if you expect side effects, you are far more likely to get them. And attribute any medical condition to the drug or treatment.

 

[nonethewiser]

Hoping to get 4th jab later at walk in centre, only had reaction with 1 so far & that was flu like symptoms for first 24 hours, last one nothing not even sore arm.