Pfizer vaccine recipients in Israel diagnosed with facial paralysis
In a recent development, an Israeli resident has reported experiencing temporary facial paralysis after receiving the first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. The paralysis lasted for at least 28 hours, but the resident did not specify their age, gender, or the country they reside in.
This incident comes amidst reports of at least 13 Israeli residents experiencing facial paralysis as a side effect after receiving the Pfizer vaccine. However, it's important to note that no confirmed causal link between the vaccine and temporary facial paralysis (Bell's palsy) has been established, including in Israel. During the Pfizer–BioNTech vaccine trial, four participants out of 22,000 developed Bell's palsy, a frequency consistent with the expected background rate in the general population.
The nature of Bell's palsy is such that it is usually temporary and has been observed following several types of vaccines, not just COVID-19 vaccines. The specific patient who did not receive the second dose due to facial paralysis is not identified.
Professor Galia Rahav, head of the infectious disease department at an undisclosed clinic, did not administer the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine to a patient who experienced facial paralysis. However, it's not clear whether this decision is a formal policy or a personal one. The professor also admitted that she cannot determine exactly what triggered the facial paralysis condition.
Regarding recommendations for individuals who experience temporary facial paralysis after the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine, no specific guidance was found in the cited sources. Generally, health authorities monitor such adverse events closely, and decisions about second doses are made on a case-by-case basis, considering the individual's risk and benefits. The rarity and temporary nature of Bell's palsy suggest that it is unlikely to warrant avoiding a second dose in most cases, but consulting with a healthcare provider is essential.
It's also worth noting that the article does not provide information on the number of patients who have recovered from facial paralysis after receiving the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine or whether the 13 reported cases of facial paralysis are isolated incidents or part of a larger trend.
The Israeli resident mentioned a little pain where the shot was given, but urged other country residents not to refuse vaccination. The news is reported by Almaty.tv and Lenta.ru.
[1] Based on current scientific consensus and monitoring data as of mid-2025. For personalized advice, affected individuals should consult their healthcare providers.
- The temporary facial paralysis experienced by some individuals after receiving the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is a type of medical-condition known as Bell's palsy, which is often associated with health-and-wellness issues and has been observed following several vaccine types, not just COVID-19 vaccines.
- The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine trial showed that four participants out of 22,000 developed Bell's palsy, a frequency consistent with the expected background rate in the general population, indicating a possible link between the vaccine and this medical-condition, though no conclusive evidence has been established as of mid-2025.
