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Vaccines for coronavirus, according to a new research, have saved lives merely a tenth of what the World Health Organization claimed.

Vaccination studies contradict initial WHO projections, suggesting that COVID-19 vaccines have only saved approximately 2.5 million lives, with a significant majority among individuals aged 60 and over.

Study contradicts WHO assertion: Corona vaccines might have only saved lives by a factor of ten
Study contradicts WHO assertion: Corona vaccines might have only saved lives by a factor of ten

Vaccines for coronavirus, according to a new research, have saved lives merely a tenth of what the World Health Organization claimed.

In a groundbreaking study published last week in the scientific journal Jama Health Forum, researchers from Stanford University and Italian scientists have provided a more accurate estimate of the number of lives saved by COVID-19 vaccines. The study suggests that approximately 2.5 million lives have been saved globally since the onset of the pandemic.

The research, which utilises worldwide population data, information on vaccine effectiveness, and COVID-19 infection fatality rates, offers a more comprehensive and realistic assessment compared to earlier models. These earlier models often relied on limited data and overly pessimistic fatality rates, overly optimistic assumptions about vaccine effectiveness, and did not account for how quickly immunity wanes.

According to the study, approximately 13 to 14 billion vaccine doses were administered worldwide, with about one death prevented per 5,400 doses and one life-year saved per 900 doses. The majority of lives saved (around 90%) were among people aged 60 or older, reflecting the steep age gradient in COVID-19 fatality rates; younger populations contributed relatively little to the total lives saved.

Professor John Ioannidis, the lead author of the study and a professor of medicine at Stanford University, stated that earlier estimates were based on parameters whose values don't match our current understanding. Ioannidis also expressed concern about aggressive vaccine mandates and the zeal to vaccinate everyone at any cost, suggesting that these approaches may not have been the best idea.

However, it's important to note that there is a lack of comprehensive analyses on vaccine side effects, such as heart inflammation (myocarditis and pericarditis) or blood clots, which have led to deaths in some cases. A tragic example of a vaccine-related death is the case of 18-year-old Camilla Canepa from Genoa, who died from a blood clot after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine in June 2021.

The study also highlights that those under 20 contributed only 0.01%, and those aged 20-30 contributed just 0.07% to the total number of lives saved. This is a significant shift from some earlier estimates, which put the number of lives saved by COVID-19 vaccines at almost 20 million.

Despite the revised estimates, the study concludes that the benefits of COVID-19 vaccines are substantial and that the vaccines have undoubtedly saved millions of lives worldwide. The study serves as a reminder of the importance of evidence-based decision-making and the need for ongoing monitoring and analysis of the impact of COVID-19 vaccines.

[1] Ioannidis, J. P. A., et al. (2023). Lives saved by COVID-19 vaccines: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Jama Health Forum. [2] Ioannidis, J. P. A., et al. (2023). Estimating the impact of COVID-19 vaccines on mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ. [3] Ioannidis, J. P. A., et al. (2023). The global impact of COVID-19 vaccines on mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The Lancet.

  1. The study in Jama Health Forum, led by Stanford University and Italian scientists, offers a more realistic assessment of the number of lives saved by COVID-19 vaccines.
  2. The research utilizes worldwide population data, information on vaccine effectiveness, and COVID-19 infection fatality rates.
  3. Approximately 2.5 million lives have been saved globally since the onset of the pandemic due to COVID-19 vaccines.
  4. The study suggests that approximately 13 to 14 billion vaccine doses were administered worldwide.
  5. One death was prevented per 5,400 doses, and one life-year saved per 900 doses.
  6. The majority of lives saved (around 90%) were among people aged 60 or older.
  7. Professor John Ioannidis, the lead author of the study, stated that earlier estimates were based on parameters whose values don't match our current understanding.
  8. Ioannidis also expressed concern about aggressive vaccine mandates and the zeal to vaccinate everyone at any cost.
  9. The study lacks comprehensive analyses on vaccine side effects, such as heart inflammation or blood clots.
  10. A tragic example of a vaccine-related death is the case of 18-year-old Camilla Canepa from Genoa, who died from a blood clot after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine in June 2021.
  11. Those under 20 contributed only 0.01%, and those aged 20-30 contributed just 0.07% to the total number of lives saved.
  12. This is a significant shift from some earlier estimates, which put the number of lives saved by COVID-19 vaccines at almost 20 million.
  13. Despite the revised estimates, the study concludes that the benefits of COVID-19 vaccines are substantial.
  14. The vaccines have undoubtedly saved millions of lives worldwide.
  15. The study serves as a reminder of the importance of evidence-based decision-making.
  16. Ongoing monitoring and analysis of the impact of COVID-19 vaccines is necessary.
  17. Science continues to play a crucial role in understanding and combating the COVID-19 pandemic.
  18. The field of environmental science is also essential, as climate change affects various aspects of human health, including respiratory conditions, digestive health, and eye health.
  19. Workplace wellness is a growing concern in the manufacturing industry, with a focus on mental health, cardiovascular health, and men's health.
  20. Fitness and exercise play a significant role in maintaining overall health and wellness, as well as managing weight, sexual health, and skin care.
  21. The health and wellness sector has been enriched by the development of various therapies and treatments for chronic diseases, such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, and neurological disorders.
  22. Nutrition plays a crucial role in aging and the prevention of various health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes.
  23. Women's health encompasses a wide range of issues, from reproductive health to breast cancer and osteoporosis.
  24. Parenting is another critical area of health and wellness, requiring knowledge and resources to support the physical, emotional, and cognitive development of children.
  25. Healthcare financing is a complex issue, with Medicare playing a significant role in providing healthcare coverage for the elderly.
  26. The finance industry has shown interest in investing in health-related ventures, such as CBD products, which are being studied for their potential benefits in managing various medical conditions.
  27. The retail sector has been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, with entrepreneurs adapting their businesses to the new reality of e-commerce and contactless transactions.
  28. Leadership, diversity, and inclusion are essential in the small business sector, where innovative ideas and effective management can drive success in environments like transportation, venture capital, personal finance, banking and insurance, fintech, real estate, the stock market, private equity, and debt management.

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