In recent times, social justice issues seem to be front and center on the world stage. Against this backdrop there has been much talk of the need for an equitable distribution of Covid vaccines, with an emphasis on prioritizing access for certain racial minority groups. Ironically, amidst this milieu of social justice advocacy, could it be that Covid vaccines are sexist?
Research out of King’s College found that women were twice as likely as men to suffer side effects from Pfizer’s Covid vaccine and around 50% more likely to suffer from side effects from AstraZeneca’s Covid vaccine. This is a curious finding given that men are more likely to suffer a poor outcome from COVID-19 itself, and yet Covid vaccines are disproportionately harming women?
Indeed, that does appear to be the case. A research letter published in JAMA found that out of more than 60,000 mRNA Covid vaccines administered to healthcare employees, 94% of those who experienced anaphylaxis were female.
Furthermore, the recently “paused” Johnson & Johnson Covid vaccine is associated with an increased risk of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS), but just for women? According to the CDC: “Nearly all reports of this serious condition, which involves blood clots with low platelets, have been in adult women younger than 50 years old.”
Another Covid vaccine complication affecting only females relates to menstrual irregularities. A rapid response in The BMJ states:
“Many women across the world after receiving Covid vaccines are complaining of irregularities in their menstrual bleeding; some experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding, some bleeding before their periods were due or bleeding frequently, whereas some are complaining of postmenopausal bleeding.”
Even very rare, serious adverse events involving full-body tremors seem to be afflicting women at a much higher rate compared to men, as can be seen in the eye-opening interview below.
So, why are Covid vaccines harming more women than men? Experts say females have a stronger immune response – helping to protect them against COVID-19 itself, but making them more likely to suffer worse side effects from Covid vaccinations. This being the case, wouldn’t it make sense to tailor vaccine dosages for women to accommodate for their smaller size and stronger immune response? How many women need to experience avoidable harm, before men in power realize that one-size-fits-all vaccines do not serve all members of society equitably?
