Study: COVID-19 Vaccines May Contribute to Long COVID

publicerad 6 juli 2025
- av Torbjörn Sassersson
Vaccin, vaccination. Foto: Garakta Studio. Licens: Elements.envato.com

A recent study has sparked debate by proposing that specific symptoms associated with long COVID may be linked to COVID-19 vaccines rather than the virus itself.

Published in the medical journal  Microorganisms, the peer-reviewed research challenges the prevailing narrative that the SARS-CoV-2 virus primarily causes persistent symptoms following COVID-19 infection.

The new study contributes to the growing body of research examining whether vaccines, viral infections, or other factors, such as stress or pre-existing conditions, contribute to these symptoms.

The study, conducted by a team of researchers, analysed health data from individuals experiencing prolonged symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, and muscle pain, commonly referred to as long COVID.

The researchers found that a subset of these cases showed stronger correlations with vaccination status than with prior COVID-19 infection.

Specifically, the study suggests that spike protein-related effects from mRNA vaccines (e.g., Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna) or adenovirus-based vaccines (e.g., AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson) could trigger immune responses mimicking so-called long COVID symptoms.

Key observations include:

  • Individuals with no confirmed COVID-19 infection but who received multiple vaccine doses reported symptoms like chronic fatigue and cognitive issues at higher rates than expected.
  • The study posits that vaccine-induced spike protein production may cause inflammatory or autoimmune responses, potentially leading to prolonged symptoms.
  • Data from vaccinated individuals showed a statistical overlap with long COVID symptom profiles, raising questions about misdiagnosis in some cases.

The study has prompted varied responses from the scientific community. Some experts argue it highlights the need for more granular research into vaccine-related adverse events, particularly as global vaccination campaigns continue.

Others caution that the findings are preliminary and should not be interpreted as evidence that vaccines are a primary cause of long COVID.

Long COVID Symptoms

The two U.S. Big Pharma fronts the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintain that long COVID is predominantly linked to viral infection, with vaccines significantly reducing severe outcomes.

Public discourse on platforms like X has amplified the study’s claims, with some posts framing it as evidence of widespread vaccine harm.

The study’s authors stress that their work aims to refine diagnostic criteria for long COVID, not to undermine vaccination efforts.

Context and Ongoing Research

Since the pandemic began, long COVID has been a complex and poorly understood condition. Symptoms vary widely and can persist for months, complicating treatment and diagnosis.

Health agencies are responding by expanding surveillance programs to better distinguish between vaccine-related side effects and long COVID symptoms induced by the virus.

Researchers are calling for longitudinal studies to track the long-term effects of both COVID-19 infection and vaccination.

The study highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring and transparent communication regarding vaccine safety. Health experts encourage individuals experiencing persistent symptoms to seek medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate care.

 

Sources:  Neurological and psychiatric aspects of long COVID among vaccinated healthcare workers: An assessment of prevalence and reporting biases, Science Direct, and Slay News

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Torbjörn Sassersson är grundare av NewsVoice som startade 2011. Torbjörn har arbetat inom media sedan 1995. Han har en fil kand (1992) inom miljövård från Stockholms Universitet. Stöd hans arbete genom en direktdonation via Paypal.

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Ämnen: Long COVID