Is that all? Here’s how likely you are to have a ‘bad reaction’ to the vaccine

For the vaccine-hesitant amongst us, we understand that you may be concerned about the severity of your side effects, should you choose to get a COVID-19 jab. But, there’s something very important for you to know – and it’s the fact that ‘adverse reactions’ to these shots are extremely unlikely.

What are the chances of falling ill from the vaccine?

Department Head at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Hannelie Meyer, has revealed findings made by South African health professionals. From over nine million people receiving a vaccine so far, only 2 000 have reported ‘moderate to severe reactions’. That’s a meagre chance of 0.02% – or one in 5 000 – that you’ll fall ill from the jabs.

#CovidVaccine | Meyer reiterates findings that only 0.02% adverse events have been reported (i.e. about 2000 cases in over 9million vaccines administered).

Despite allaying fees, Meyer advises to seek medical assistance if you experience concerning symptoms. pic.twitter.com/oBkWii0ojI

— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) August 18, 2021

Unvaccinated suffer much more than the vaccinated

Don’t get it twisted, there is still a *possibility* that the vaccine can make you ill. But it’s nothing – absolutely bloody nothing – in comparison to your chances of getting significantly ill as an unvaccinated person catching COVID-19…

Let’s take a quick look at a recent case study from Indiana, USA, where we can already see the difference between the jabbed and the non-jabbed. State Health Commissioner Dr Kris Box and Chief Medical Officer Dr Lindsay Weaver have been able to break down the data, comparing infection and death rates in the two sub-groups.

“Your chances of getting infected with COVID-19 if you are vaccinated is 1 in 892. Your chances of getting infected with COVID-19 if you are not vaccinated is 1 in 14. The chances of being hospitalized with COVID-19 if you are vaccinated is 1 in 18 795. Your chances of being hospitalized with COVID-19 if you are not vaccinated is 1 in 237.”

Vaccine reaction and side effects: What else has a 0.02% chance of happening?

Still not convinced? That’s fine, because we get to play our favourite game: It’s the ‘what is as likely’ challenge! If you still think the one in 5 000 chance of getting ill from the vaccine is too high, have this little dose of perspective on us.

What else has a 0.02% chance of happening?

• Elvis Pressley being found alive.
• Barack Obama playing cricket for England.
• The Loch Ness Monster being found.
• Flipping a coin 12 times, and getting heads 12 times in a row. Go on. Try it…
• Christmas being the ‘warmest day of the year’ in the UK. Now that’s outrageous. And yet. There’s a 0.02% chance.
• The devoutly religious Kanye West naming his next child ‘Sinner’, alongside his other child Saint.