Could some vaccine side-effects be a nocebo?

Tuesday, 18 May 2021 07:17

Following recent figures showing the level of those suffering vaccine side-effects, some studies suggest it could be a ‘nocebo’ effect.

While no-one doubts some people do have side-effects, research by Pfizer show some people have reported feeling ill after the injection – but they had been given a harmless saline solution.

This is a negative placebo effect – or ‘nocebo’.

The regulator, Swissmedic, says its aware of the phenomenon. Those suffering from a nocebo effect are far less specific on how they feel – and just say a headache or tiredness.

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