Women are more likely than men to report COVID-19 vaccine side effects and to have severe reactions to the vaccines, according to recent data. A Norway study shows most vaccine side effects (80%) were reported by women, even though just over 60% of those women had been vaccinated. In the U.S., CDC data mirrors Norway’s statistics.
Researchers say biological differences, such as hormones and an extra X chromosome in females, may play a part. Women have stronger antibody responses and an extra X chromosome which helps eradicate genetic diseases. In addition, scientists think female hormones may affect how the body handles infections. Males have only one X chromosome, and although it is still unknown whether or not male testosterone plays a part in warding off infections, statistics show that more men die of COVID-19 than women.
Data on severe reactions shows that all 19 people who experienced anaphylactic reactions after the Moderna vaccine were women, and women comprised 44 of the 47 individuals who experienced an anaphylactic reaction after the Pfizer vaccine. According to Science Norway, a press release from the European Medicines Agency said, “Most of the people who developed a rare blood clot problem after the AstraZeneca vaccine were women under the age of 60.”
SOURCE: Sciencenorway.no April 25, 2021