Association between vaccination with the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine and Bell's palsy: a population-based study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

An excess risk of Bell's palsy has been suggested after mRNA vaccines. We examined the association between the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine and Bell's palsy.

Methods

Using the database of the largest healthcare provider in Israel, we retrieved data from different periods in 2018-2021. Observed cases of Bell's palsy occurring within 21-days after the first vaccine dose and within 30-days after the second vaccine dose were compared to the expected cases, based on the experience of the population in 2019. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) and attributable risks (ARs) were computed.

Findings

Overall, 132 cases of Bell's palsy were reported in 2,594,990 vaccinees with the first dose, and 152 cases in 2,434,674 vaccinees after the second dose. The age and se

SUBMITTER: Shibli R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8566165 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature