The emergency use authorization of the first 2 messenger RNA COVID-19 vaccines in the US has given rise to a fascinating study of otolaryngological medical and social influence issues. As of May 1, 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in more than 151 million cases and 3.2 million deaths worldwide. In the US, these statistics include 32.4 million cases (9757 per 100 000 population) and 576 000 deaths (173 per 100 000 population). The cold sterility of numbers is difficult to put into context. Likewise, when Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna revealed cases of Bell palsy in their vaccine trials, concerns grew regarding the potential of the vaccines to cause Bell palsy. Numbers thrown out to either demonstrate or refute safety are likewise difficult for the public to contextualize. Epidemiologically, linking the vaccine with an adverse event requires accurate estimation of event incidence in association with the vaccine, comparison with a nonvaccinated group, and understanding of the background incidence.
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