New research may fuel debate of risks and benefits of COVID-19 vaccine

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A new study published this month found possible links between the COVID-19 vaccine and health conditions.

The research is the largest study of its kind linking the shot to slight increases in neurological, blood and heart-related conditions.

But some experts stress getting COVID far outweighs the risks of getting vaccinated.

“It's important to understand that last year COVID was the leading cause of death amongst children from a disease caused by an infection. So it's critically important that children get vaccinated against COVID,” said Dr. Michelle Fiscus a Chief Medical Officer leading a CDC-funded project to improve COVID-19 vaccination rates in children.

However, this latest study may fuel the debate of risks and benefits of vaccines.

“I understand there has been a lot of and misinformation on social media and sometimes even from people who look like me who are physicians,” said Dr. Fiscus.

“But as a mom and as a pediatrician, I will tell you that these vaccines that we give children are the most tested of any medications that we use for children. COVID vaccines are the most highly tested amongst any vaccines that we've ever had. And it's critically important that we protect our children from the suffering that these diseases can cause.”