In a landmark finding for global public health, the first long-term study into the safety of major COVID-19 vaccines has delivered overwhelmingly positive news. Research spanning four years concludes that recipients of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines maintain a significantly lower risk of dying from the virus, with no emerging long-term safety concerns identified.
Unprecedented Data Reveals Sustained Protection
The groundbreaking analysis was conducted by the French epidemiological research group EPI-PHARE. It stands as the first study to compare long-term mortality risks based on COVID-19 vaccination status, moving beyond the short-term assessments that were common earlier in the pandemic.
Researchers examined nationwide data from France, covering an immense cohort of 22.7 million vaccinated individuals and 5.9 million unvaccinated people, all aged between 18 and 59. This vast dataset provided the statistical power needed for robust, long-term conclusions.
The core finding is striking: even four years after vaccination, those who received either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine had a 74 per cent lower risk of dying from COVID-19 compared to their unvaccinated peers. This substantial protective effect held true even after scientists adjusted for various influencing factors such as age, socioeconomic status, and pre-existing health conditions.
Broader Benefits and Research Conclusions
Perhaps even more compelling for the ongoing discussion around vaccine safety, the study uncovered a broader benefit. The data indicated that vaccinated individuals experienced a 25 per cent lower risk of death from any cause during the study period. While researchers noted this could be influenced by unmeasured 'healthy vaccinee' factors, it strongly contradicts theories of widespread vaccine-induced mortality.
The authors of the study were clear in their interpretation. They stated the results suggest the mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna are safe in the long term. "The analysis by cause of death reflects the long-term effectiveness of vaccination on the risk of death from COVID-19, and more broadly on the risk of developing a severe, hospitalised form of COVID-19," the research team concluded.
What This Means for Australia
For Australians, this research provides powerful, evidence-based reassurance. Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines were widely used throughout the country's national rollout. These findings directly address concerns about potential unknown long-term effects, offering concrete data that supports the vaccines' sustained safety and efficacy profile.
The study, published in early December 2025, adds a critical piece to the scientific understanding of COVID-19 vaccines. It reinforces the foundational public health message that vaccination remains one of the most effective tools for preventing severe outcomes and death from the virus, even years after the initial doses were administered.
