Question:

Do the COVID-19 vaccines cause memory loss?

Answer from James Lawler, MD, infectious diseases expert:

The two mRNA vaccines used in the U.S. (Pfizer, BioNTech and Moderna) have undergone multiple clinical trials involving thousands of participants before and after Food and Drug Administration approval. Additionally, over 1.4 billion doses of these vaccines have been administered in Canada, Europe and the U.S. since 2020.  
 
It's tough to prove or disprove whether individual health events are a consequence of an adverse reaction from a vaccine. No studies to date have indicated an increased risk of neurological disorders or memory loss from the COVID-19 vaccines. While it's doubtful that memory loss or other cognitive problems would be a side-effect, we do have convincing data that documents neuropsychiatric complications associated with a COVID-19 diagnosis, including a high incidence of memory and concentration problems in people with long COVID-19.