North Shore Medical Center Chief: 'This Vaccine Is Very Safe'

SALEM, MA —North Shore Medical Center President David Roberts advocated for the safety of coronavirus vaccines after taking the shot himself this week.

The NSMC released the photo along with a statement from Roberts in which he touted the effectiveness and a limited chance of adverse side effects of the vaccines.

"There is no question in my mind that the risk of the disease is much higher than the risk of the vaccine," he said.

Roberts said he was "excited" to get the first dose this week.

"This is a big day for me personally as well as for my family," he said, "knowing that we're on our way to being safe."

He called the vaccine "very safe" and noted there there "no shortcuts taken" in safety trials. He said that out of 2.1 million people who received the vaccine in the country through that point, only 11 had significant allergic reactions "which speaks to how safe it is."

He added that all 11 who had reactions have since recovered.

The state began vaccinating front line health care workers last month and last week moved on to staff and residents at long-term care and senior housing facilities.

Starting next week, first responders will be eligible to receive the vaccine either at Peabody High School or the Marblehead Council on Aging.

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