Adverse Side Effects Reported in People in India Who Took Bharat Biotech’s Covid-19 Vaccine: Study
The news of adverse side effects reported by people in India who took Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin vaccine has raised concerns about the safety of the Covid-19 inoculation. According to a report by The Economic Times, nearly a third of participants in an observational study on the side effects of Covaxin experienced adverse events of special interest (AESI).
The study, published on SpringerLink, found that female adolescents and individuals with a history of allergy were at a higher risk of AESI after receiving the vaccine. Among the participants, viral upper respiratory tract infections were the most commonly reported side effect, with new-onset skin and subcutaneous disorders, general disorders, and nervous system disorders also being prevalent.
Menstrual abnormalities, ocular abnormalities, and hypothyroidism were observed in a small percentage of female participants, while serious AESIs such as stroke and Guillain-Barre Syndrome were identified in a very low percentage of individuals. The study also noted that adverse events persisted in the majority of participants at the one-year follow-up, with certain groups having higher odds of persistent AESIs.
In response to the report, Bharat Biotech emphasized the safety of Covaxin, stating that the vaccine was developed with a focus on safety first, followed by efficacy. The company highlighted the extensive evaluation process the vaccine underwent before being licensed for use in India.
This news comes in the wake of AstraZeneca’s admission that its vaccine could cause rare cases of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome. The AstraZeneca vaccine, known as Covishield in India, was manufactured by the Serum Institute of India.
As concerns about vaccine safety continue to grow, researchers are recommending extended surveillance of vaccinated individuals to monitor and understand the course and outcomes of adverse events. It remains to be seen how this new information will impact the ongoing vaccination efforts in India and around the world.