What are the Covid19 Vaccines Side-Effects and Who Should Avoid Getting Covaxin According To Bharat Biotech
World’s largest inoculation drive was inaugurated by Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi on 16th of January 2021, in which 3 lakh health workers and frontline workers who are “most prioritized beneficiaries” were given first doses of Vaccine. But after that few side effects or allergies were also witnessed on a few people which was indeed not a good indicator.
Few people who are supposed to get vaccinated against the virus in the future were in the case of sheer dilemma whether to go for Vaccine or not, by looking at the conditions of a handful of people who had faced some serious side effects of Vaccine. Taking the grave situation of rising concern amongst people regarding Covaxin,
Serum Institute of India Ltd. and Bharat Biotech International Ltd. released few guidelines through issuing the factsheet on 19th of January, referring to those who shouldn’t take the COVAXIN.
What were the suggestions according to factsheet realised on Bharat Bio-Tech company’s website?
In the issued guidelines through factsheet, a few suggestions were made to people such as,
1. First of all those who are going to take Vaccines must consult with their vaccine provider and in case if they feel any problem they must avoid getting doses of Covaxin.
2. Those who were receiving a medicine affecting their immune system or (simply immunocompromised) breastfeeding or pregnant women etc. were advised not to get vaccinated as it could create some serious problems to their neo normal too.
3. It was also advised that people who are taking doses of other Vaccine are strictly advised to not take Covaxin. And it was a personal choice of a person to take COVAXIN, manufactured by Bharat Biotech COVID-19 Vaccine.
In the issued fact sheet on its a respective website of Company it also said, people who are suffering from any kind of bleeding disorder, minor fever, some allergies like rashes on the body, dizziness and wellness etc. should consult the doctor or Vaccine provider before taking the doses of Vaccine.
A fact sheet provided by the company which includes few guidelines read as, “Individuals who are prioritised under the public health program of the ministry of health and family welfare, will be covered under this endeavour. Informing the individuals about the offer for a vaccination with Covaxin will rest with the respective government program officials. Those offered Covaxin at pre-specified booths will have the options to receive or reject administration of the vaccine,”
The sheet further said, “Tell the vaccination officer about all your medical conditions, including Are you on regular medication or any illness? If yes, for how long and for which condition,” requesting people to disclose their allergies or health problems before getting Vaccinated with Bharat Biotech’s Vaccines called COVAXIN.
“You should not get Bharat Biotech’s Covid-19 vaccine Covaxin if you have any history of allergies. Have a high fever. Have a bleeding disorder or are a blood thinner. Immune compromised or are medicine that affects your immune system. Are pregnant. Are breastfeeding. Have received another Covid-19 vaccine. Any other serious health-related issues, as determined by the vaccinator/officer supervising vaccination,”
After the second doses of Vaccine, all the beneficiaries will be followed up to three months was also mentioned in the fact sheet.
What are the side effects/ risks of Covaxin according to the fact sheet?
According to the company’s fact sheet, some major side effects which are noticed in the various beneficiaries of the Covaxin manufactured by Bharat Biotech COVID-19 Vaccine (COVAXIN) include,
1. Injection site pain
2. Injection site swelling
3. Injection site redness
4. Injection site itching
5. Stiffness in the upper arm
6. Weakness in injection arm
7. Body ache
8. Headache
9. Fever
10. Malaise
11. Weakness
12. Rashes
13. Nausea
14. Vomiting
What are different allergies which can be faced after taking the doses of COVAXIN?
According to a fact sheet issued by Bharat Biotech COVID-19 Vaccine (COVAXIN), may cause server allergies such as,
1. Difficulty in breathing
2. Swelling of face and throat
3. A fast heartbeat
4. Rashes all over the body
5. Dizziness and weakness.
It concluded by saying, “In case of any serious adverse events, vaccine recipients will be provided with a medically recognized standard of care in the government designated and authorised centres/hospital. The compensation for the serious adverse event will also be provided,”
It has suggested to all those people who, in case feel any kind of allergies or side effects which are mentioned above to contact the nearest health provider, Vaccinator, officer supervising the Vaccine or run to the nearest health care centre immediately. Pregnant and breast-feeding women are strictly not advised to go for COVAXIN manufactured by Bharat Biotech Company.
Content Credit – (COVAXIN Factsheet 1 – Bharat Biotech)
The fact is that the COVID19 vaccines were rushed into testing and production is due to an economic factor. If given the opportunity, I trust most health regulators would have prefered comprehensive and prolonged testing to ensure no side effects.
Most countries cannot afford to keep their economy under lockdown for too long, otherwise, businesses will go into closure and governments may even fall. Unfortunately, there is no other choice as well as without lockdowns in place, the number of new infections will only put tremendous stress on the public health frontliners. We have seen this surge over and overtime again.
However, with these rushed vaccines put into deployment on a grander scale and side effects only started to emerge, it may be prudent to hold back vaccination as far back as possible until more of the side effects have made known and drug companies have improved the vaccines to address these side effect.
In the meantime, we need to play our role to minimise cross-infection by wearing a mask whenever we are outside, always wash our hands and maintain social distancing whenever possible. No ifs and buts about it.