Covishield Side Effects: Evaluating Concerns for Vaccine Recipients

The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed the lives of millions worldwide. In an effort to combat COVID-19, governments across the globe have rushed to roll out vaccination programs. Many countries have procured vaccines to protect their citizens from the virus. Among the companies developing COVID-19 vaccines, AstraZeneca stands out. AstraZeneca produced the Covishield vaccine, which has been deployed in several countries. However, AstraZeneca has acknowledged the possibility of some side effects associated with its vaccine. The company has indicated a potential risk of blood clotting. Notably, in India alone, approximately 1.70 billion doses of Covishield have been administered.

Risk in Europe Versus India:
In Europe, concerns about adverse effects following vaccination were raised after the European Medicines Agency reported cases of blood clotting in individuals who had received the AstraZeneca vaccine. At one point, the risk was estimated at one in a hundred thousand in European countries. Similar concerns were raised in India, prompting close monitoring, but the benefits of vaccination far outweighed any potential risks.

Duration of Post-Vaccination Symptoms:
Following the rollout of any vaccine, monitoring for Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) is standard practice. The Indian government has maintained a vigilant monitoring system since the initiation of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign. Immediate adverse effects or symptoms may manifest soon after vaccination or within one to two months thereafter. The incidence of AEFI in India post-vaccination stands at a negligible 0.007%, indicating no cause for significant concern.

Minimal Complications Reported in India:
In response to reported complications following vaccination, the Indian government established an AEFI portal and committee. The committee’s most recent report, issued in May 2022, addressed complaints of adverse events associated with various COVID-19 vaccines, not limited to Covishield. While some individuals experienced adverse effects, the overall incidence remains low.

Understanding Blood Clotting:
Thrombosis, or blood clotting, poses a risk in various parts of the body, including veins, arteries, and the heart. Lifestyle modifications can help prevent thrombosis, which increases the likelihood of heart attacks, strokes, and platelet depletion.

Possible Side Effects of Covishield:
Common side effects reported after Covishield vaccination include dizziness, changes in heart rate, breathing difficulties, injection site reactions, fever, nausea, limb pain, throat irritation, runny nose, cough, and tremors. While multiple side effects may occur simultaneously, they are typically transient and affect approximately one in ten vaccine recipients.

AstraZeneca’s Stance:
AstraZeneca acknowledges the potential occurrence of Vaccine-Induced Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) in rare cases. The company emphasizes that TTS can also occur independently of the vaccine. AstraZeneca has opted to legally support claims related to adverse effects, offering compensation to affected individuals and their families.