Indian studies point to Covishield’s benefits outweighing risk of side-effects: Should you still be worried?

While concerns regarding the safety of the Covishield vaccine have emerged recently, two Indian studies suggest its benefits may outweigh the risks.

Researchers from Assam Medical College Hospital, supported by an ICMR-recognised lab, conducted the study for a year. They found that 55% of Covishield recipients experienced only mild side effects like fever and headache within a week of the first dose. Importantly, the study reported no long-term adverse effects after the year ended.

A separate study by doctors from Kozhikode suggests the vaccine’s risks are minimal compared to its benefits. The findings are currently undergoing peer review for publication in a respected medical journal.

It’s important to note that this positive outlook comes amidst concerns about a rare blood clotting side effect called Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS). This potential side effect was acknowledged by the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca in a UK court case regarding their COVID-19 vaccine (marketed as Covishield in India, developed in collaboration with the University of Oxford).

These Indian studies offer encouraging data on Covishield’s safety profile. However, it’s crucial to stay informed about ongoing research and recommendations from health authorities.

This potential side effect was acknowledged by the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca in a UK court case (AP file)

Should you be worried?

According to Dr Varun Bansal, Consultant, Cardiology and Cardio Thoracic Surgery, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, it is evident that benefits of the Covishield vaccine in preventing severe COVID-19 disease and saving lives significantly outweigh the extremely low risk of rare adverse events like Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome or TTS.

“The study shows that TTS is an exceptionally rare occurrence, While any potential adverse reaction is understandably concerning for patients, we simply cannot disregard the remarkably positive impact this vaccine has had in drastically reducing COVID-19 hospitalizations, need for critical care, and ultimately preventing deaths,” Dr Bansal explained in an interaction with indianexpress.com. 

It’s crucial to note that in the rare instances where TTS has occurred, it typically manifests within the first four weeks post-vaccination and is identified early, Dr Bansal said, allowing for prompt medical intervention and management without long-term effects on the patient’s health.

“Patients should feel reassured that serious, life-threatening reactions to the Covishield vaccine are exceedingly uncommon. The vaccine has demonstrated itself to be a vital, highly effective tool in mitigating the tremendous public health risks and societal burden posed by the COVID-19 pandemic,” he added.

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