Bharat Biotech and Serum Institute of India (SII) rolled out two vaccines, Covaxin and Covishield, which was distributed to the frontline workers during the last few days.
However, not everything has been sailing as smoothly as a kite. Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin was being distributed in a restricted manner as it had not yet cleared the third and final trial needed for approval but was given the nod for emergency use by the Drug Controller General of India. Later, Bharat Biotech released a press release where it briefed about the usage and qualification needed to get the jab.
As of 5 pm Monday, 3.81 lakh people had been vaccinated against Covid-19, and there have been 580 adverse events. Two people reportedly died after being inoculated, incidents the Union Health Ministry said were not linked with vaccination.
Both Covaxin and Covishield come with certain restrictions.
Here is what everything you need to know
Covaxin-
Bharat Biotech said it was not advisable to take Covaxin in any of the following conditions:
- Have any allergies
- Have fever
- Have a bleeding disorder or are on a blood thinner
- Are immunocompromised or are on a 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
The side effects that have been reported with the Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin vaccine include:
- Injection site pain
- Injection site swelling
- Injection site redness
- Injection site itching
- Stiffness in the upper arm
- Weakness in injection arm
- Body ache
- Headache
- Fever
- Malaise
- Weakness
- Rashes
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Covishield-
Serum Institute says Covishield “may not protect everyone”. Those who are receiving the shot must disclose to their vaccinators the following:
- If you have ever had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) after any drug, food, any vaccine or any ingredients (see below) of Covishield vaccine
- If you have a fever
- If you have a bleeding disorder or are on a blood thinner
- If you are immunocompromised or are on a medicine that affects your immune system
- If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
- If you are breastfeeding
The very common side effects include:
- Tenderness, pain, warmth, redness, itching, swelling or bruising
- Fatigue
- Chills or feeling feverish
- Headache
- Nausea
- Joint pain or muscle ache
Common side effects:
- A lump at the injection site
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Flu-like symptoms, such as high temperature, sore throat, runny nose, cough and chills
Uncommon side effects:
- Feeling dizzy
- Decreased appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Excessive sweating, itchy skin or rash
