Side Effects of Covaxin and Covishield Vaccines Post-Rollout in India

India's vaccination drive, a massive effort involving multiple vaccines, has seen the rollout of Covaxin and Covishield. These vaccines have been at the forefront of the nation's fight against the coronavirus, yet concerns about their side effects persist. In this article, we will explore the common and rare side effects of Covaxin and Covishield vaccines as reported post-rollout.

Covaxin Side Effects

I took both shots of Covaxin, and I didn't experience any significant side effects except for mild pain at the vaccination site for two to three days. This vaccine, developed by Bharat Biotech, has generally been well-tolerated by the population in India, with only minor discomfort reported.

Besides the occasional pain at the injection site, which is a common side effect of many vaccines, there have been very rare adverse reactions with Covaxin. These include muscle aches, headaches, and skin rashes, but these effects are typically mild and temporary.

Another positive note is that after the vaccination, there have been very rare cases of anaphylaxis and myelitis. These severe reactions are extremely rare, further underlining the vaccine's safety.

Covishield Side Effects

Covishield, also known as AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine, is another widely used vaccine in India. According to the reports from the vaccination centers, the common side effects observed include pain at the site of injection, fever, and muscle aches. These effects are generally manageable and subside within a few days.

Headaches, which are also a common side effect of several vaccines, have been reported. Some individuals have experienced skin rashes, but these cases are rare. The infrequency of these adverse reactions makes the vaccine even more reassuring for those considering getting vaccinated.

General Observations and Safety Measure

About seven million people have been vaccinated with these two vaccines. The majority of those vaccinated have reported no serious side effects. While four individuals did pass away shortly after vaccination, an independent review has concluded that the cause of death was unrelated to the vaccine. This reinforces the safety and efficacy of the vaccines in preventing severe illness.

It's important to note that the government and health authorities continue to monitor the vaccine's performance and safety via the National Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring system. This system ensures that any potential side effects are promptly identified and addressed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the common side effects of Covaxin and Covishield are generally mild and manageable, the risk of serious adverse reactions is low. The vaccines have proven to be safe and effective, providing a shield against serious illness and hospitalization due to COVID-19.

Visitors to this page are encouraged to consult official health authorities and trusted medical professionals if they have any concerns about the side effects of these vaccines. The goal of this article is to provide accurate and up-to-date information about the side effects of Covaxin and Covishield, helping to dispel myths and foster trust in the vaccination program.