NEW DELHI: People who are immunosuppressed or who take drugs that affect the immune system are advised not to take anti-Covid vaccine Covaxin, a detailed fact sheet published by its manufacturer Bharat Biotech said.
Previously, the government had said that patients taking immunosuppressants or suffering from immunodeficiency he could take the vaccine although the response was expected to be less effective in such individuals. Cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, HIV-positive people, and those taking steroids are generally immunosuppressed. Although the risk of infection is higher in these patients, doctors also say that the effectiveness of vaccines is usually very low in these groups.
Bharat Biotech has advised people with bleeding disorders or taking blood thinners to avoid injection. In addition, people who are seriously ill, have a fever or have a history of allergy, in addition to pregnant or nursing mothers, were also advised not to take the vaccine. The fact sheet suggested that if any recipient developed symptoms of Covid-19, they should be recorded as an adverse event with RT-PCR test results as proof.
Doctors said the fact sheet could be in light of adverse events, most of them mild, reported across the country.
Tips intended to be precautionary: Biotech
Experts have said that although a vaccinated person can get Covid-19, the infection is likely to be mild. The company said the council intended to be precautionary. “There is a remote possibility that the Bharat Biotech Covid-19 (Covaxin) vaccine could cause a severe allergic reaction … it can occur very rarely,” the company said. He added that signs of a serious allergic reaction could include shortness of breath, swelling of the face and throat, rapid heartbeat, rashes all over the body, dizziness and weakness.
“Tell the vaccinator / officer about all your medical conditions, including: Are you taking regular medication for any illness? If so, for how long and for what condition, ”the fact sheet read.
A notice from the Ministry of Health to the states prior to the launch of the vaccination program on January 16 had listed a history of allergy, pregnancy and breastfeeding as contraindications. As interim measures, he had suggested delaying vaccination for 4 to 8 weeks after recovery among hospitalized or acutely unwell patients, along with those infected with Covid-19 and patients who had been treated with convalescent plasma.
The clinical efficacy of Covaxin has yet to be established and is still being studied in phase 3 trials. “Therefore, it was important to understand that receiving the vaccine does not mean that other precautions related to Covid-19 are not necessary,” he says. the fact sheet.
The government has purchased 55 lakh doses of Covaxin, which have been distributed among 12 states and UT.
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