In a recent development that stirred significant concern across India, Covishield, the vaccine produced by AstraZeneca, was rumoured to pose health risks to its recipients. This news spread rapidly on social media, creating a wave of anxiety among the public. However, top health experts and former ICMR scientists have come forward to reassure that Covishield recipients are indeed safe, and there is no need for panic.
The conversation around the safety of Covishield intensified when misleading statistics were circulated online. Contrary to these claims, the former ICMR scientist, Dr. Raman Gangakhedkar, clarified that the risk associated with Covishield is minimal. Out of every million people vaccinated, only 7 to 8 might experience severe side effects like heart attacks or blood clots, primarily just after the first dose. The risks decrease significantly after subsequent doses.
Nearly 90% of the vaccinated population in India received Covishield, yet adverse effects were exceedingly rare and generally mild, manageable with standard medical treatment. Additionally, concerns have dissipated over time, with no significant side effects reported after two and a half years.
The recent news cycle has also included reports from the UK which caused initial alarm; however, Dr. Gangakhedkar has refuted these concerns, emphasizing that any side effects are temporary and decrease over time. He assured the public that India remains safe from COVID-19 and reiterated that introducing a new vaccine is unnecessary at this point.