Dr. Raman Gangakhedkar, a former scientist at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), said that a very small number of people would possibly be in danger from the COVID-19 vaccine, Covishield.
Gangakhedkar spoke to News18 on Wednesday amid concerns about the rare side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Only seven to eight out of 10 lakh people who receive the Covishield vaccine are at risk of experiencing a rare side effect called thrombocytopenia thrombosis syndrome (TTS), Gangakhedkar told News18.
“The threat is greater when the first dose is received, decreases with the second dose and is less with the third dose,” said the epidemiologist quoted through News18.
The scientist also said that side effects would likely appear in the first two to three months. He added that, given the positive effect of this vaccine on millions of recipients, the associated risk is minimal.
Recently, AstraZeneca, the pharmaceutical giant that developed the vaccine in partnership with the University of Oxford, admitted in court documents in the United Kingdom that its COVID-19 vaccine could cause a rare side effect known as thrombosis syndrome with thrombocytopenia (TTS).
However, the company has reaffirmed its commitment to patient protection in a lawsuit in the UK.
TTS is characterized by blood clots (thrombosis) related to low levels of platelets (thrombocytopenia), which serve to clot the blood.
Read also: Thrombocytopenia and thrombosis syndrome: symptoms of TTS. Explanation of the rare effect of the AstraZeneca Covid vaccine
In India, the vaccine is produced through the Serum Institute of India (SII), the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer.
Also read: AstraZeneca’s Covid vaccine can “TTS in very rare cases”: what is it?
“Our solidarity is with anyone who has lost a loved one or reported health problems. Patience is our most sensible priority and the regulatory government has transparent and strict criteria to ensure the use of all medicines, including vaccines,” AstraZeneca said. the spokesman said in a statement.
Meanwhile, amid the dispute, the Samajwadi claimed that the BJP had collected a “commission” from the manufacturer of the COVID-19 vaccine.
In addition, the RJD accused the Center of administering the “wrong” vaccine to the country’s population.
Also read: ‘My deepest condolences to. . . ‘: AstraZeneca reaffirms protection of the Covishield and Vaxzevria vaccines in the face of blood clot fears
Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj also said the Center is working urgently to deal with the alleged side effects.
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