COVID-19 vaccine: Amid concerns over Covishield, India studies post-vaccination adverse events

His comments came in the context of the suspension of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 Covishield vaccine by some European countries over concerns that it could cause dangerous blood clots in some people. India has reported 234 adverse events following vaccination (AEFI), including 71 deaths, for both vaccines as of Friday, said Dr NK Arora, adviser to the national AEFI committee.

Antibodies induced by the COVID-19 vaccine less effective against certain coronavirus variants

Manufactured in India by the Serum Institute of India (SII), the Oxford vaccine is one of two vaccines currently in use in India, the other being Covaxin manufactured by the national company Bharat Biotech.

“Until Friday, 234 AEFI (adverse events after vaccination) (for both vaccines) including 71 deaths were reported. Initial district and state level investigations found no causal link with the vaccine and these events, ”Arora, an advisor to the National AEFI Committee, told reporters.

“The national AEFI is re-examining these cases for a final causation assessment,” he said. “No specific vaccine is being studied. We perform a detailed assessment of all serious adverse events, including deaths and hospitalizations following vaccination, to determine the causal aspect of the two vaccines – Covishield and Covaxin. If there is any concern, it will be passed on, ”said Dr Arora.

The WHO said on Friday there was no reason to stop using the vaccine as several countries have suspended use amid blood clotting concerns. The WHO Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety is currently reviewing the reports.