- Higher risk of adverse events found in female adolescents and those with allergy history.
- Nearly a third of study participants reported adverse events after receiving Covaxin.
- Persistent side effects include skin disorders, nervous system disorders, and general disorders.
What did the study uncover about Covaxin’s side effects?
A recent study has identified significant adverse events in some participants who received Covaxin, Bharat Biotech’s Covid-19 vaccine. Conducted by researchers led by Sankha Shubhra Chakrabarti at Banaras Hindu University, the study was published on SpringerLink and has revealed notable findings about the vaccine’s side effects.
Detailed Findings and Persistent Side Effects
The observational study involved 1,024 participants, including 635 adolescents and 291 adults, who were followed up for one year. It was found that nearly a third of these participants experienced adverse events of special interest (AESI). These included:
- Adolescents: Common AESIs were viral upper respiratory tract infections (47.9%), new-onset skin and subcutaneous disorders (10.5%), general disorders (10.2%), and nervous system disorders (4.7%).
- Adults: Common AESIs were viral upper respiratory tract infections (42.6%), general disorders (8.9%), musculoskeletal disorders (5.8%), and nervous system disorders (5.5%).
Additionally, menstrual abnormalities were observed in 4.6% of female participants, and serious AESIs such as stroke and Guillain-Barre Syndrome were identified in a small percentage of participants.
Who is at Higher Risk?
The study highlighted that adolescents, females, and individuals with a history of allergies or post-vaccination typhoid were at a higher risk of experiencing AESIs. Specifically, these groups had a 1.6 to 2.8 times higher risk of adverse events. Furthermore, the majority of these adverse events persisted even after one year, particularly in those with pre-existing comorbidities or a history of Covid-19 infection.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The findings suggest that the adverse events associated with Covaxin differ from those reported with other COVID-19 vaccines and vary between adolescents and adults. The study emphasizes the need for extended surveillance of vaccinated individuals to monitor the long-term effects and outcomes of these adverse events.
Researchers recommend focused monitoring for persistent AESIs, especially for those with pre-existing conditions or a history of Covid-19. Adults with comorbidities, in particular, should be vigilant about potential adverse events following vaccination.
In summary, while Covaxin continues to play a crucial role in the fight against Covid-19, this study underscores the importance of monitoring and addressing the side effects to ensure the safety and well-being of all recipients.
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