Covaxin Alert: One-Third Report Adverse Effects in BHU Study, Experts Urge Caution

A BHU study found that nearly one-third of Covaxin recipients reported adverse events, including serious conditions like stroke and Guillain-Barre syndrome. Experts stress the importance of balancing these risks with the vaccine’s significant benefits in preventing severe COVID-19 complications.

Recent research by Banaras Hindu University (BHU) highlights potential adverse events associated with Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin. The study, conducted from January 2022 to August 2023, followed 926 participants and found that nearly one-third experienced adverse events of special interest (AESI).

Key Findings:

• Adolescents: New-onset skin disorders (10.5%), general disorders (10.2%), nervous system disorders (4.7%).
• Adults: General disorders (8.9%), musculoskeletal disorders (5.8%), nervous system disorders (5.5%).
• Serious AESI: Around 1% reported serious conditions like stroke and Guillain-Barre syndrome.

Guillain-Barre syndrome is an autoimmune disorder causing nerve weakness, while ischemic strokes occur due to reduced blood supply to the brain.

Long-term Side Effects:

The study published in the Journal of Springer Nature noted that nearly 50% of participants reported infections, mainly viral upper respiratory tract infections, during the follow-up period.

Expert Insights:

Dr. Vanita Arora from Apollo Hospital stresses the importance of monitoring and understanding the long-term effects of vaccines while maintaining perspective on their benefits. Dr. Arunesh Kumar from Paras Health emphasizes that the benefits of vaccination, such as preventing severe COVID-19 complications, far outweigh the risks.

Specific Concerns:

• Stroke: Patients with cardiovascular risk factors should be cautious and maintain regular health check-ups.
• Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS): Early symptoms like tingling and muscle weakness should prompt immediate medical attention.

While the study indicates significant AESI occurrences, experts agree that Covaxin’s benefits in preventing severe COVID-19 outweigh the risks. Individuals with pre-existing health conditions should remain vigilant and consult healthcare providers if unusual symptoms appear.