19 deaths till Feb 4 not linked to Covid-19 vaccination : Govt

CHOUBEY ALSO INFORMED THAT THERE IS NO PROVISION OF INSURANCE FOR RECIPIENTS OF COVID-19 VACCINE AGAINST ANY KIND OF SIDE EFFECTS

NEW DELHI: Twenty-five hospitalisations, which is 0.0005% of the total people who received vaccine jabs, and 19 deaths not causally related to the vaccination presently have been reported till February 4, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Tuesday. The nationwide Covid-19 vaccination drive began from January 16.

Two vaccines -- Covishield, manufactured by Serum Institute of India, and Covaxin by Bharat Biotech -- have been granted permission for restricted use in emergency situation by the national regulator, said minister of state for health Ashwini Choubey said in a written reply.

Asked whether there was any report of serious side effect after vaccination, he said, “A total of 25 hospitalizations i.e. 0.0005 per cent of total beneficiaries administered the first dose and 19 deaths i.e. 0.0004 per cent of total vaccinations till February 4, 2021, not causally related to vaccination presently, have also been reported.” On Adverse Effects Following Immunisation (AEFI) arising from the use of Covaxin and Covishield, Choubey said till February 4 total 81 AEFIs, which is 0.096 per cent of the total beneficiaries who have been administered Covaxin, have been reported. For Covishield vaccine, the total number of AEFI stands at 8,402 which is 0.192 per cent of total beneficiaries vaccinated, the minister said.

Most of these are minor AEFIs like anxiety, vertigo, giddiness, dizziness, fever, pain, rashes, and headache which are selflimiting and all people have recovered.

Choubey also informed that there is no provision of insurance for recipients of Covid-19 vaccine against any kind of side effects or medical complications that may arise due to the inoculation.

The Covid-19 vaccination is entirely voluntary for the beneficiary, the minister said in response to a question on whether those administered/to be administered with the vaccines are insured against any kind of side effects or medical complications that may arise due to inoculation.