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(Certain adverse events are an expected outcome of COVID-19 vaccination and the sites are equipped to monitor and treat people post jab, the health ministry had said.)
With an escalation in immunisation sites, the number of vaccination on Thursday, 4 March, was reported to be close to 11 lakh.
Around 10,93,954 people including healthcare workers, frontline workers, senior citizens and those above 45 years with specified comorbid conditions received jabs in a day pushing the cumulative tally of vaccination over 1.77 crore, informed the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
So, what should you expect after you receive COVID-19 vaccination? How should you deal with an adverse reaction? Here’s all you need to know.
What happens post-vaccination?
Once you are inoculated with the COVID-19 vaccine – Covaxin or Covishield – you are taken into the observation room at the site.
Here, your general parameters are monitored for 30 minutes for a possible Adverse Event Following Immunisation (AEFI) before you are allowed to leave the site of vaccination.
What is adverse event following immunisation (AEFI)?
An adverse event following immunisation (AEFI) is any untoward medical occurrence, which follows immunisation, and which does not necessarily have a causal relationship with the usage of the vaccine, explains the guidelines released by the Ministry of Health.
The adverse event may be any unfavourable or unintended disease, symptom, sign or abnormal laboratory finding, the advisory added.
What symptoms are classified AEFI?
Minor AEFI: Common and self limiting reactions, for example, pain, swelling at site of injection, fever, irritability, tiredness, dizziness, and nausea.
Severe AEFI: Can be disabling and rarely life threatening. These do not lead to long-term problems. Eg: High fever (>102 degree F), anaphylaxis (allergic reaction).
Serious AEFI: Those reactions that requires inpatient hospitalisation, causes significant disability
So, what are the side-effects expected for Covaxin and Covishield?
For Covishield, the fact sheet says some mild adverse events can happen following immunisation:
According to the Centre’s fact sheet, these are the common adverse events after administering Covaxin.
Bharat Biotech has claimed that no serious adverse event has been reported in Phase 1 and 2.
Are there certain people who should not take Covaxin?
Bharat Biotech's fact sheet says those with a history of allergies, who have fever, those who have a bleeding disorder or are on a blood thinner, those pregnant or breastfeeding, and those with any other serious health-related issues must not be injected with Covaxin.
What happens if I develop adverse symptoms at the site of vaccination?
Is everyone who is vaccinated in India experiencing side effects?
Not at all. However, it is common to experience some minor side effects.
The Centre on Monday said that 580 recipients across India suffered AEFI over the first three days of the COVID-19 vaccination drive, seven required hospitalisation.
A 46-year-old ward boy at a district hospital in UP’s Moradabad died a day after he had received a jab of Covishield on 16 January. After getting vaccinated, he developed breathlessness and uneasiness, especially in the chest, read the report. However, the the post-mortem report revealed the immediate cause of death as “cardiogenic shock/septicemic shock” due to “cardio-pulmonary disease.”
Are there any specific precautions I should take?
The government has not released guidelines for post-vaccine precautions. While some people may feel fit enough to continue with their day regularly, others may feel the need to take a lighter day.
Do consult your physician regarding this.
However, it is important to note that you have to continue to wear masks even after getting vaccinated.
What should I do if I develop adverse effects a couple of days later?
Will you be given the second jab if you develop adverse effects after the first one?
You will be given the second jab if you develop minor adverse effects. However, if someone develops serious adverse effects, then the second jab will not be given, the government has said in the guidelines released a day before vaccination.
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