The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, medical experts are addressing concerns regarding rare side effects associated with vaccines, while emphasizing the overall benefits they provide in preventing severe illness.
Dr. MV Padma Srivastava, Chairperson of Neurology at Paras Hospitals, Gurugram, and a former Head of the Department of Neurology at AIIMS, acknowledged that while side effects from vaccines do occur, the percentage is “very low” compared to the vast majority of people they protect from major illnesses.
“We do see side effects, but the percentage is small compared to the large percentage they actually help in preventing the most major illness,” Dr. Srivastava said, referring to recent reports suggesting that the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, known as Covishield in India, can, in very rare cases, cause Thrombosis Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS), a condition characterized by blood clots.
However, Dr. Srivastava emphasized that vaccines have been a crucial tool in protecting against various viral infections throughout history, and the occurrence of side effects is a known phenomenon that requires ongoing research and understanding.
“Vaccines have been there with us ever since we were born, and they are protecting against some extremely bad viral infections. Some spin-offs like viruses cause fevers. We do see that, but the percentage is so small compared to the large percentage they actually help in preventing the most major illness,” she explained.
Dr. Sanjay K Rai, Professor at the Centre for Community Medicine, AIIMS Delhi, echoed similar sentiments, stating that while side effects of different types are possible with any drug, the probability of risk is low, especially since the COVID-19 vaccines have been administered for over two years.
“Of any drugs, there are side effects of different types. In some cases, clotting mechanisms get disturbed, in some platelets get decreased. In some cases, clotting happens, and in some, it does not. They are very rare side effects,” Dr. Rai said.
Both experts cited an Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) study that found no significant link between COVID-19 vaccines and adverse events such as heart attacks and strokes in India.
As the global scientific community continues to monitor and research the potential side effects of COVID-19 vaccines, medical professionals emphasize the importance of weighing the risks against the substantial benefits these vaccines provide in protecting individuals and communities from the devastating impacts of the virus.
