Benefits of COVID vaccine outweigh risks, say experts

70,102 adverse reactions, 1,013 deaths reported so far: Centre

The benefits of COVID-19 vaccine outweigh its known adverse reactions, and the recent reports on Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI) should not discourage anyone from taking the shots, doctors said.

The suggestion comes after the Union Health Ministry in its response in the Lok Sabha recently said that as of January 30, 2022, a total of 70,102 cases (Covishield - 63,315 , Covaxin - 6,757 and Sputnik - 30) of AEFI and 1,013 cases of death (Covishield - 921, Covaxin - 92, and Sputnik ‘Nil’) were reported.

Vaccination is the safest way to prevent severe COVID-19 infection, said Dr. Chandrasekhar Singha, Paediatric Critical Care. He added that adverse events following vaccination could be a mild reaction like mild fever, body ache, headache. Reports of adverse events following vaccination, including deaths, do not necessarily mean that a vaccine caused a health problem. “Vaccinated patients may die because of associated health related problems (associated lung problem, heart problem which was undiagnosed),” he added.