Understanding The Side Effects Of The Covid19 Vaccine Covishield: What You Need To Know

WRITTEN BY : BANSHRI KUBAVAT CLASS OF 2028

This blog is about navigating the potential side effects of the Covishield COVID-19 vaccine 

INTRODUCTION

As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, the development and distribution of effective vaccines have become a global priority. One of the vaccines that has played a significant role in this effort is Covishield, developed by the University of Oxford and AstraZeneca.

Covishield is a viral vector vaccine that has been approved for use in several countries, including India, where it has been widely administered as part of the national vaccination program. While the vaccine has proven to be highly effective in preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths from COVID-19, it is essential for individuals to understand the potential side effects associated with the Covishield vaccine.

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS OF COVISHIELD

The side effects reported with the Covishield vaccine are generally mild to moderate and typically resolve within a few days. The most common side effects include:

1. Pain at the injection site: Many individuals experience pain, swelling, or redness at the site where the vaccine was administered. This is a common response as the body’s immune system reacts to the vaccine.

2. Fatigue: Recipients of the Covishield vaccine may feel unusually tired or fatigued for a short period after receiving the shot.

3. Headache: Headaches are a fairly common side effect, with some individuals reporting mild to moderate headaches after the vaccination.

 4. Muscle pain: Muscle aches and pains, particularly in the arm where the vaccine was administered, have been reported by some individuals.

 5. Fever and chills: Some individuals may experience a mild fever or chills following the vaccination, which is a normal response as the body’s immune system is activated.

It is important to note that these side effects are typically mild and should not cause significant concern. They are a sign that the vaccine is working as intended, stimulating the immune system to build protection against the SARSCoV-2 virus.

RARE AND SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS

While the vast majority of individuals experience only mild side effects, there have been rare reports of more serious adverse reactions associated with the Covishield vaccine. These include:

1.       Blood clots

 In extremely rare cases, a condition known as vaccine induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) has been reported, which involves the formation of blood clots and low platelet counts. This condition is being closely monitored, and healthcare providers are taking appropriate measures to diagnose and treat it.

2. Allergic reactions

 As with any vaccine, there is a small risk of an allergic reaction, such as anaphylaxis. Healthcare providers are trained to monitor for and manage such reactions, and individuals with a history of severe allergies are advised to consult their healthcare provider before receiving the vaccine.

It is important to note that the benefits of the Covishield vaccine in protecting against the severe consequences of COVID-19 far outweigh the potential risks for the vast majority of individuals. Healthcare professionals and regulatory authorities continue to closely monitor the safety of the vaccine and take appropriate actions to ensure its safe and effective use.

EFFECTIVENESS OF THE COVISHIELD VACCINE

The Covishield vaccine has demonstrated a high level of efficacy in clinical trials and real-world settings. Studies have shown that the vaccine is effective in preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID19. Additionally, ongoing research is examining the vaccine’s effectiveness against new variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and the results so far have been promising.

GLOBAL ROLLOUT AND VACCINATION RATES

The Covishield vaccine has been a crucial component of the global COVID-19 vaccination effort. As of August 2023, the vaccine has been distributed to over 170 countries, with billions of doses administered worldwide. However, the global rollout has faced challenges, with disparities in vaccine access and distribution, particularly in developing countries.

Countries such as India, where Covishield is a mainstay of the national vaccination program, have made significant strides in immunizing their populations. As of August 2023, over 70% of the Indian population has received at least one dose of the Covishield vaccine. Other countries, such as those in Africa, have faced greater challenges in securing and distributing the vaccine, highlighting the need for a more equitable global approach to ensure that everyone has access to this life-saving tool.

 (Since so much has been said about side effects postvaccination, if one does not show any side effects, they may doubt whether the vaccine is working. Whether you have any side effects or not, you get more than 92 per cent protection from the jabs. A combination of factors like age, gender well-being, diet and the environment can be the reason why one would get such reactions to shots or not.)

CONCLUSION

The Covishield COVID-19 vaccine has played a vital role in the global fight against the pandemic, helping to save countless lives and mitigate the devastating impact of the virus. While the vaccine is generally welltolerated, with mild side effects being the most common, it is important for individuals to be aware of the potential risks, however rare they may be.

 By understanding the side effects of the Covishield vaccine and the importance of vaccination, individuals can make informed decisions about their healthcare and actively contribute to the ongoing efforts to control the COVID-19 pandemic. It is crucial that we continue to follow the guidance of healthcare professionals and regulatory authorities, stay up-to-date with the latest.