A recent study conducted by researchers at BHU delved into the long-term effects of Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin vaccine. The study, which spanned from January 2022 to August 2023, involved 926 participants who received the Covaxin vaccine. Among these participants, nearly one-third reported experiencing ‘adverse events of special interest,’ or AESI. The most common complaints were viral upper respiratory tract infections.
Within the study, serious AESI such as stroke and Guillain-Barre syndrome were reported in one percent of the individuals. The participants were further categorized into 635 adolescents and 291 adults. Common AESI observed among adolescents included skin and subcutaneous disorders, general disorders, and nervous system disorders. Meanwhile, in adults, prevalent AESI encompassed general disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, and nervous system disorders.
The study also highlighted specific groups with higher odds of persistent AESIs. These included females, adolescents with pre-vaccination Covid-19, individuals with underlying health conditions, and those who developed typhoid after vaccination. Moreover, adults with pre-existing health conditions had more than double the odds of experiencing AESIs and persistent AESIs compared to their counterparts.
Furthermore, the study noted a correlation between the number of vaccine doses received and the risk of AESIs. Adults who received three doses of the Covaxin vaccine were at four times higher risk of AESIs, while those who received only one dose had a two times higher risk, in comparison to individuals who received two doses of Covaxin.
Overall, the study sheds light on the prevalence of long-term health issues among Covaxin recipients, providing valuable insights into the vaccine’s safety profile and potential risk factors associated with AESIs.