In Hyderabad, the UK-based vaccine company Astra Zeneca has acknowledged that Covishield can have side effects. However, health experts say there is no need to worry because any side effects would have appeared within three to four weeks of receiving the vaccine.
According to senior paediatrician Dr Sivaraniani Santosh, the news about Covishield causing TTS (Thrombocytosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome) may be concerning, but it is not new information. He emphasized that this adverse effect is extremely rare, and the risk of not getting vaccinated during the Covid waves was much higher than the risk of potential side effects from the vaccine.
Dr Santosh reassured the public that any adverse reactions would have occurred shortly after vaccination and not at a later time. He urged people not to panic and understand that not all strokes and heart attacks are linked to the vaccine, as Covid itself can lead to such complications.
Telangana State Medical Council member Dr Pratibha Lakshmi expressed a similar sentiment, emphasizing the importance of considering the impact of the virus alongside any potential vaccine-related issues. Consultant EMRI Green Health Services Dr Madap Karuna called for further studies to evaluate the possible effects on stroke and cardiac health post-Covid or post-vaccination.
Pharmacologist Akula Sanjay Reddy raised concerns about the rapid development of Covishield, highlighting that it typically takes many years to bring a vaccine to market. He questioned the safety of a vaccine that was developed in just a few months compared to the usual lengthy research and approval process for medications.
