No provision of insurance for recipients of COVID-19 vaccine: Choubey
There is no provision of insurance for recipients of the COVID-19 vaccine against any kind of side effects that may arise due to the inoculation, Rajya Sabha was informed on Tuesday. "The COVID-19 vaccination is entirely voluntary for the beneficiary," Minister of State for Health Ashwini Choubey replied to a question on whether those administered/to be administered with the vaccines are insured against side-effects.
81 AEFIs reported out of total beneficiaries vaccinated with COVAXIN
On Adverse Effects Following Immunization (AEFI) arising from the use of COVAXIN and Covishield, Choubey said till February 4, a total of 81 AEFIs i.e. 0.096 percent AEFIs cases have been reported out of total beneficiaries vaccinated with COVAXIN vaccine.
Anaphylaxis kits available at each vaccination site
"Measures have been put in place like availability of anaphylaxis kits at each vaccination site, immediate referral to AEFI management center and observation of vaccine recipients for 30 minutes at session site for any adverse events so as to ensure timely corrective measures," Choubey said. "Also, for management of AEFI, free of cost treatment in Public Health Facilities is provided," he said.
8,402 AEFIs reported out of total beneficiaries vaccinated with Covishield
"For Covishield vaccine, a total of 8,402 AEFIs, i.e. 0.192 percent AEFI cases have been reported out of total beneficiaries vaccinated," Choubey said in another reply. Most of these are minor AEFIs like anxiety, vertigo, giddiness, dizziness, fever, pain, rashes, and headache which are self-limiting and all people have recovered.
A well-structured and robust AEFI surveillance system being used
"Adverse Event Following Immunization of COVID-19 vaccines is monitored through a well-structured and robust AEFI surveillance system. The surveillance system includes the district, state, and national level AEFI committees," Choubey said.
COVID-19 vaccination of healthcare and frontline workers is ongoing
Notably, the COVID-19 Vaccines Operational Guidelines on planning and implementation of vaccination roll-out have been shared with all states and Union Territories. COVID-19 vaccination of healthcare workers and frontline workers is ongoing and vaccination coverage along with AEFIs are being monitored regularly at the block, district as well as state, and national level.
