Can’t deny the possibility of the adverse effect of the vaccine, says Centre

The Centre said that the likelihood of an adverse event after being vaccinated for COVID-19 cannot be ruled out, adding that states and union territories have been directed to remain prepared for this. Health Ministry Secretary said that adverse events following immunization for COVID-19 vaccine are critical aspect and the Centre has asked each state to identify at least one adverse event following immunisation in each block.

Protocols have been established for the management of adverse reactions – minor, severe or serious – to the coronavirus vaccine, the government said in a press briefing held Tuesday evening, as it admitted that there is always “the possibility of an adverse event” post-immunisation.

“Even during universal immunisation programmes, which have been going on for decades, some adverse effects are seen in children and pregnant women after they are administered shots.

“So, we can’t deny the possibility of an adverse event when the COVID-19 vaccination begins. In countries where inoculation has already started, especially in the UK, adverse events took place on the very first day. So, it is essential that states and union territories prepare for this too,” Bhushan said. 

Detailed instructions on infection prevention and control practices during vaccination and management of minor, severe, serious AEFI have been issued to states by the Centre, he said. “States have been asked to identify at least one AEFI management centre in each block.PHCs, CHCs, district hospitals, private health facilities or any other fixed health facility with medical officers and para-medical staff can be identified as AEFI management centres,” he said.

Further, every session site has to be linked to a designated AEFI management centre and AEFI can also be reported through Co-WIN,–a digitalised platform, which will be used to track enlisted beneficiaries for the vaccination and anti-coronavirus vaccines on a real-time basis, he added.