Bharat Biotech cautions people with ailments not to take Covaxin jab after allergy reports

Individuals who are on medication that affects their immune system are advised not to take Covaxin, the developer Bharat Biotech cautioned on Monday via a factsheet. The company strongly urged people to reveal to their immunization officers about any serious health-related conditions or allergies before getting the jab. 

Bharat Biotech stated that people who are suffering from fever, history of allergies, on blood thinner medicine, medications that affect the immune system, bleeding disorder, pregnant, breastfeeding, or have taken another coronavirus vaccine should avoid taking Covaxin shots. 

Responding to the factsheet, health specialists stated that Bharat Biotech has made these announcements after examining the adverse events which have been reported across the nation since the coronavirus vaccination drive launched.

In its factsheet, Bharat Biotech stated that there are fewer chances that a Covaxin shot could cause a serious allergic reaction, however, it may occur in a few cases. It further added that the allergic reaction could include swelling of the face and throat, difficulty in breathing, palpitation, rashes all over the body, fatigue, and dizziness.

“Please inform the immunization officer about all your ailments, medical history, medication, and if yes then specify for how long and for what disease”, stated the factsheet.

Bharat Biotech factsheet also described the composition of Covaxin. It contains 64g of the whole virion inactivated SARS-CoV-2 antigen (Strain: NIV-2020-770), and including other inactive ingredients such as TLR 7/8 agonist (imidazoquinolinone) 15 μg, aluminum hydroxide gel (250 μg), phosphate buffer saline up to 0.5 ml, and 2-phenoxyethanol 2.5 mg. 

The Bharat Biotech further added that the vaccine is administered into the deltoid muscle of the upper arm. Two doses are given in the gap of four weeks. The immunization recipient will be followed up for a time of three months after the second jab of the vaccine.