When the world was drowning in the aftermath of the growing pandemic, the vaccination brought hope to people. Government assured that it will work. We too believed and were ready to give it a try. But what happens when a never before tried technology is used for the first time? It is bound to stir up some trouble downtown.
The centre had issued a guideline to report the adverse effects following immunisation (AEFI) but how many such cases are being reported and investigated upon. While using a drug which has not finished its third clinic trial, adverse effects are predictable but the question remains as to why the government is sleeping on this matter.
“More than 2000 adverse side effects and over 175 deaths have been reported. The government is not being transparent with us,” said Dr Srinivas Kakillaya, Consultant Physician, Mangaluru. He said, “even the manufacturing companies do not have enough data to back these results that are showing up on their radar. Many European countries like France, Germany and Italy stopped the vaccination process due to a large number of patients showing adverse effects to the shots taken. When the same situation happens in our country, the government is not bothered and is giving us false hope by saying that this is going to save everyone,” added Dr Kakillaya.
When the vaccine first dropped, all the health care workers became trial participants and even after cases of AEFI ranging from mild to severe have been reported, the vaccination process continues to go strong day by day. “The government is answerable for the health and welfare of its people and every death must be investigated upon,” he added.
Informing the authorities about any adverse effects of covid vaccine is as important as taking the jab. Many cases do not get reported as the patients brush it off as just a mild discomfort. Since the covid vaccines are very new, reporting an after effect will generate more knowledge on the effectiveness and ways in which the drug could work. This step should be taken as seriously as following covid protocols.
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