Covishield Side Effects: ‘Only 7 Out Of 10 Lakh At Risk,’ Says Former ICMR Scientist

Gangakhedkar, who was the face of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) during government briefings on COVID-19, told News18, “Within six months of the launch of the vaccine, TTS was recognised as a rare side effect of the adenovirus vector vaccine. There is nothing new or change in understanding of the vaccine. There is a need to understand that the risk is close to just 7 to 8 people out of 10 lakh getting the vaccine.”

Gangakhedkar said given the positive impact of this vaccine on millions, who are alive and kicking, the associated risk is minimal.  According to the expert, vaccines or medicines in such emergencies are always approved using “risk and benefit analysis”. “In this case, too, the benefit was much bigger than the risk expected,” he said.

Gangakhedkar, who is known for his simplistic approach to clearing complicated matters, said: “Such a rare chance of damage exists even when you drive on the road (in the form of an accident) or even when an individual chooses to complete a course of medication or take a vitamin shot.”