London: The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, whose Indian version is Covishield, is going through a rough phase. After 8 European nations temporarily suspended the vaccine due to possible blood clots, countries like Thailand are delaying its rollout.
The European Union’s drug regulator has now recommended adding severe allergy (anaphylaxis and hypersensitivity) as possible side effects.
This is based on 41 reports of possible anaphylaxis from around 5 million vaccinations in the UK.
It is important to note that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) is investigating the development of blood clots post vaccination, that prompted Italy, Norway and Denmark to suspend the jab. EMA, however, added that the vaccine is safe for use.
Anaphylaxis is known to be a common reaction to vaccines. The AstraZeneca shot carries a label that advises patients be kept under close observation for 15 minutes.
