Covid-19 vaccination in Karnataka: 63 experience mild side effects, none in Bengaluru

BENGALURU: Karnataka reported 63 adverse events following immunization (AEFI) on Day 1 of the nationwide Covid-19 vaccination drive for healthcare workers on Saturday, but all suffered only mild side effects.
While some beneficiaries reported body ache (myalgia), others experienced a mild fever, giddiness and swelling around the injection site.
“These are minor side effects which are consistent with other vaccines and medicines too.These are acceptable norms related to vaccination,” said health department officials.
Yadgir, Bengaluru Rural and Raichur districts reported seven AEFIs each — the highest. Shivamogga and Hassan districts reported six each, Belagavi five, Davanagere and Ramanagar four each and Gadag, Udupi, Mandya, Mysuru and Bidar three each. One case each was reported from Raichur, Tumakuru and Uttar Kannada districts.
Authorities say reporting AEFI depends on districts officials.
“Any change in the general health of a beneficiary must be brought to the notice of the AEFI team at vaccination sites,” an official said. “AEFIs are categorised as minor, moderate and severe. Only if AEFIs are properly documented will we, in due course, be able to categorise certain side effects as most common.”
At PMSSY hospital attached to Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMRCI) where the chief minister launched the vaccination drive on Saturday, four recipients reported mild side effects. While three had giddiness, one healthcare worker experienced vomiting. However, all got better after a while. “The four are not considered AEFIs,” said BK Vijendra, chief health officer, BBMP.
One BMCRI doctor put out a social media post saying he suffered myalgia a day after receiving the vaccine, but hospital authorities said the case wasn’t brought to their notice.
“A small group is bound to suffer mild side effects,” said Dr MK Sudarshan, chairperson, Covid-19 technical experts committee. “These are temporary and will subside without intervention. In rare cases, paracetamol or histamine may be needed. It is important to remember the benefits of a vaccine will change the course of the pandemic.”
Dr Sudarshan was one of the first to receive the vaccine on saturday. He had no side effects.
“Apprehension is usually high on the first day,” health minister K Sudhakar said. “Yet, vaccination coverage in the state was 62%. All those who received the vaccine, including doctors above 60 years, are healthy.”