Lok Sabha Question No. 834 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-05
Subject: Reluctance in taking COVID Vaccine
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: S. Gnanathiraviam

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 834 TO BE ANSWERED ON 5 TH FEBRUARY, 2021

## RELUCTANCE IN TAKING COVID VACCINE

## 834. SHRI GNANATHIRA VIAM S.:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WE LFARE be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  the  Government  is  aware  that  many people  who  have  initially  registered  are  not coming forward for vaccination of COVID - 19, if so, the details thereof;

(b)  whether  many  adverse reaction  and  some  deaths have  also  been  reported  arising  out  of Covid- 19 vaccination programme, if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether one of the manufacturers of Covid - 19 vaccine even has advised people not to take vaccine in cases of allergy, fever, poo r immunity, etc., if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether these vaccines are being used without the completion of the phase third trial, if so, the details thereof; and

(e)  the  urgency  on  part  of  the  Government  for  going ahead  with  the  vaccination  when  the Covid- 19 is in declining trend in the country?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)

(a): Yes, at the start of COVID - 19 vaccination drive, fewer than planned beneficiaries attende vaccination sessions due to transient technical issues in Co - WIN portal, vaccine hesitancy etc.

(b): A total of 7,580 adverse events following immunization (AEFI) have been reported till st January 2021 under COVID - 19 vaccination roll - out. 12 deaths o f vaccinated persons have also been reported. None of the deaths have been causally attributed to COVID - 19 vaccination as per the current evidence.

(c): As  per  the  Factsheet  of  the  COVID - 19  vaccine  manufactured  by  Bharat  Biotech International Limited, one should not get the COVID - 19 vaccine (COVAXIN) if the person a) has  anyallergies b)  has feverc)  has bleeding  disorder  or  are  on  blood  thinner d) immune compromised individuals or on medicines that affect immune system e)pregnant f)breastfeeding g) r eceived another COVID - 19 vaccine h) any other serious health related issues, as determined by the Vaccinator/O fficer supervising vaccination.

As per the factsheet of M/s Serum Institute of India, one should not get the CO VID - 19 Vaccine (COVISHIELD) if a ) t he person had a severe allergic reaction after a previous dose this vaccine and b) had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient of this vaccine. Furth healthcare provider needs to be consulted abou t medical conditions, including a)severe all ergic reaction (anaphylaxis) after any drug, food, any vaccine or any ingredients of COVISHIELD™ vaccine b) fever c)bleeding disorder or are on a blood thinner d)immunocompromised or are on a  medicine  that  affects  your  immune  system e)pregnant  or  plan to  become  pregnant f) breastfeeding g) received another COVID - 19 vaccine .

(d): Only those COVID - 19 vaccines that have been granted permission for restricted use emergency  situation  by  the  Drug  Controller  General  of  India  [DCG(I)]  have  been  used C OVID - 19 vaccination drive in the country.

As per New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2019 under Drugs and Cosmetics Act,1940 and  in  light  of  urgent  need  due  to  COVID  pandemic  in  the  country,  CDSCO  has  grante permission to manufacture two COVID - 19 vaccine s based on the prescribed procedure and due evaluation of pre - clinical and clinical trial data.

(e): The experience from other countries with COVID - 19 pandemic show that many countries experienced  2 nd or  3 rd peak  of  COVID- 19  cases  in  the  later  part  of  p andemic.  Th erefore ,  a declining  trend  of  cases  in  the  country  does  not  necessarily  promise  a  continued and  steady decrease in cases, hence , it is necessary to provide promptprotection to the vulnerable and at risk population and maintain low case count through COVID- 19 vaccination.