The media's coverage of the'multiple negative effects of Covid vaccinations' is inaccurate and misinformed: The Ministry of Health

The Union Health Ministry stated on Tuesday that media reports citing acknowledgement of'multiple side-effects of COVID-19 vaccinations' by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) authorities are inaccurate. Claiming an RTI answer, a recent news story had alleged that ICMR and CDSCO authorities have admitted to side-effects of COVID-19 vaccines, citing a myriad of repercussions emerging out of them.

"It is highlighted that the news story is misinformed and contains incorrect information," the ministry said in response to the report. In accordance with the Union Ministry of Health's objective of proactive disclosure matched with global scientific evidence in the public domain, the ICMR responds to RTI Act questions about the benefits and drawbacks of COVID-19 vaccines. According to the ministry, the ICMR response merely gave links to reputable websites of the World Health Organization (WHO), Center for Disease Control (CDC), and the Ministry of Health where comprehensive worldwide evidence on several COVID-19 vaccinations is available.

Those who get different COVID-19 vaccines may develop mild symptoms such as injection site discomfort, pain, headache, fatigue, myalgia, malaise, pyrexia, chills, arthralgia, and so on. According to the statement, a small number of people may develop serious adverse outcomes due to specific predisposing circumstances. Global research studies have revealed that COVID-19 vaccination has helped to reduce illness severity by preventing hospitalizations and fatalities caused by COVID-19, and the advantages of the vaccines far outweigh any negative effects.

The NTAGI (National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization) in India has examined the benefits and adverse effects of Covid vaccinations used in the country on a regular basis and has endorsed the aforesaid conclusions. Furthermore, as part of the RTI response, the CDSCO claimed that the list of COVID-19 vaccinations approved by the National Drugs Controller General is available on the website cdsco.gov.in. The CDSCO also stated that it does not have any additional information on the subject. The ICMR has not commented on any of the papers, links to which have been supplied as part of the RTI response, according to the statement.

(source : PTI)