Bharat Biotech Touts Covaxin’s Safety Record After AstraZeneca Side Effect Reports

New Delhi: In response to recent concerns over the rare side effects of AstraZeneca’s Covishield, Bharat Biotech, the maker of Covaxin, has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to safety.

The Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech stands out as the only manufacturer of COVID-19 vaccine in India’s immunization program to conduct efficacy trials within the country.

With over 27,000 subjects involved in its licensure process, Covaxin underwent rigorous evaluation, including detailed safety reporting for hundreds of thousands of individuals. Bharat Biotech highlighted that the Ministry of Health also assessed the vaccine’s safety, with ongoing pharmacovigilance monitoring throughout its lifecycle.

@bharatbiotech announcement – #COVAXIN was developed with a single-minded focus on #safety first, followed by #efficacy. #BharatBiotech #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/DgO2hfKu4y

— Bharat Biotech (@BharatBiotech) May 2, 2024

The company asserts that Covaxin has demonstrated an excellent safety record, devoid of vaccine-associated incidents such as blood clots, thrombocytopenia, or myocarditis. Emphasizing their commitment to patient safety, Bharat Biotech highlights their proactive approach, recognizing that vaccine efficacy may wane over time while ensuring safety remains paramount.

During the Covid pandemic, Covaxin and Covishield were the primary vaccines administered in India.

This follows reports that AstraZeneca admitted to potential side effects from their vaccine in a lawsuit in the UK, prompting reassurances from the company regarding patient safety.