K’taka health minister defends Covaxin, says it’s safe

Hubballi (Karnataka), Jan 19 : Allaying fears over the side-effects of Covaxin, Karnataka Health Minister K. Sudhakar on Tuesday defended the vaccine of from Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech and said that it is safe for use.
“Covishield and Covaxin are equally safe for use. No need for any apprehension against Covaxin. The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) had approved both the vaccines for administering them to the beneficiaries,” Sudhakar told the media here.
Covishield is manufactured by Pune-based Serum Institute of India.
Responding to concerns expressed by an association of government doctors on using Covaxin in six districts and Covishield in the remaining 24 districts across the state, Sudhakar said the Bharat Biotech vaccine was tested on over 30,000 volunteers during trials, the highest in the country.
“As analysing the data takes time, the regulator (DCGI) has given permission for its (Covaxin) emergency use only after satisfying itself of its efficacy,” Sudhakar, a medical doctor by profession, asserted.
The six districts in which Covaxin is being administered to the Covid warriors are Ballari, Chamarajanagar, Chikkamagalur, Davangere, Hassan and Shivamogga since January 16, when the vaccination drive was launched with much fanfare across the country.