India’s leading epidemiologist and former ICMR scientist, Dr. Raman Gangakhedkar, has addressed concerns surrounding the Covishield vaccine’s safety amidst reports of rare side effects. Covishield, the Indian version of the AstraZeneca vaccine, has come under scrutiny for its potential link to thrombosis thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS), a rare but serious condition.

Gangakhedkar emphasized that the risk of experiencing TTS after receiving Covishield is extremely low, estimated at only seven to eight cases per 10 lakh individuals vaccinated. He explained that the risk diminishes with subsequent doses, with the lowest risk associated with the third dose.

Citing court documents, Gangakhedkar acknowledged that AstraZeneca has recognized the rare possibility of TTS associated with its vaccine. However, he stressed that the overall benefits of vaccination far outweigh the minimal risk, especially considering Covishield’s widespread use in India, where over 90% of the population has been vaccinated with this jab.

Gangakhedkar compared the rare occurrence of TTS to other everyday risks, such as driving on the road or undergoing medical procedures like receiving a vitamin B12 injection, which also carry minimal but existing risks.

He emphasized that Covishield’s approval was based on a thorough risk-benefit analysis, highlighting its significant impact on saving lives during the pandemic. Gangakhedkar urged the public to trust the vaccine’s safety and efficacy, reassuring them that the benefits of vaccination far outweigh any potential risks.