Phase 2 of the vaccination drive against Covid-19 began less than a week ago and people over the age of 60 and those over 45 with associated comorbidities are eligible to get the vaccine shots in the ongoing phase.

On January 3, two vaccines - Bharat Biotech's Covaxin and Oxford-AstraZeneca's Covishield manufactured by Serum Institute of India - were approved by India for restricted emergency use. Both companies have released a list of associated side-effects as well as a set of criteria required for the person to satisfy before taking the vaccine. 

The Serum Institute of India released a fact-sheet saying those who have ever had severe allergic reaction after consuming a drug, food, any vaccine or any ingredients of the vaccine must avoid the drug. Those who have fever, have a bleeding disorder or are on a blood thinner, are immunocompromised or are on a medicine that affects the immune system must skip the vaccine. Those who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, those breastfeeding must not take the vaccine either. Also, people who have taken a different vaccine against Covid-19 should not take Covishield.

Covaxin's manufacturing company Bharat Biotech International Ltd released a fact sheet detailing the risks of its vaccine for Covid-19. The company has mentioned that it is *not* advisable to take Covaxin in case the recipients suffered from any of the following conditions.

 • Have any allergies

 • Have fever

 • Have a bleeding disorder or are on a blood thinner

 • Are immunocompromised or are on a medicine that affects your immune system

 • Are pregnant

 • Are breastfeeding

 • Have received another Covid-19 vaccine

 • Any other serious health related issues, as determined by the vaccinator

The effects of the coronavirus vaccine have not yet been studied on pregnant/breastfeeding women and hence women who fall under the category have specifically been advised to not take the vaccine. The company also mentioned that there is no scientific information yet available of the appropriateness of use of Covaxin along with other vaccines.

Some of the recipients of Covaxin have faced the following side-effects.

 • Injection site pain

 • Injection site swelling

 • Injection site redness

 • Injection site itching

 • Headache

 • Fatigue

 • Fever

 • Body ache

 • Stiffness in the upper arm

 • Abdominal pain

 • Dizziness

 • Sweating

 • Nausea

 • Vomiting

Covishield also added, These may not be all the possible side effects of the vaccine. Serious and unexpected side effects may occur.