AEFI Related to Covishield and Covaxin: A Comparative Study in Medical College & Hospital, Kolkata

Abstract

Introduction: Covid 19 Pandemic could be considered as most relevant health crisis throughout the world for last two years and vaccination was an important weapon for winning the battle against this pandemic. Largest vaccination drive against Covid 19 in India was launched on January 2021. But fear and misconceptions regarding AEFI regarding Covid 19 vaccines was an obstacle to this programme. In this context the present study aimed at determining and comparing proportion of AEFI following receiving Covishield and Covaxin. Method: Observational Analytic study was conducted in Medical College, Kolkata, among 220 adults (>18 years) were taking Covishield (110 participants) and Covaxin (110 participants) 1st or 2nd dose. History of AEFI related to previous dose (when participants received 2nd dose) was obtained by recall method. All participants were observed for half an hour for immediate AEFI. Telephonic interview of participants were conducted 72 hours of vaccination to obtain any AEFI following present dose. Results: Prevalence of any AEFI following present dose (2nd dose) was 58.4%, but in most cases adverse reactions were mild. AEFI following current dose was significantly more in Covishield compared to Covaxin [OR= 5.778 (3.164-10.552)] in unadjusted model, as well as where adjustment done with Demographic, Socioeconomic covariates (AOR= 6.425 (3.421-12.171) and where all comorbidities added [OR= 6.465 (3.423-12.213)]. Conclusion: Both Covid vaccines introduced in India were highly safe and well tolerated among study participants. Proportion of any AEFI following receiving present dose of vaccine was significantly less in Covaxin (which was indigenous vaccine prepared in India).