Got vaccinated with Covishield? Look out for these symptoms of blood clotting

The coronavirus pandemic has caused widespread suffering across the globe and India is facing an unprecedented healthcare and humanitarian crisis amidst its second wave. This infection has taken over all aspects of our life, be it professional or personal. Although there are many ways to manage Covid-19, such as wearing a mask, sanitising the hands and maintaining social distancing, the one effective remedy we all have been waiting for is a vaccine.

Well, to our good fortune, India is offering two vaccines currently to its populace to beat Covid-19 by enhancing immunity against the virus. There’s no doubt that vaccines are proving to be a critical tool to help prevent further illness and death and to control the pandemic, but there are also some concerns regarding bleeding and clotting issues surfacing post vaccination. 

Hence, in order to address the said concerns, the National AEFI (Adverse Event Following Immunization) Committee to the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare conducted an in-depth analysis of the adverse events, especially with respect to the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine Covishield.

AEFI report reveals that there is a very miniscule but definitive risk of bleeding and clotting to occur and hence, it is prudent to be aware of any symptoms to manage such adverse events effectively and timely.  

Symptoms to watch out for

Be mindful of these symptoms that could occur within 20 days after receiving the vaccine: 

• Feeling of breathlessness
• Pain in chest 
• Pain in limbs/pain on pressing limbs or swelling in limbs (arm or calf)
• Multiple, pinhead size red spots or bruising of skin in an area beyond the injection site
• Persistent abdominal pain with or without vomiting
• Seizures in the absence of previous history of seizures with or without vomiting
• Severe and persistent headache with or without vomiting (in the absence of previous history of migraine or chronic headache)
• Weakness/paralysis of limbs or any particular side or part of the body (including face)
• Persistent vomiting without any obvious reason
• Blurred vision or pain in eyes or having double vision
• Change in mental status or having confusion or depressed level of consciousness

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Talk to your doctor

The vaccines are safe and effective and there is no reason to panic. However, in some cases, it is advisable to consult with your doctor before and after getting inoculated to manage any adverse reactions associated with the vaccine. Especially, if:

• you have had a severe allergic reaction after any drug, food or vaccine; 
• you have had fever pre vaccination; 
• you are breastfeeding;
• You are pregnant;
• You are immunocompromised; or
• You have a bleeding disorder or are on a blood thinner.

So, even if you are vaccinated fully, continue wearing a mask and following social distancing hygiene protocols. Moreover, in case you feel any of the symptoms listed above or signs of concern that bother you or do not go away, then immediately reach out to your doctor for assistance.