Dr Harsh Vardhan dismisses fears over COVID-19 vaccines; counters misconceptions

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Sunday dismissed misconceptions surrounding the newly approved COVID-19 vaccines, remarking that they had been approved by regulatory bodies after a thorough examination of their safety and efficacy data.

Sharing an infographic, the Health Minister busted myths surrounding the vaccine, tweeting, "Is this vaccine safe? The vaccine has been approved by regulatory bodies only on the basis of examination of safety and efficacy data. And of course, Corona vaccination is voluntary." 

In another infographic, Dr. Harsh Vardhan discussed the priority list for the vaccination drive saying, "Will the vaccine be given to altogether? The Government has prioritized high-risk groups for vaccination. The first group consists of health workers and frontline workers. After that, people over 50 years, and people who are suffering from a disease will be included." 

Read: AIIMS Director Allays Fear Over COVID Jabs, Discusses Priority List For Vaccination Drive

Read: AIIMS Director Lauds DCGI Nod To Indian Vaccines; Calls It A 'good Way To Start New Year'

Earlier in the day, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi Director Dr. Randeep Guleria elaborated on the priority list for the vaccination drive saying, "The first step is to vaccinate the higher-risk group, those with co-morbidities where infection can lead to higher death rates. The next is to break the chain of transmission and to vaccinate those who are at a higher risk of infection like healthcare workers."

"People will have immunity because of either contracting COVID or getting vaccinated. If we have a sufficient number of such people, who will be immune and break the chain, the virus will die and not be able to cause an increase in case. This is how a priority list is formed," he said. 

In a massive development, vaccines of Serum Institue of India (Covishield) and Bharat Biotech (Covaxin) have been granted permission for restricted use in an emergency situation by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI).

Read: India's COVID-19 Vaccine Dry Run Begins In All States, Day-After Covishield Recommendation

Read: WHO Issues Statement As India Approves 2 COVID-19 Vaccines: 'Will Help Intensify Fight'