Covishield not to be taken by people severely allergic to any of its ingredients: Serum Institute

People who are severely allergic to any ingredient of the Covid-19 vaccine 'Covishield' are advised not to take it, Serum Institute of India said. According to the fact sheet for the vaccine recipient by the Serum Institute of India, one should not get the Covishield vaccine if the person had a severe allergic reaction after a previous dose of this vaccine. The ingredients of Covishield vaccine are "L-Histidine, L-Histidine hydrochloride monohydrate, Magnesium chloride hexahydrate, Polysorbate 80, Ethanol, Sucrose, Sodium chloride, Disodium edetate dihydrate (EDTA), Water for injection," Serum Institute said.

The fact sheet for the vaccine recipient on the website of the vaccine major is to help the recipient understand the risks and benefits of the Covishield vaccine.

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The vaccine maker also said that the vaccine recipient should also tell the healthcare provider about all the medical conditions before getting the Covishield vaccine including, "if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) after any drug, food, any vaccine or any ingredients of Covishield vaccine". The recipients should also mention to the healthcare provider if they have fever, if they have a bleeding disorder or are on a blood thinner and also if they are immuno-compromised or are on a medicine that affects your immune system, it added. The fact sheet also says that if a person is pregnant or plans to become pregnant or is breastfeeding she should tell the healthcare provider before taking the jab. The vaccine recipient should also mention to the healthcare provider if "you have received another Covid-19 vaccine," Serum Institute said. According to the Union health ministry, a total of 3,81,305 beneficiaries had been vaccinated for Covid-19 in the country till 5 pm on Monday and 580 adverse events following immunisation were reported.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Tuesday announced that India will be supplying Covid-19 vaccines to its neighbouring and key partner countries from January 20. 

Countries including Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar and Seychelles will be the first recipient countries to get the vaccines in a phased manner keeping in view the domestic requirements. 

India is also waiting for required regulatory clearances from Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Mauritius.

In a statement, the MEA said India has received several requests for the supply of Indian-manufactured vaccines from neighbouring and key partner countries.

The announcement comes hours after it was reported that the Maldives will become the first country to receive the Covid-19 vaccine (Covishield) from India. The consignment is set to land at 2 pm at Velana International Airport, Malé via an Air India flight.

The Maldives is the largest Covid-19 assistance recipient in India’s neighbourhood including medicine supply, food supply, medical team, training and financial assistance of $250 million.

Maldives will receive 1,00,000 doses of Covishield vaccine and Bhutan will get 1,50,000 doses.

On Thursday, Bangladesh and Nepal will get their first consignments of vaccines. Myanmar and Seychelles will get theirs on Friday.

India kicked off its vaccine diplomacy program with the immediate neighbourhood days after its started its own innoculation effort.

Ref: indiatimes, indiaexpress