OXFORD’S COVISHIELD VACCINE: HEALTH REPORTS OF INDIAN VOLUNTEERS - DO THEY HAVE 'SIDE-EFFECTS'? - DETAILS

Two volunteers were injected with Covishield, the coronavirus vaccine which was developed by Oxford, at a medical college facility in Pune. These volunteers were part of the phase II clinical trials in India. Doctors have now revealed the health status of both the volunteers.

The vaccine which was manufactured by Pune-based Serum Institute of India was given to two men, aged 32 and 48 at Bhharati Vidyapeeth’s Medical College and Hospital on August 26. Their doses will be repeated in one month’s time.

“Since yesterday, our medical team is in touch with the two volunteers and both are fine. They do not have any pain, fever, injection-side reaction of systemic illness post-vaccination,” Dr Jitendra Oswal, Deputy Medical Director of the hospital said.

Both the volunteers were observed for 30 minutes after the first shot and were then allowed to go home. Oswal added, “They have been given all the necessary emergency numbers (to contact in case of need) and out medical team is also conducting follow-ups with them.” He further added that another 23 candidates will be vaccinated at their facility within a week’s time.

Further, four to five people were screened on Wednesday, in order to see if they can be administered with the vaccine. However, the research wing of the hospital confirmed that the decision to include them as volunteers for the trails will depend upon their antibody test reports.