Govt confirms one jab-related death

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, June 15

India on Tuesday reported its first vaccine-related death involving a 68-year-old man who suffered a severe allergic reaction after receiving Covishield.

One death was confirmed after the National AEFI Committee studied 31 adverse events following immunization, which included 28 fatalities. The 68-year-old suffered anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction. The other 27 deaths were found unrelated to vaccines. All these people had received Covishield.

The government said risks of vaccination were miniscule as against the benefits and a “nano incident of one death after the administration of over 26 crore doses” should not be read out of perspective.

“After the administration of 23.5 crore doses as of two days ago, there were 488 deaths (0.0002%). Not all adverse events following immunization (AEFIs) are vaccine-related,” said the Health Ministry.