Infection Found in 50% of Teens One Year After Taking Covaxin: BHU Study

A recent study conducted by Banaras Hindu University (BHU) has revealed concerning long-term health effects associated with the BBV152 vaccine, commonly known as Covaxin.

 According to the study, over 30% of individuals experienced adverse events of special interest (AESIs) a year after vaccination, with nearly 50% of the 926 participants reporting infections during the follow-up period. 

These findings raise significant questions about the long-term safety of the vaccine, especially among adolescents.

Alarming Infection Rates and Health Issues

The study, published in *Springer Nature*, involved 635 adolescents and 291 adults who received the BBV152 vaccine. 

Participants were interviewed telephonically to track long-term adverse events. The data showed that almost half of the participants complained of infections, predominantly viral upper respiratory tract infections, during the follow-up period. 

This high infection rate is alarming and calls for further investigation into the vaccine's long-term efficacy and safety.

Significant Adverse Events in Adolescents

The study found that new-onset skin and subcutaneous disorders, general disorders, and nervous system disorders were the three most common AESIs observed in adolescents after receiving the vaccine. Specifically, the study reported:

- New-onset skin and subcutaneous disorders: 10.5%

- General disorders: 10.2%

- Nervous system disorders: 4.7%

These figures highlight the substantial health burden faced by vaccinated adolescents, raising concerns about the vaccine's impact on this age group.

Health Issues in Adults

Adults also experienced a range of AESIs, with the study highlighting the following:

- General disorders: 8.9%

- Musculoskeletal disorders: 5.8%

- Nervous system disorders: 5.5%

Additionally, menstrual abnormalities were reported by 4.6% of female participants, while ocular abnormalities and hypothyroidism were observed in 2.7% and 0.6% of participants, respectively. 

These findings suggest that adults are not immune to the vaccine's adverse effects, necessitating closer monitoring and further research.

Serious Health Complications and Deaths

The study reported four deaths among adult participants, all of whom had pre-existing conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. 

The causes of death included stroke, post-COVID-19 rhinocerebral mucormycosis, and unidentified etiologies related to multiple episodes of unconsciousness. 

While a definite causality between the vaccine and these deaths cannot be established, the findings underscore the need for extended surveillance of vaccinated individuals.

Higher Risk in Specific Groups

The study identified several groups with higher odds of persistent AESIs:

- Female individuals

- Adolescents with pre-vaccination COVID-19

- Individuals with co-morbidities

- Those with post-vaccination typhoid

Adults with co-morbidities had more than double the risk of AESIs, and those receiving three doses of Covaxin were at four times higher risk compared to those receiving two doses. 

This data highlights the necessity for personalized medical guidance and monitoring for individuals in these higher-risk categories.

Call for Enhanced Surveillance and Research

The BHU study underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and research to understand the long-term effects of COVID-19 vaccines. 

The persistence of AESIs in a significant portion of the population indicates that serious adverse events might not be uncommon. 

The study calls for enhanced awareness and larger studies to better understand the incidence of immune-mediated phenomena post-vaccination.

As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, these findings highlight the need for a balanced approach to vaccination, ensuring both immediate protection and long-term safety. 

The BHU study serves as a crucial reminder of the complexities involved in vaccine development and deployment, emphasizing the importance of continuous research and vigilance in safeguarding public health.