Adar Poonawalla Exclusive: 'Covishield Vaccine Safe, It Is Not Bulletproof Hence Wearing Masks Important'

Clarifying several concerns regarding the safety and efficacy of the vaccine, Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla said that the vaccine is completely safe.

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India's drugs regulator on Sunday approved Oxford COVID-19 vaccine 'Covishield', manufactured by the Serum Institute, and indigenously developed 'Covaxin' of Bharat Biotech for restricted emergency use in India. The first emergency vaccine has been welcomed by Prime Minister Modi, many world leaders and organisations including the World Health Organisation. The WHO hailed the move for approving the emergency authroisation of the two vaccines and said that this will strengthen the world's fight against the virus. While the government has celebrated the move, several opposition parties have raised concerns over the grant of permission without phase-3 trails. Clarifying several concepts and concerns regarding the safety and efficacy of the vaccine, Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla said that the vaccine is completely safe. How safe is the Coronavirus Vaccine? In an exclusive conversation with ABP News, Poonawalla said that 50 million doses of coronavirus vaccine manufactured by the Serum institute are ready. "Oxford's smartest scientists have created this vaccine. We have received the data after thorough investigation. DCGI has done a lot of analysis. The UK government has also approved. We have done as much safety as we can." What are the side effects of the vaccine? The Serum Institute CEO said that side effects such as headache, little fever may occur for a couple of days which is normal to happen and, can be cured by taking paracetamol pills. The CEO assured that there is no need to panic. What precautions need to be taken after taking the first dose? Responding to this, Adar Poonawalla said "Even after taking the vaccine and completing the course, it is necessary to wear a mask. You can get infected even after taking the vaccine as it is not a bulletproof. So it is important to wear masks and take precautions."